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Accreditation Standards and Criteria for Review

Accreditation Standards serve as a foundation and framework "to guide institutions in self review as a basis for assessing institutional performance and to identify needed areas of improvement." Below you will find a rich variety of campus and system-wide links related to WASC Accreditation Standards and Criteria.  2008 revisions to the Criteria for Review are noted in red.

Standard 1: Defining Institutional Purposes and Ensuring Educational Objectives

The institution defines its purposes and establishes educational objectives aligned with its purposes and character. It has a clear and conscious sense of its essential values and character, its distinctive elements, its place in the higher education community, and its relationship to society at large. Through its purposes and educational objectives, the institution dedicates itself to higher learning, the search for truth, and the dissemination of knowledge. The institution functions with integrity and autonomy.

Criteria for Review (CFR):

  1. CFR 1.1:  The institution's formally approved statements of purpose and operational practices are appropriate for an institution of higher education and clearly define its essential values and character. Guideline: The institution has a published mission statement that clearly describes its purposes. The institution's purposes fall within recognized academic areas and/or disciplines, or are subject to peer review within the framework of generally recognized academic disciplines or areas of practice.

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  2. CFR 1.2:  Educational objectives are clearly recognized throughout the institution and are consistent with stated purposes. Guideline: The institution develops indicators for the achievement of its purposes and educational objectives at the institutional, program, and course levels. The institution has a system of measuring student achievement, in terms of retention, completion, and student learning. The institution makes public data on student achievement at the institutional and degree level, in a manner determined by the institution.

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  3. CFR 1.3:  The institution's leadership creates and sustains a leadership system at all levels that is marked by high performance, appropriate responsibility, and accountability.

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  4. CFR 1.4:  The institution publicly states its commitment to academic freedom for faculty, staff, and students, and acts accordingly. This commitment affirms that those in the academy are free to share their convictions and responsible conclusions with their colleagues and students in their teaching and in their writing. Guideline: The institution has published or has readily available policies on academic freedom. For those institutions that strive to instill specific beliefs and world views, policies clearly state conditions, and ensure these conditions are consistent with academic freedom. Due process procedures are disseminated, demonstrating that faculty and students are protected in their quest for truth.
    • Academic Freedom Policy

      UC is committed to principles of academic freedom.

      UCOP
    • Staff Personnel Policies and Procedures

      Polices and procedures for staff members.

      UCOP
    • Non-Senate Academic Appointees/ Grievances

      The Policy and Procedure Manual (PPM) addresses non-senate academic appointees and grievances.

      Academic Affairs
    • Student Grievance Procedures

      This lists student grievance procedures.

      Student Affairs
    • Office of the Ombuds

      The UC San Diego Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, neutral, and informal dispute resolution services for the UC San Diego community.

      Chancellor's Office
    • Office of Sexual Harassment Prevention and Policy (OSHPP)

      OSHPP provides assistance in investigating and resolving complaints of sexual harassment and provides education to the entire UC San Diego community.

      Chancellor's Office
    • Student Policies and Judicial Affairs

      Student Policies and Judicial Affairs (SPJA) consists of the administration of student judicial affairs, which includes campus-wide coordination of student conduct, including graduate students, monitoring of compliance requirements, applicable federal and state laws, and university policies and campus regulations, such as Right to Privacy as it affects students.

      Student Affairs
    • Cross-Cultural Center

      The UC San Diego Cross-Cultural Center is dedicated to supporting the needs of UC San Diego’s diverse student, staff and faculty communities in order to make the entire campus community feel welcome.

      Chancellor's Office
    • LGBT Resource Center

      The LGBT Resource Center at UC San Diego provides a visible presence on campus and enhances a sense of connection and community among LGBT faculty, staff, students, alumni and the UC San Diego Community.

      Chancellor's Office
    • Women's Center

      The Center provides education and support to all members of UC San Diego regarding gender issues, with the goal of promoting an inclusive and equitable campus community.

      Chancellor's Office
    • The Koala Online

      The Koala is UC San Diego's student-run humor publication.

