Accreditation FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Accreditation

Is Menlo College accredited?

Yes.  Menlo College was first accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) on February 28, 1961 at the time WASC was formed. The College just finished its reaffirmation of accreditation process and received its seven-year reaffirmation on February 26, 2009. See What is WASC? below for more information. In addition to keeping WASC accreditation, Menlo College is in the process of pursuing AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation. See What is AACSB? below for more information.

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What is accreditation?

Accreditation is the systematic review of an institution by an internationally-recognized, independent body of higher education professionals to assure maintenance of high standards and continuous improvement of education in a region. Once a college or university is accredited, it must apply for reaffirmation of its accreditation every few years, depending upon its most recent evaluation.

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What does accreditation mean for me?

In short, it means that when you go to an accredited college, you can be assured that the education you are receiving meets academic standards that are considered vital for your success. It also means that the college has the people and financial resources necessary to provide you with the opportunity to obtain a high quality education.

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What is WASC?

WASC stands for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The WASC Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities is the accrediting body for Menlo College and covers institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Basin.

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What is AACSB?

AACSB stands for the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB is not a replacement for WASC accreditation, but rather an additional, very rigorous assessment process specifically for colleges and universities with schools of business. Only 5% of institutions with schools of business have AACSB accreditation, so it is considered a high distinction.

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If Menlo College is accredited by WASC, why is it working to get AACSB accreditation?

Menlo College is very proud of its students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We feel we have been developing programs of the highest level, and that we are capable of being a premier college of business. The AACSB accreditation would be further notice to prospective students that Menlo Means Business and should be a school of first choice in majors such as accounting, finance, management, marketing, and more.

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What does the College have to do to get WASC-accredited?

The College goes through a multi-year ongoing report and review process that requires an institution to study itself from many angles including:

  1. student success
  2. faculty makeup and performance
  3. curriculum and program structure, relevance, and effectiveness
  4. financial stability
  5. strategic planning
  6. alignment of all components with the institutional mission

There are three major reports and review cycles for accreditation that are prepared and evaluated over approximately three years. They are the Institutional Self-Study, the Capacity and Preparatory Review, and the Educational Effectiveness Review. The accreditation process includes multiple site visits by the accrediting team and progress reviews. When the college addresses all concerns of the accrediting team by meeting the accrediting standards, accreditation or reaffirmation of accreditation is awarded.

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