University of Redlands
In June 2014 the WASC Senior College and University Commission reaffirmed the accreditation for the University of Redlands through June 2022, with no conditions or stipulations. The Action Letter from the WASC Commission is posted publicly on the WASC website.
The WASC Commission in its Action Letter praised the University of Redlands for our significant progress in addressing the issues identified in the last Comprehensive Review (2003) and Special Visit (2006), including establishing program learning outcomes, implementing a program review process, establishing an annual planning process, and improving student diversity. The Commission praised in particular the University's:
"strong program review process"
"in-depth examination of success metrics for various student population"
"aggressive steps to improve its financial condition, including reducing expenditures, implementing significant budget cuts, raising new revenues, and launching a fundraising campaign"
"commitment to promoting student success for both traditional and post-traditional learners"
"faculty's clear ownership of and active engagement with program review and educational effectiveness"
"model of personalized education"
The Commission also emphasized some areas that require attention. While praising the sound framework assessment developed over recent years, the Commission expressed concern that the quality of and engagement in assessment is inconsistent across programs and the use of assessment results for program improvement is limited. The Commission emphasized its expectation that assessment results and data on student success be disseminated broadly and transparently, and that decision-making be better guided by institutional data. The Commission expects the University to maintain operating budget discipline. The University's mission statement needs to be evaluated. Finally, the Commission emphasized the importance of establishing an effective, collaborative faculty governance structure.
The University of Redlands will be required to submit an Interim Report on November 1, 2018 documenting continuing improvement of assessment of student learning in academic and co-curricular programs (including using findings and sharing assessment results), progress in reducing the operating deficit and building reserves, and progress in improving effective shared governance.
The University of Redlands encourages members of our community, prospective students and parents, and other interested parties to read the full Action Letter of the WASC Commission and the detailed Report of the Visiting Team, both available here. We are proud of the quality the University of Redlands and eager to share WASC's conclusions with the public.
