Dear Scripps College Community,We are pleased to inform you that this March, Scripps College’s accreditor, the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), reaffirmed our accreditation for a term of eight years, through to spring of 2031.
Background
The accreditation process invites experienced and knowledgeable outside reviewers to examine an institution’s workings, including institutional structures, processes, resources, academic quality, and educational effectiveness. The reviewers ensure that certain standards are being met and give suggestions for improvement as appropriate.
Scripps participated in the Thematic Pathway for Reaffirmation (TPR) approach to accreditation, an alternate yet similarly rigorous process offered by WSCUC to select high-performing institutions. The TPR was an opportunity for Scripps to self-reflect and delve into themes of highest value to the College, asking ourselves as an institution insightful, foundational questions. Scripps’ overall themes were “Innovative Learning Organization” and “Inclusive Student Success,” drawn from the current strategic planning framework.
Outcome
WSCUC, in making its decision, highlighted areas for celebration and further attention. The Commission commended Scripps for excellent action in its commitment by faculty, staff, administrators, and the Board of Trustees to advance Scripps’ liberal arts mission; a variety of initiatives and programs reflecting a deep commitment and distributed approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the campus; and our COVID-19 pandemic response. The Commission provided valuable recommendations to direct future actions, focusing on inclusive student success and further institutional investment in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
For more specifics, please view the WSCUC Commission Action Letter. More context around Scripps’ accreditation can be found on the College’s Reaffirmation of Accreditation Process webpage.
I want to provide a special thanks to Eulena Jonsson, Director of Assessment and Institutional Research, Emily Hires, Senior Research Associate, Jessica Jauregui-Gonzalez, Research Associate, members of the faculty assessment committee, Jennifer Armstrong, and Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert.
I also would like to convey my gratitude for any engagement or participation you were able to give during our most recent Scripps accreditation cycle. Thank you for your earnest and candid feedback, all toward a goal of enhancing our wonderful college.
Sincerely,Amy Marcus-NewhallPresident