Triton’s Call Staff

An on-site accreditation review for the University of Guam will occur on April 18 to 20, 2016. This review will involve a physical visit to the university by the evaluation team.

After the on-site review, there will be an exit meeting where the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Accrediting Commission for Colleges and Universities writes a report based on their findings.

Deborah Leon Guerrero, director of Academic Assessment and Institutional Research, said there have been extensive discussions, considerations and self-review to compare assessments in 2008 with where the university is currently.

According to Leon Guerrero, the major concerns have been addressed.

“Definitely, we’re prepared,” Leon Guerrero said.

Accreditation of an educational institution ensures compliance with state and federal law as well as achieving the standards of the accrediting association’s standards.

The last accreditation by WASC was conducted in 2008 and completed in 2009 for reaffirmation until 2017. The accreditation consists of two components: an offsite and onsite review.

The offsite review is when an evaluation team receives a cumulative report submitted by the institution. The team consists of a group of selected individuals from the higher education community, while the report consists of information such as enrollment and finances. Additionally, a conference call is made to discuss anything that needs clarification or revision.

The university continues to comply with the Good to Great program, which includes instituting sustainability practices and improving the quality of the institution.

UOG has been an accredited institution since 1959, when it was known as the College of Guam.