We will be working quickly to provide institutions additional guidance, but for now there are two categories institutions can select to submit those substantive changes under: 

1. Substantially Changing the Number of Clock or Credit Hours – This category would be selected if your institution is seeking to modify the credit hours of an existing degree program or add a reduced-credit degree program parallel to an existing program of traditional length that will remain in the Program Inventory. 
2. Adding Program Content or Academic Program(s) that Represent a Significant Departure (25% or more aggregate change) from Program(s) or Related Programs Approved Previously – This category would be selected if your institution is seeking to add a new degree program with reduced credit hours that is not currently offered by the institution.

Page 17 of the Substantive Change Manual, under item 4, outlines the key areas that an institution will currently need to address when submitting a substantive change proposal for a bachelor’s degree seeking to offer less than the historical 120 semester or 180 quarter units/credits.    

At this time, we have not designated a name for these degrees, but it is essential that the institution include an identifier of the accelerated nature of these degrees within the program name. We recognize that some institutions and/or systems are referring to them as Accelerated Bachelor’s, Three-Year Bachelor’s, Reduced Credit Bachelor’s, and/or Bachelor’s of Applied Studies. We want to ensure that states and institutions have the necessary flexibility regarding naming conventions at this time. We may determine, at some point, that there is general consensus on a degree name, but for now we are providing institutional flexibility. 

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NWCCU is pleased to announce that, per the Commission’s Bylaws, the Board of Commissioners endorsed the election by the institutional members of several commissioners during the Summer Commission Meeting, held July 8-11, 2025 in Seattle, WA.  

Sean Chandler, President, Aaniiih Nakoda College, will serve his first three-year term, after completing the one-year unexpired term of Commissioner David Yarlott, former president of Little Big Horn College.
Matt Freeman, Executive Director of Relations, Idaho State University, will complete the second term of Past Chair Marlene Tromp, former president of Boise State University.
Shari Peterson, Director – Institutional Effectiveness, Accreditation, and Strategic Planning, College of Southern Nevada, will serve her first three-year term.
Laurie Sharp, Senior Associate Provost for Academic Programs, Assessment, and Accreditation, Utah Valley University, will serve her first three-year term.

The Board expresses its gratitude to the members of the Nominations Committee; NWCCU staff; and the presidents, chancellors, and CEOs of NWCCU member institutions for their valuable contributions to this important process.

Commission Updates

The Board of Commissioners also approved second three-year terms for Commissioners Kevin Melcher and Joseph Schaffer.  

Additionally, the Board of Commissioners voted to extend the term of Commission Chair Scott Finnie for one year and voted Commissioner Stefani Hicswa as Vice Chair.  

The current members of the Executive Committee are: 

• Dr. Scott Finnie, Chair 
• Dr. Stefani Hicswa, Vice Chair 
• Dr. Isiaah Crawford, Secretary 
• Dr. Marie A. Chisholm-Burns, Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee  
• Dr. Sean Chandler, Chair of Nominations Committee 
• Mr. Kevin Melcher, Chair of Audit Committee  
• Dr. Brad Mortenson, Chair of Bylaws, Standards, and Policies Committee 

The Board of Commissioners warmly congratulates and welcomes both new and returning commissioners. The Board extends its sincere appreciation for their dedication to accreditation and their commitment to promoting excellence in higher education. 

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The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) has updated five policies to reflect NWCCU’s practice and its compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s Accreditation Handbook. Information on these revisions will be provided to the institutional Accreditation Liaison Officers (ALO) during the Townhall conversation on July 23, 2025.  

The revised documents are linked below with a summary of changes to each and the impact on NWCCU member institutions. 

Accreditation Criteria Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last revised in December 2020.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Added a sentence at the beginning that says, Member or Candidate institutions must commit to following these Processes and Procedures, NWCCU Standards and ERs, and NWCCU Policies as a condition of accreditation.
2. In the section on international institutions, added “also” to ensure that these conditions are in addition to the requirements in the opening paragraph that apply to all NWCCU Member and Candidate institutions.   

Impact of changes: None. These requirements already exist, but this clarifies the expectations in this policy.  

Accreditation Liaison Officer Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last reviewed and updated in June 2020.   

Summary of changes: 

1. In the selection of ALO section, added: (1) Role commensurate with confidential communications regarding the institution and (2) Access to programmatic changes at the institution and other substantive change matters.  
2. Added a primary duty of communicating matters of importance, particularly related to accreditation at the institution.  

Impact of changes: Institutions must review the responsibilities to ensure that the ALO at the institution is involved in matters of importance for accreditation at the institution in order to effectively conduct the ALO’s primary duties.  

Administrative Procedures for Institutional Visits and Board of Commissioner Meetings Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Adjusting reporting and communication dates to reflect current NWCCU practice and make critical notification and report dates predictable for institutions.  Last reviewed March 2023. 

Summary of changes: 

1. The institutional notification for upcoming evaluation by NWCCU was changed from 120 calendar days to four (4) months.
2. The 45 or 60-day timeline for report submission by institutions, depending on report type, was changed to six (6) and eight (8) weeks, respectively.    

