Cal State LA is committed to academic quality, student success, and continuous institutional improvement. The WSCUC Accreditation, Program Review, and Assessment website provides information and resources for students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community members about the University's processes for assuring educational quality and effectiveness.
These efforts work together to help Cal State LA evaluate how well we fulfill our educational mission, support student learning and achievement, and use evidence to strengthen our academic programs and institutional practices.
University Accreditation
Cal State LA has been accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) since 1953. The University most recently received reaffirmation of accreditation in 2019 for a period of ten years.
As part of the reaffirmation cycle, Cal State LA submitted an Interim Report to WSCUC in 2024. Following its review, WSCUC directed the University to proceed to its next scheduled comprehensive review, which will include an Offsite Review in Fall 2028 and an Accreditation Visit in Spring 2029.
About WSCUC and Accreditation
The WASC Senior College and University Commission is an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. WSCUC accredits institutions of higher education and evaluates them against established standards for educational quality, institutional effectiveness, integrity, and student success.
Accreditation provides assurance to students and the public that an institution meets recognized standards of quality and is committed to ongoing evaluation and improvement. Accreditation also enables institutions to participate in federal student financial aid programs and supports the recognition of academic credits and degrees by other colleges, universities, employers, and professional organizations.
Accreditation is periodically reaffirmed through a comprehensive peer-review process. Institutions examine their own effectiveness and provide evidence addressing WSCUC's Standards of Accreditation, while reviewers from other institutions evaluate the evidence, engage with the campus community, and provide recommendations for continued improvement.
Supporting Continuous Improvement at Cal State LA
Accreditation is one part of Cal State LA's broader commitment to educational effectiveness. Program Review and Assessment provide ongoing opportunities for faculty, academic programs, colleges, and the University to examine student learning, evaluate academic quality, and use evidence to guide improvement.
Accreditation
Learn about Cal State LA's institutional accreditation, accreditation history, current and previous WSCUC reviews, Commission correspondence, and preparations for future reaffirmation. This section includes information about Cal State LA’s institutional accreditation, review history, reports, and WSCUC communications.
Assessment
Assessment helps the University understand how well students are achieving expected learning outcomes. Find information about institutional, general education, graduate, and program learning outcomes as well as assessment resources, rubrics, reports, and professional-development materials. This section contains learning outcomes, assessment planning and reporting, tools, resources, and campus assessment initiatives.
Program Review
Program Review provides a systematic process for examining the quality and effectiveness of Cal State LA's academic programs. Reviews consider evidence including student learning, retention and graduation, program curriculum, and other indicators of academic quality and student success. This section contains program review schedules, processes, templates, workshops, policy, and governance.
Accreditation Liaison
Cal State LA's Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) is Dr. Mandy Hillstrom. The ALO serves as the University's primary point of contact with WSCUC and coordinates matters related to institutional accreditation. For questions regarding Cal State LA's institutional accreditation or WSCUC review process, please contact the Accreditation Liaison Officer at [email protected].