Central Washington University and NWCCU Accreditation

ACCREDITATION: What is it?

Central Washington University is scheduled for a full accreditation review in October of 2009. Every ten years, colleges and universities in the Pacific Northwest are reviewed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The review is performed by a team of peer evaluators who come from other colleges in the Northwest, generally outside of Washington. Planning for this event is a two- year process which culminates in a self study report that documents the college's programs and services, its strengths, and the areas in which it could improve. While the process is more intensive the two years preceding the visit, accreditation is an ongoing process of reflection and self evaluation. Accreditation is a project we do for our own institution, both to find and address weaknesses and to publish accomplishments and successes. It is the oldest and best known seal of higher education quality. Done well, accreditation leads to improvements and helps set a path for the next ten years.

CWU Accreditation Web Site

This accreditation web site will serve as the main communication tool regarding the accreditation process, both to the college and the larger community. It will describe the purpose of accreditation, the process the college is undertaking to prepare for a renewal of its accreditation, and the outcome of the evaluation. Drafts of sections of the self study document and eventually the full document will be posted on the web site. Supporting data and materials will also be posted. The CWU community and the larger Ellensburg community will be invited to give feedback and suggestions.