Impact of changes: No change to current agency or institutional practice; updated policy language accurately reflects other agency communications with institutions.  

Arbitration Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Making minor changes to reflect updates with arbitration practices. Last reviewed and revised in 2024.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Specifies the arbitrator is the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services (JAMS) representative.   

Impact of changes: None. Reflects intended practice.  

Related Entities Policy 

Reason for review and revision: Regular review. Last reviewed in June 2019.  

Summary of changes: 

1. Clarified throughout the document the references to the NWCCU Candidate or Member Institution and Related Entities.
2. Added language requiring notification to NWCCU upon any material change in the relationship between the Institution and the Related Entity. 
3. Added language recommending participation by a representative of the Related Entity during a comprehensive accreditation visit.  
4. Removed the Exhibit with the Certification example because these cases are each unique and the Certification example did not necessarily provide the required specific information in the event NWCCU requested confirmation of the relationship with the Related Entity.  

Impact of changes: None, other than the recommended participation of a Related Entity representative during comprehensive accreditation visits.  

NWCCU Bylaws

(updated version to be posted soon) 

Reason for review and revision: To address the following: 

1. Clarify Commissioner officer roles and term lengths.
2. Clarify replacement processes for Chair and Vice Chair roles, in the event those positions are vacated prior to the end of the term. 
3. Clarify items that may be addressed by the Executive Committee of the Commission on behalf of the Commission between regular or special meetings. 
4. Clarify composition of the Executive Committee of the Commission resulting from changes to officer positions. 

Summary of changes:  

1. Removed Immediate Past Chair role from the Commission. Chair and Vice Chair remain as two-year terms with automatic succession from the Vice Chair to Chair role.  
2. Changed references to January and June Commission meetings to Winter and Summer. 
3. Clarified that the Executive Committee could act on behalf of the Commission to confirm the appointment of officers or committee members made by the Chair.  
4. Clarified that the Vice Chair automatically becomes Chair if the Chair vacates their role prior to the end of their two-year term. A subsequent vacancy in the Vice Chair role would be filled by the processes described in the Bylaws.  
5. Changed the composition of the Executive Committee to include the Chair; Vice Chair; Secretary; Treasurer; Chair of Nominations Committee; Chair of Audit Committee; and Chair of Bylaws, Standards, and Policies Committee. This composition must still represent both academic and administrative ranks and at least one member shall be a public representative. 

The post V7I4: Policy Updates – July 2025 appeared first on NWCCU.

Each survey provided valuable insights that were constructive and insightful. Executive summaries of the responses can be found at these links. More detailed survey results are coming soon.  

• Executive Summary of Institutional Responses 
• Executive Summary of Peer Evaluator Responses

To keep stakeholders informed, we have a standards revision webpage with goals, timelines, activities, and summaries of completed steps available.  

Next steps include an initial draft of the revisions to be developed and shared with the BSP in preparation for extensive opportunities for feedback from stakeholders beginning with the 2025 NWCCU Annual Conference.  

At any point in the process if you have questions or wish to provide feedback, please do so through your institutional staff liaison, Executive Vice President Ed Harri (eharri@nwccu.org), or through the Standards Review Public Comment form. 

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NWCCU is pleased to announce the appointment of Ed Harri, Ed.D., as Executive Vice President, effective July 14, 2025. 

Dr. Harri has served as senior vice president at NWCCU since September 2022, supporting a diverse portfolio of institutions in their accreditation efforts. He has also worked closely with NWCCU’s Board of Commissioners to update policies and bylaws and lead the Standards revision process.  

Prior to NWCCU, Dr. Harri served as the interim director of institutional effectiveness at Green River College. He also held multiple roles at Whatcom Community College, including math faculty, department chair, division chair, dean for instruction, vice president for instruction, and accreditation liaison officer. 

Dr. Harri holds a B.A. in mathematics from Whitman College, an M.S. in mathematics from Western Washington University, and an Ed.D. in community college leadership from Oregon State University. 

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NWCCU extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Jeff Fox for his steadfast leadership and service as interim president following the February 2025 retirement of Dr. Sonny Ramaswamy. 

Appointed by the NWCCU Board of Commissioners in February, Dr. Fox brought extensive experience to the role, having previously served as president of the College of Southern Idaho and as an NWCCU commissioner. During his tenure, he provided steady guidance and continuity as the Commission initiated a national search for its next permanent president. 

NWCCU staff and Board of Commissioners are grateful for Dr. Fox’s thoughtful leadership and commitment to supporting member institutions and the Commission’s mission during this important transition. 

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Award winners must demonstrate distinctive, measurable, and replicable innovations that have resulted in student achievement and success at the institutional or programmatic level, including innovations in advising and mentoring, alternative credentialing, experiential learning, learning communities, or other such efforts. Other winning examples may include new curricula, courses, or educational delivery models. The Beacon Award will recognize innovative approaches that have significantly contributed to measurable improvements in completion and/or graduation rates at the institution.