      UC San Diego
    • NoIndoctrination.org

      NoIndoctrination.org is an organization of parents who are disturbed that sociopolitical agendas have been allowed to permeate college courses and orientation programs. The study of controversial topics and unpopular ideas certainly has a place in academia - but "thought reform" and mandated "group think" do not. Blatant and oppressive bias (regardless of the perspective) dishonors the teaching profession, undermines the open search for truth, and has predictable consequences: student anger, frustration, and intimidation. This page links to policies at various university campuses.

      NoIndoctrination.org
    • Academic Freedom Resolution

      The GSA's academic freedom resolution is stated here.

      Graduate Student Association
    • Senate Committee on Academic Freedom

      Information regarding the senate committee on academic freedom.

      Academic Senate
    • Principles of Community

      Provides a framework for diversity and affirms the unique contribution of each member of the UCSD community.

      UC San Diego
    • Academic Freedom Committee

      The Academic Freedom Committee reviews publications dealing with campus regulations and reports any conditions which may affect the academic freedom of the members of the University.

      Academic Senate
    • Student Associations and Organizations - Center for Student Involvement

      The Center for Student Involvement encourages and facilitates student involvement in student organizations, campus-wide events, leadership, and service opportunities.

      Student Affairs
    • The Guardian

      The Guardian is UC San Diego’s student newspaper.

      Student Affairs

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  5. CFR 1.5:  Consistent with its purposes and character, the institution demonstrates an appropriate response to the increasing diversity in society through its policies, its educational and co-curricular programs, and its administrative and organizational practices. Guideline: The institution has demonstrated institutional commitment to the principles enunciated in the WASC Statement on Diversity.
    • The UC San Diego Principles of Community

      These principles of community are vital to the success of the university and the well being of its constituents. UC San Diego faculty, staff, and students are expected to practice these basic principles as individuals and in groups.

      Blink
    • Diversity Council

      The UC San Diego Diversity Council advises the Chancellor on diversity.

      UC San Diego
    • Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor Faculty Equity

      UC is committed to excellence and equity in every facet of its mission.

      UC San Diego
    • UC San Diego's Six Colleges: Core Curricula and General Education Requirements

      Find out about the core curriculum and General Education requirements for each of UC San Diego's six colleges.

      TritonLink
    • Academic Job Opportunities Bulletin

      A web listing of academic job listings at UC San Diego.

      Academic Affairs
    • UCSD Academic Workforce Demographic

      This table shows the UC San Diego academic workforce by job group, gender, and ethnicity as of 10/31/2005.

      UC San Diego
    • UC Affirmative Action Guidelines for Recruitment and Retention of Faculty

      UC Affirmative Action guidelines for recruitment and retention of faculty.

      University of California
    • Federal Contract Compliance Programs

      The Office of Federal Contract Compliance programs lists its programs and procedures.

      U.S. Department of Labor
    • Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services

      The mission of OASIS is to help UC San Diego students reach their full potential by developing their appreciation for learning and their ability to learn effectively.

      UC San Diego
    • Nondiscrimination Policy Statement for Student-Related Matters

      The University of California, and UC San Diego in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran. The University of California, and UC San Diego also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.

      Student Affairs (also located in the OGS Graduate Student Handbook)
    • Office for Students with Disabilities

      The Office for Students with Disabilities' (OSD) mission facilitates many facets of student development and disability management: Achievement and maintenance of independence, academic and social success and self-advocacy on and off campus though the coordination of access to campus programs, services, and facilities. OSD promotes effective planning, adaptation and enhanced awareness of students’ individual abilities.

      UC San Diego
    • Use of University Property

      Policy on use of university properties.

      Student Affairs
    • Religious and Political Neutrality

      University policy on religious and political neutrality.

      Student Affairs
    • Student Expression and Advocacy

      University policy on student expression and advocacy.

      Student Affairs
    • Student Advocacy Office

      The Student Advocacy Office helps students through the student judicial process for alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code.

      UC San Diego
    • Basic Student Rights

      University policy on basic student rights.

      Student Affairs
    • Student Participation in UC San Diego Governance

      University policy student participation in UC San Diego governance.

      Student Affairs
    • Cross-Cultural Center

      The UC San Diego Cross-Cultural Center is dedicated to supporting the needs of UC San Diego’s diverse student, staff and faculty communities in order to make the entire campus community feel welcome.

