WASC Institutional Self-Study

September 4, 2013

Dear UC Berkeley Campus Community,

UC Berkeley’s accreditation review under the auspices of its accrediting agency, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) (http://www.wascsenior.org/), has reached an important milestone. I am pleased to report that the campus has completed its institutional self-study under the leadership of a Steering Committee, chaired by Catherine Koshland, Vice Provost, Teaching, Learning, Academic Planning and Facilities, with broad, collaborative input from across the campus. The institutional narrative and data exhibits are posted at http://vpapf.chance.berkeley.edu/wasc.

The review was conducted under a pilot process based on the new WASC Handbook (July 2013), focused on the meaning of degrees, student learning and success, and institutional sustainability. I encourage you to read the resulting document, which is a rich exploration of the wealth of educational opportunities and support services offered at UC Berkeley and of the success of our graduates. It also describes our commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the preeminence of Berkeley in a dynamically changing landscape for higher education.

A peer review team chaired by President Mary Sue Coleman (University of Michigan) will conduct an off-site review of the campus that will include a conference call with key institutional leaders on October 31, 2013. A campus visit will take place in fall 2014.

I wish to express my appreciation for everyone who contributed to the self-study phase of the review process and for every member of the campus community whose daily contributions make this the exceptional institution that it is.

As the accreditation review proceeds, I will continue to keep the campus community informed as we pass additional milestones. If you have any questions regarding the review, please contact the campus WASC Accreditation Liaison Officer, Assistant Vice Provost Cynthia Schrager (schrager@berkeley.edu).

Sincerely,

Nicholas Dirks
Chancellor

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