Award winners will receive a trophy and cash award to be used to further the institution’s efforts to implement the initiative.

Winning institutions will be recognized during the NWCCU Annual Conference, where an institutional representative will have the opportunity to speak on the topic of their award-winning endeavors that are contributing to the success of their students. The winners will also be expected to submit a short article on their initiative for publication in NWCCU’s Beacon newsletter.

For more information on the Beacon Award and to learn more about previous winners’ initiatives, please visit NWCCU’s Beacon Award webpage.

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National accreditation body selects Dr. Selena Grace following extensive national search

REDMOND, WA (July 10, 2025) — The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) announced today the appointment of Dr. Selena Grace as its new president and CEO. Dr. Grace brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, public policy and accreditation to the role. The announcement comes after the Board of Commissioners conducted a robust, national process in partnership with the highly respected executive search firm Academic Search.

Dr. Grace most recently served as executive vice president of NWCCU, where she worked closely with member institutions, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies. She is widely recognized for her leadership in education reform, support for Tribal Colleges, and supporting diverse institutional missions.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Selena Grace as the next president and CEO of NWCCU,” said Dr. Scott Finnie, chair of the NWCCU Board of Commissioners. “Dr. Grace brings deep expertise, visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to equity and excellence in higher education. We are grateful to the Board search committee and Academic Search for leading a thorough and inclusive national process. We are excited to embark on this next chapter under Dr. Grace’s leadership.”

Throughout her career, Dr. Grace has led initiatives in institutional effectiveness, accreditation processes and academic strategy. Her previous roles include vice provost at Idaho State University and chief academic officer at the Idaho State Board of Education, where she developed and managed the Complete College Idaho plan and worked collaboratively with Idaho’s five federally recognized tribes. A first-generation college graduate, she holds a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Boise State University, an M.F.A. in creative writing from George Mason University, and a B.A. in English with a minor in Native American studies, also from Boise State.

Dr. Grace was selected following a rigorous national search led by Academic Search, which contacted more than 4,000 individuals and engaged a wide network of college and university leaders across the country. Following a thorough evaluation process, nine candidates were selected for semi-finalists interviews, four advanced to finalists interviews in Seattle. The process resulted in a strong and diverse candidate pool from which Dr. Grace emerged as the choice of the search committee and board.

“I am honored to serve as the next president and CEO of NWCCU,” said Dr. Grace. “This organization stands on a strong foundation built on advancing quality, student success and continuous improvement in higher education. I’m eager to build on that legacy and innovate for the future, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our diverse member institutions, students and communities. My commitment to NWCCU’s core mission remains firm: strengthening our engagement with members and partners to boost student achievement and success.”

Dr. Grace takes over from Dr. Jeff Fox who served as interim president.

About the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as an accreditor of public and private higher education institutions throughout the United States by applying data- and evidence-informed standards and processes to support continuous improvements and promote equitable student achievement and success. Through its peer evaluation process, NWCCU ensures that its accredited and candidate (pre-accredited) member institutions are eligible for Title IV of USDE’s Higher Education Act programs in accordance with 34 CFR Part 602.10.

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USDE Seeks negotiator nominations for negotiated rulemaking committee 
The United States Department of Education (USDE) is seeking nominations for the negotiated rulemaking committee. Nominations must be submitted by June 2, 2025. To find out more information about Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations, go to the Federal Register. This also includes information about the potential topics.

USDE Seeks NACIQI member nominations
The United States Department of Education (USDE) is seeking nominations for appointment to the National Advisory Commitee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). Nominations must be received by June 6, 2025. To find out more information about this opportunity, go to the Federal Register.

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Recently, the US Department of Education sent out a “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) which outlined the Department’s directions in relation to its reading of the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and the impact on DEI programs and initiatives at colleges and universities. The letter outlines the Department’s interpretation of “federal civil rights and constitutional law principles” in connection with such DEI programs and initiatives. The DCL directs schools to comply with the Department’s guidance in institutional operations.

Please note the letter states,

This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards. This document is designed to provide clarity to the public regarding existing legal requirements under Title VI, the Equal Protection Clause, and other federal civil rights and constitutional law principles.

Moreover, the Significant Guidance at the Department of Education website referenced in the Dear Colleague Letter, notes the following:

Guidance documents represent the Department of Education’s (ED) current thinking on a topic. They do not create or confer any rights for or on any person and do not impose any requirements beyond those required under applicable law and regulations.

NWCCU is closely monitoring the Department’s guidance, and institutions are encouraged to review the DCL and stay abreast of the situation as it unfolds. We expect some clarity and guidance will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Feel free to reach out to your NWCCU Liaison if you have concerns or questions.

Please know that institutions may provide feedback regarding the DCL. Comments can be submitted by emailing comments to OCR@ed.gov or wring to the following:

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202

Sincerely,
Jeff Fox
Interim President

NWCCU Response Letter to Members

C-RAC Feedback

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