      UC San Diego
    • LGBT Resource Center

      The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center at UC San Diego provides a visible presence on campus and enhances a sense of connection and community among LGBT faculty, staff, students, alumni and the UC San Diego Community.

      UC San Diego
    • Women's Center

      The Center provides education and support to all members of UC San Diego regarding gender issues, with the goal of promoting an inclusive and equitable campus community.

      UC San Diego
    • Center for Student Involvement

      The Center for Student Involvement oversees all UC San Diego student organizations and offers a searchable database of over 400 organizations.

      TritonLink
    • Programs Abroad Office

      The Education Abroad Program is the University of California’s system-wide study abroad program. It has program options at over 150 institutions in 35 countries.

      UC San Diego
    • Office of Academic Diversity and Equal Opportunity (OADEO)

      The Office of Academic Diversity and Equal Opportunity (OADEO) oversees the Academic Personnel Affirmative Action Program as described in the campus Personnel Policy Manual Section 230-6.

      Academic Affairs
    • Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CSW)

      The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CSW) was formed in 1987 and is comprised of representatives appointed by the Chancellor from members of the faculty, staff, and students at UC San Diego.

      Chancellor's Office
    • Summer Training Academy for Research in the Sciences

      STARS’ program goal is to increase the numbers of underrepresented students with research experience and prepare participants for doctoral study.

      Student Affairs
    • Educational programs exemplars:
      • Department of Ethnic Studies

        The Department of Ethnic Studies focuses on fundamental theoretical and political questions regarding the critical conceptualization of social categories - particularly race, indigeneity, culture, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, and nation.

        Academic Affairs
      • Chicano/a and Latino/a Arts and Humanities Minor (CLAH)

        An interdisciplinary minor which provides a broad introduction to the histories and cultural artifacts produced by Spanish-speaking communities in the United States.

        Academic Affairs
      • African American Studies

        An interdisciplinary minor designed to provide an understanding of the attitudes, circumstances, and experiences of African-Americans.

        Academic Affairs
      • Dimensions of Culture (DOC)

        An introductory three-quarter social science sequence that is required of all first year students at Thurgood Marshall College.

        Academic Affairs
      • Study of Religion

        A program focused on human culture and history through religion.

        Academic Affairs
      • Middle East Studies

        An interdisciplinary program aimed at a comparative study of the Middle East.

        Academic Affairs
      • International Studies Program
    • Student Educational Advancement (SEA)

      SEA provides academic support services and oversees student-centered outreach to K-12.

      Student Affairs
    • Early Academic Outreach Program

      EAOP at UC San Diego is one of nine such programs administered system-wide by the UC Office of the President to increase the number of low-income and ethnically underrepresented students on UC campuses.

      Student Affairs

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  6. CFR 1.6:  Even when supported by or affiliated with political, corporate, or religious organizations, the institution has education as its primary purpose and operates as an academic institution with appropriate autonomy. Guideline: The institution has no history of interference in substantive decisions or educational functions by political, religious, corporate, or other external bodies outside the institution’s own governance arrangements.

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  7. CFR 1.7:  The institution truthfully represents its academic goals, programs, and services to students and to the larger public; demonstrates that its academic programs can be completed in a timely fashion; and treats students fairly and equitably through established policies and procedures addressing student conduct, grievances, human subjects in research, and refunds. Guideline: The institution has published or readily available policies on student grievances and complaints, refunds, etc. and has no history of adverse findings against it with respect to violation of these policies. Records of student complaints are maintained for a six-year period. The institution clearly defines and distinguishes between the different types of credits it offers and between degree and non-degree credit, and accurately identifies the type and meaning of the credit awarded in its transcripts.
    • Revelle College Four-Year Plan

      This curriculum guide can be used as a planning document and lists 4-year plans by major.

      Revelle College
    • John Muir College Four-Year Plan

      This curriculum guide can be used as a planning document and lists 4-year plans by major.

      John Muir College
    • Earl Warren College Four-Year Plan

      This curriculum guide can be used as a planning document and lists 4-year plans by major.

      Earl Warren College
    • Eleanor Roosevelt College Four-Year Plan

      This curriculum guide can be used as a planning document and lists 4-year plans by major.

