California Lutheran University Earns WASC Re-Accreditation

(THOUSAND OAKS, CA – July 2007) -- The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission has reaffirmed the accreditation of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks.

In the final report, received by CLU on July 17, the commission commended the university for its continuous progress and commitment to building a comprehensive system of quality assurance and for the seriousness with which the university community was engaged in the entire accreditation review process.

“The team further found that issues of diversity, quality of graduate programs and the assessment of student learning have been addressed in a meaningful and in-depth manner by CLU,” wrote Ralph A. Wolff, president and executive director of WASC.

The commission also commended the university’s effort to improve faculty compensation and its creation of a Center for Equality and Justice. The visiting team’s report also highlighted the Festival of Scholars program, where students present their scholarship to the CLU community, as “most impressive.”

During the lengthy WASC process, CLU staff and faculty compiled comprehensive reports on how the university is meeting objectives and a visiting team interviewed staff, faculty and students.

“The self-study process was rigorous and time-consuming, but it was also beneficial,” said CLU Provost Chris Kimball. “The commission’s praise confirms our conviction that we are providing our students with a high-quality education.”

“We certainly appreciate the leadership from Associate Provost Leanne Neilson and her team who worked diligently with the WASC commission,” added Kimball.

CLU has consistently received high marks from WASC through the years. The university was accredited in its first academic year, a rare accomplishment.

The WASC Accrediting Commission scheduled the next comprehensive visit for spring 2014.