College seeking stamp of approval
Modesto Bee 2/12/07
As one of many startup tasks, the University of California at Merced is seeking accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
WASC reviews and accredits U.S. public and private schools, colleges and universities, recognizing those that meet a standard of educational excellence.
UC Merced is a candidate but not accredited, which could affect students' ability to gain admission to graduate and professional programs such as medical or law school. UC Merced opened in fall 2005, and WASC does not offer provisional accreditation for new universities.
Administrators started pursuing accreditation in late 2002. If everything goes well, the university could gain that status by early 2009.
"We're moving along with all deliberate speed," said Jane Lawrence, vice chancellor of student affairs.
Once accredited by WASC, schools are eligible for federal money for special programs and financial aid.
Student body President Josh Franco said there is fear among students that they won't get into graduate school.
"Students have that perception that they can't go," he said. "It also puts students through more hurdles, like if they have to fill out more paperwork to show we are going through the accreditation process. It's an additional burden on students."
When Haruka Swendsen heard UC Merced wasn't accredited, she was concerned about her chances at admission to medical school. But now that she's talked to administrators about it, the biology sophomore said she is not worried.
"I was naive on the subject. Once I learned about being able to piggyback onto other UCs, I realized it's not really a problem," Swendsen said.
Because UC Merced is part of the 10-campus University of California system and follows many of the same policies, not having WASC accreditation shouldn't be detrimental to students, Lawrence said.
"We are a UC," she said. "(Other schools) know we're using the same standards as the UC."
And if students run into hurdles, UC Merced administrators will work with graduate and professional programs to get students admitted, said Keith Alley, executive vice chancellor and provost.
Accreditation reviews include self-evaluation and visits from a WASC committee. Officials inspect finances, faculty hiring practices, student services, admission policies, educational programs and classroom research methods.
UC Merced officials are examining their educational effectiveness. WASC members want to see administrators modify programs — learning what worked and didn't from their first year. UC Merced has tried to improve student success by offering more resources such as workshops and tutorials, Alley said.
After an initial review, the WASC committee offered a few suggestions. UC Merced was urged to set clear and explicit learning goals; cautioned from relying too heavily on part-time faculty; and encouraged to add resources aimed at helping students graduate.
Even when a university gains accreditation, it must complete periodic reviews and any other conditions determined by WASC.
Every accredited institution files an annual report, is visited at least once every 10 years, and undergoes a comprehensive self-review and evaluation at least every decade.
Alley said the continued review is necessary to keep colleges on their toes.
"They're trying to get people to be introspective, not just do things by rote," he said. "You need to continue to refine and hone what you do with students."