Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

WASC operational area
Abbreviation	WASC
Legal status	Association
Purpose	Educational accreditation
Headquarters	Burlingame, California Alameda, California Novato, California
Region served	California, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Northern Marianas Islands, Palau, Tokyo
President	Sherwood Lingenfelter
Main organ	Board of Directors
Affiliations	CHEA
Website	WASC Homepage

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of six official academic bodies responsible for the accreditation of public and private universities, colleges, secondary and elementary schools in the United States and foreign institutions of American origin. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has jurisdiction over the U.S. states of California and Hawaii, its territories of Guam, American Samoa and Northern Marianas Islands, in addition to the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, the Pacific Rim, East Asia, and areas of the Pacific and East Asia where American schools or colleges may apply to it for service.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges is divided into three groups. The Accrediting Commission for Schools accredits all schools below the college level. Included are elementary, junior high, middle, high and adult schools, whether public, private, or church-related. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges evaluates and accredits public and private post-secondary institutions that offer two-year education programs and award the associate degree. The Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities accredits public and private senior colleges and universities.

Commissioners serve overlapping three-year terms.