SSU Accreditation and Licensure Updates

Shortly following a teleconference on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, Southern States University leadership received word that WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) voted to grant Southern States University “Eligibility” status. The following statement published by WSCUC accurately represents our standing in the regional accreditation process:

“ Southern States University has applied for Eligibility from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). WSCUC has reviewed the application and determined that the University is eligible to proceed with an application for Candidacy and Initial Accreditation. A determination of Eligibility is not a formal status with the WASC Senior College and University Commission, nor does it ensure eventual accreditation. It is a preliminary finding that the institution is potentially accreditable and can proceed within five years of its Eligibility determination to be reviewed for Candidacy or Initial Accreditation status with the Commission. Questions about Eligibility may be directed to the institution or to WSCUC at wascsr@wascsenior.org or (510) 748-9001. “

Achieving “Eligibility” completes the first of three major phases in the regional accreditation process. Note this is parallel and in addition to SSU’s national accreditation held since 2010 from the Accrediting Council for Independent Schools and Colleges (ACICS). In October 2017, ACICS submitted a formal petition to the US Department of Education for
recognition as a national accreditor. Action on that petition is expected in spring 2018.

In addition to the national and regional accreditation processes, SSU is licensed to operate in the State of California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, and in the State of Nevada by the Nevada Commission on Postsecondary Education.