Accreditation Cycle
NWCCU's 7-Year Accreditation Cycle
Accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) follows a structured seven-year cycle of review and self-evaluation. This process helps ensure that an institution remains aligned with its mission, maintains high standards of quality, and continuously improves.
Year | Report or Review | Focus / Purpose | South Seattle College Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual Reports (each year) | Submitted every year | Updates institutional data, tracks trends, and assures NWCCU of ongoing compliance. | Submitted annually |
Mid-Cycle Self-Evaluation Report (Year 3) | Mid-Cycle Review | A check-in to assess progress toward mission fulfilment, student outcomes, and readiness for the comprehensive evaluation. Offers feedback and guidance. | Completed previously |
Year Six: Policies, Regulations, and Financial Review (PRFR) | Year 6 | Focuses on governance, financial health and sustainability, institutional capacity and policies. | Spring 2026 |
Year Seven: Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness (EIE) / Comprehensive Self-Study & Peer Review | Year 7 | A full self-study covering all NWCCU eligibility requirements and standards. Includes on-site peer evaluation, analysis of mission fulfilment, student learning, resources, planning, and governance. Basis for reaffirmation of accreditation. | Spring 2027 |
Why It Matters
- Quality assurance: Ensures that the college meets NWCCU’s standards in all areas—academic, financial, student success, governance, etc.
- Continuous improvement: The cycle is designed not just for compliance, but to help the institution identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth.
- Transparency & accountability: Stakeholders (students, faculty, community, funders) can see regular reports, reviews, and the institution’s responses.