Public Statement Regarding Ashford University

Public Statement Regarding Ashford University

At its meeting on June 15, 2012, the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) acted to deny initial accreditation to Ashford University.

The Commission found that Ashford University was not yet in substantial compliance with elements of Standard 1 (Defining Institutional Purposes and Ensuring Educational Objectives), Standard 2 (Achieving Educational Objectives through Core Functions), Standard 3 (Developing and Applying Resources and Organizational Structures to Ensure Sustainability), and Standard 4 (Creating an Organization Committed to Learning and Improvement), as required for initial accreditation.

Pursuant to the Commission’s Policy on Reapplication after Denial of Candidacy or Initial Accreditation, the Commission will permit Ashford University to reapply for initial accreditation with a single Special Visit in spring 2013.  The University has submitted the required documentation to reapply. During the re-application process, Ashford University will be required to demonstrate that it has satisfactorily addressed the issues leading to the denial and that it can show that it has come into compliance with WASC Standards in these areas.

A copy of the visiting team report and Commission action letter from this review of Ashford University are available on the WASC website (https://www.wascsenior.org/apps/institutions/ashford-university).  Should Ashford University prepare a response to this action, WASC will post a link to that response on its website.

The Commission’s decision to deny initial accreditation is subject to the right of Commission Review and subsequent appeal.  On July 31, 2012, Ashford University submitted an application for a formal Commission Review of the decision.  A review committee will be convened to review the commission decision in early September.  Full details of the review process are available in the section on Commission Decisions on Institutions in the WASC Handbook of Accreditation.  

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges is comprised of three accrediting commissions:  the Accrediting Commission for Schools, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.  The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities accredits 162 baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting institutions, primarily in California, Hawaii, the Pacific Islands, and the Northern Marianas Islands.  The Senior College Commission of WASC is one of seven regional accrediting commissions and is recognized by the United States Department of Education.

The University has been provided the opportunity to review and comment on this statement prepared by the Commission.

August 3, 2012