The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has reaffirmed the accreditation of California State University, Northridge, and extended its accreditation for 10 years, the maximum allowed. The association called the university “a model learning organization,” but also offered recommendations for change, including improvement in graduation rates and a need to address ongoing state funding challenges. Accreditation by the nonprofit association means Cal State Northridge has been judged by outside reviewers to be operating at a high level of quality consistent with its mission. Accreditation is critical to universities because it allows student to seek federal financial air and know that their coursework will transfer to other universities and colleges. The accreditation process took more than five years and included an extensive self-evaluation of Cal State Northridge by university faculty, staff and administrators, a campus visit by a WASC evaluation team and then consideration of the team’s recommendation by the commission. “WASC’s reaccreditation report confirms what we already know—California State University, Northridge is a model learning organization whose faculty and staff are fully focused on student success and learning,” Interim President Harry Hellenbrand said in a statement. “It’s gratifying for the campus community to receive such a positive affirmation of our work from an independent, outside body of peers.” WASC commended the school for its collaborative learning organization, its evidence-based planning and decision-making and problem solving. It also took note of the institution’s financial foresight, commitment to investing in critical functions, and ability to identify efficiencies in effectively allocating funds. California State University, Northridge has more than 34,000 full- and part-time students. Judy Temes
