University of the Pacific receives reaccreditation

STOCKTON — University of the Pacific on Tuesday received an eight-year reaccreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, one more year than its most recent reaccreditation in 2012. The WSCUC cited Pacific’s academic excellence, educational innovation and financial sustainability in evaluating its overall quality.

Reaccreditation ensures a college or university maintains high educational standards and is committed to continually improving. It provides students access to federal financial aid such as grants and loans, ensures credits and degrees are transferable to other universities and considered credible by employers, and allows colleges and universities to apply for federal and private grants to support research and student services. It also supports colleges and universities in developing and sustaining effective academic programs.

The WSCUC commended Pacific in several areas for:

• Demonstrating a strong commitment to involving stakeholders in assessing teaching, standardizing program reviews and enhancing educational effectiveness.

• Responding and adapting to changes in the higher education environment.

• Developing student success initiatives that integrate multiple units and divisions.

• Conducting a successful capital campaign to contribute to financial vitality and increase the endowment.

• Intentionally increasing the diversity of the Board of Regents.