About

Caltech seeks accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) every decade. The institutional accreditation process is voluntary, non-governmental and a unique characteristic of American education. The process supports institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs while assuring the educational community, general public and other organizations that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness. Caltech's last accreditation site visit was conducted in Spring 2010 and the Commission Action Letter was received in July 2010.

In May 2018, Caltech was selected by the WASC to participate in a new accreditation process called the Thematic Pathway for Reaffirmation (TPR) Review. The new pathway is streamlined and allows the institution to focus on self-selected themes in addition to demonstrating compliance with the Standards. The review requires one institutional report and supporting documents due in 2020 and a site visit in Fall 2020. The Caltech TPR proposal identified two themes for self-study: the Core Curriculum and Academic and Co-Curricular Support Structures.

The Provost will serve as the Academic Liaison Officer (ALO) to WSCUC. The Senior Institutional Research Analyst will work with the Provost to oversee the accreditation process, serve as staff liaison between Caltech and WSCUC, and to ensure timely progress. An Accreditation Steering Committee, appointed by the Provost, will provide guidance regarding the accreditation process, opportunities for self-study, assessment, and preparation of our institutional report. Two working groups, appointed by the Provost, will address the institute's self-study themes.