      Eleanor Roosevelt College
    • Sixth College Four-Year Plan

      This curriculum guide can be used as a planning document and lists 4-year plans by major.

      TritonLink
    • Time to Degree/ Academic Performance

      These statistics provide information about students' time to degree and academic performance.

      Student Research & Information
    • Admission Statistics

      These statistics provide information about new student admissions.

      Student Research & Information
    • Chancellor's Walk-In Hours

      The chancellor has set aside designated Walk-In Hours to become better acquainted in an informal setting. Comments are welcome via this online form.

      UC San Diego
    • Schedule of Refunds

      This TritonLink page clearly states the schedule of refunds and provides information on refund eligibility.

      TritonLink
    • Access the Credit Balance on Your Student Account

      This TritonLink page provides information on how to access the credit balance on a student account.

      TritonLink
    • UC San Diego General Catalog 2009-2010

      The online version of UC San Diego's General Catalog reflects information in the printed 2009-2010 catalog, including information about the six colleges, courses, and departments.

      UC San Diego
    • Judicial Affairs/ Student Council

      Judicial Affairs provides online copies of documents available at Geisel Library, including UC policies and UC San Diego Academic Senate regulations.

      UC San Diego
    • UCSD Human Research Protections Program

      The UCSD Human Research Protections Program exists to promote high quality, ethical research by serving as the advocate for the rights and welfare of persons who participate in research programs conducted by UC San Diego.

      UC San Diego
    • The Graduate Student Handbook

      The Graduate Student Handbook has been prepared to serve as a guide and resource throughout your graduate career.  The information included provides step-by-step instructions on most aspects of graduate study.

      Office of Graduate Studies
    • List of Surveys

      This page lists surveys conducted by the Office of Student Research and Information, Student Affairs.

      UC San Diego
    • Academic Regulations

      UC San Diego’s Academic Regulations

      Academic Senate
    • Administrative Responsibilities: Research Involving Human Subjects

      Website on administrative responsibility – research involving Human Subjects.

      Institutional Review Board (IRB)
    • Academic Integrity Office

      Creates a culture of academic integrity on campus.

      Academic Affairs
    • Institutional Research

      Institutional Research (IR) provides data analyses, reports, and services covering a wide range of topics, including accreditation, administrative space planning, campus population, enrollment, faculty workload, instructional space utilization, and the validation of space data in the FacilitiesLink system.

      Resource Management and Planning
    • Course and Professor Evaluations (CAPE)

      Student run entity – publishes student evaluation summaries of courses and professors on the web.

      Academic Affairs & Student Affairs
    • Research Ethics Program

      Promote awareness, discussion and analysis of the ethical dimensions of research.

      Office of Graduate Studies
      School of Medicine
    • Student Code of Conduct

      Regulations enumerates acceptable standards of Student conduct at UC San Diego.

      Student Affairs
    • Judicial Board

      The judicial authority for the ASUCSD.

      Associated Students
    • Transfer Student Guide (draft)

      The guide will be broadly utilized by prospective and incoming transfer students – fall 2009.

      Student Affairs
      Academic Affairs

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  8. CFR 1.8:  The institution exhibits integrity in its operations as demonstrated by the implementation of appropriate policies, sound business practices, timely and fair responses to complaints and grievances, and regular evaluation of its performance in these areas. Guideline: The institution has published or readily-available grievance procedures for faculty, staff, and students. Its finances are regularly audited by external agencies.

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  9. CFR 1.9:  The institution is committed to honest and open communication with the Accrediting Commission, to informing the Commission promptly of any matter that could materially affect the accreditation status of the institution
    • Accreditation Website

      Three accreditation committees, the Executive Steering Committee, the Senate-Administration Advisory Committee, and the Institutional Research Coordination Committee, lead and coordinate campus accreditation activities and solicit input from the broader campus community.

      Academic Affairs
    • Associate Vice Chancellor of Undergraduate Education Website

      The campus Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) serves as the campus ALO.

      Academic Affairs
    • UC San Diego General Catalog

      UC San Diego is fully accredited by the Senior College Commission of WASC.

      Academic Senate