The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accreditation review team conducted a site visit of the University of Guam from February 28 to March 1, 2024 as part of the University’s Reaffirmation of Accreditation process. 

The team reviewed UOG’s institutional report and met with the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, administrators, students, and the public during their visit. On July 18, WSCUC reaffirmed eight years of accreditation for UOG until 2032.

From left to right: Thomas Parham, Team Chair; Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President; Susan Clapper, Team Assistant Chair; and David Ely, Team Member, and Michael Carson, UOG Associate Professor of Archaeology. Not shown: Seri Luangphinith, Team Member, Luoluo Hong, Team Member; and Barbara Gross Davis, WSCUC Staff Liaison and Vice President.

A WSCUC Review Team met with UOG administrators, faculty, staff, students, and board members in February and presented preliminary findings at the end of their visit. The letter finalized the commendations and areas for development and provided the commission’s recommendation for eight years of accreditation as a result of their review.

Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez, UOG President, expressed her pride in this accomplishment, stating, “This reaffirmation of accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, administrators, and students. It underscores our commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive high impact learning environment. We are honored to receive such positive recognition and will continue to build on our strengths while addressing areas for growth.”

WSCUC’s commendations reflect the University of Guam's dedication to maintaining high standards in education, research, and community engagement. The accreditation process involved a thorough evaluation of UOG's academic programs, institutional integrity, and commitment to student success.

Key Commendations:

• Stable Leadership: Persevering through a series of challenges such as the pandemic, typhoon, and leadership changes, ensuring support for faculty, staff, and students throughout.
• Commitment to Student Success: Participating in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) student success equity intensive, identifying barriers to student success, closing equity gaps, and supporting student success outcomes.
• Academic Excellence through Island Wisdom: Designing and integrating island wisdom throughout the curriculum and co-curriculum to showcase Guam’s unique culture and identity, creating a distinctive higher education experience that positions the university as a mission-driven institution and a hub for partnerships with the local and regional communities.
• Financial Management: Proposing and implementing a budget strategy that aligns the institution’s financial allocations with its highest priorities.
• An Engaged Board of Regents: Garnering strong support from the Board of Regents who demonstrate a deep understanding of the University of Guam’s challenges and opportunities, coupled with strategic planning for its future.
• Community Engagement: Embodying its mission with a strong sense of collegiality, deeply rooted in the local culture, place, and community.
• Research Impact: Deliberately expanding its research portfolio to benefit the community and region.

While the commission identified certain areas for development, such as enhancing student services and expanding online learning capabilities, President Enriquez noted that many of these are actively being addressed by the University.

“Our accreditation by WSCUC reaffirms our status as a leading institution in the Pacific,” said Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, Senior Vice President and Provost. “It highlights the diversity and impact of our research, as well as our dedication to student success. We are excited to continue our journey of academic excellence and innovation.”

In the WSCUC notification letter, Jamienne S. Studley, WSCUC President and CEO, commended UOG's efforts, saying, “The University of Guam has demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment to academic quality. The progress made in various domains is commendable, and we are confident in the institution’s direction and ongoing initiatives.”

The University of Guam remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and excellence. This continued accreditation by WSCUC affirms UOG’s achievements and sets a solid foundation for future advancements.

The WSCUC’s letter to the University of Guam can be viewed online at: www.uog.edu/accreditation.