Three-Stage Process

The WASC accreditation process features three (3) stages of development.

Stage One: The Institutional Proposal (submitted May 1, 2004). PLNU was asked to submit a document outlining its proposal for the process of reaffirming the University’s accreditation. The document was written by a Steering Committee appointed by the President. After public discussions and review of the written document, it was submitted on schedule to WASC. Subsequently, the Institutional Proposal was approved with the WASC staff’s compliments providing the road map for all activities related to this process.

Stage Two: The Capacity and Preparatory Review (October 4-6, 2006). The WASC Steering Committee worked with faculty, staff, and administration in the preparation of a 35-page report (excluding data exhibits). The Capacity and Preparatory Review report assembles an Institutional Portfolio drawn from mostly existing documents that support PLNU’s claim that it meets the Core Commitment to Capacity. In addition, the report contains reflective essays focusing on important issues that arise from the analysis of the portfolio (implications for PLNU, and recommendations for action) and Educational Effectiveness Indicators (EEI’s). Finally, the report investigates key Criteria for Review (CFR’s) as well as planning, assessment, and diversity—three areas for further study identified during the WASC visit in 1997. The Capacity and Preparatory Review Team Visit, on October 4-6, 2006, verified the information provided in the report.

Stage Three: The Educational Effectiveness Review (October 3-5, 2007). During work on the Capacity and Preparatory Review report, the Steering Committee continued efforts aimed at preparing a 50-page Educational Effectiveness Review report utilizing six (6) groups and task forces of PLNU faculty, staff, and administration. This document demonstrates PLNU’s compliance with the Core Commitment to Educational Effectiveness. In addition to providing updates on recommendations made during the Capacity and Preparatory Review team visit, the Educational Effectiveness Review report includes three components: 1) a thorough review of the University’s assessment program, 2) an examination of new program development processes and program review, and 3) analytical essays on themes that embody the University’s Mission Statement: To Teach, To Shape, To Send. The EE Review team visited PLNU during October 3-5, 2007.