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Statement of Accreditation Status

Pennsylvania Western University

  • CEO: Dr. Jon Anderson, President
  • Accreditation Liaison Officer: Dr. Susanne Fenske
  • Commission Staff Liaison: Dr. Ryan Hartnett, Vice President
  • Carnegie Classification: Master's Colleges & Universities: Larger Programs » Four-year, medium, primarily residential
  • Control: Public
  • Former Name(s): California State College (7/1/1983) California University of Pennsylvania (6/30/2022)
  • Phase: Accredited
  • Status: Accreditation Reaffirmed
  • Accreditation Granted: 1951
  • Last Reaffirmation: 2022
  • Next Self-Study Evaluation: 2024-2025

Contact Information

250 University Avenue - Accounting Office
California, PA 15419-1394

(724) 938-4000

https://www.pennwest.edu

  • June 26, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at 1801 West First Street, Oil City, PA 16301 that will cease operations effective June 30, 2024. To remove the additional location from the institution's scope of accreditation. To note that the Commission reserves the right to rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • March 14, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report requested by the Commission action of November 16, 2023. To request that the next self-study, in preparation for a visit in 2024-2025, provide further evidence that the institution publicly discloses information about itself and its educational programs that is up-to-date, accurate, and consistent with institutional mission and goals (Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures).
  • March 14, 2024
    To acknowledge receipt of the Supplemental Information Report requested by the Commission action of October 31, 2023. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • November 16, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report requested by the action of March 9, 2023. To request a supplemental information report due January 16, 2024, providing further evidence of (1) accurately described academic programs and outcomes that enable students to understand and follow program requirements and time to completion (Standard III) and (2) the institution publicly discloses information about itself and its educational programs that is up-to-date, accurate, and consistent with institutional mission and goals (Public Disclosures Policy and Procedures). To request that the next self-study, in preparation for a visit in 2024-2025, provide further evidence of (1) an adequate core of faculty (full-time or part-time) and/or other appropriately qualified professionals with sufficient responsibility to the institution to assure the continuity and coherence of the institution's educational programs (Standard III and former Requirement of Affiliation 15); (2) institutional structures and processes in place to support the student experience, as evidenced by a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success (Standard IV); (3) the sufficiency of resources to fulfill its mission and goals and to support its educational purposes and programs (Standard VI and former Requirement of Affiliation 11); and (4) systematic procedures for evaluating administrative units and for using assessment data to enhance operations (Standard VI) (Thirteenth Edition).
  • October 31, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due November 30, 2023, that provides additional information on Standard II: Ethics and Integrity and Standard IV: Support of the Student Experience. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • June 22, 2023
    To note the Commission liaison guidance visit occurred on April 4, 2023. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • May 12, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report due April 14, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (financial health), as reported on the 2022 Annual Institutional Update (AIU) in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19(d). To note that Recommendation Responses in conjunction with the AIU are no longer required. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2023-2024.
  • March 24, 2023
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report, due April 14, 2023, providing information on key data indicators (financial health) as reported on the 2022 Annual Institutional Update in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19 (d). The next evaluation date is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • March 9, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • March 9, 2023
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that the complex substantive change visit occurred on November 2, 2022. To note that substantive change visits were conducted on November 29, 2022, to the following additional locations: Clarion Campus, 840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214, and Edinboro Campus, 219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, PA 16444, and the information provided in the complex substantive change request was verified. To request that the next self-study, in preparation for a visit in 2024-2025, provide further evidence of: (1) honesty and truthfulness in all publications and communications, in all formats, for internal and external communities, including recruiting and admissions materials (Standard II); (2) an adequate core of faculty (full-time or part-time) and/or other appropriately qualified professionals with sufficient responsibility to the institution to assure the continuity and coherence of the institution's educational programs (Standard III and Requirement of Affiliation 15); (3) accurately described academic programs and outcomes that enable students to understand and follow program requirements and time to completion (Standard III); (4) institutional structures and processes in place to support the student experience, as evidenced by a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success (Standard IV); (5) adequate fiscal and human resources, including physical and technical infrastructure, to support operations (Standard VI); (6) the sufficiency of resources to fulfill its mission and goals and to support its educational purposes and programs (Standard VI and Requirement of Affiliation 11); (7) systematic procedures for evaluating administrative units and for using assessment data to enhance operations (Standard VI); and (8) the institution publicly discloses information about itself and its educational programs that is up-to-date, accurate, and consistent with institutional mission and goals (public Disclosures Policy and Procedures). To request a supplemental information report, due August 1, 2023, providing further evidence of the implementation of the teach-out plan, including: (a) that required notifications to all relevant stakeholders have taken place, (b) evidence of communication to students regarding implications of the integration for student degrees, (c) communication regarding student records has occurred, and (d) a final version of the integration planning team milestones including timeframe and status (Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures). To remind the institution and its related entity of their obligation to inform the Commission immediately about any and all significant developments relevant to this action and to make freely available to the Commission accurate, fair, and complete information on all aspects of the institution and its operations (Requirement of Affiliation 14). To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations.
  • December 2, 2022
    Staff acted on behalf of the Commission to request a supplemental information report due January 9, 2023, providing information on enrollment by educational program in accordance with federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.19 (d) (Accreditation Review Cycle and Monitoring Policy and Procedures). The next evaluation date is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • November 17, 2022
    To note that the Commission Liaison Guidance Visit occurred on May 24, 2022. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2024-2025.
  • June 23, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To remind the institution of the Commission action of March 10, 2022, and to note the action of March 10, 2022, and to note that Clarion University of Pennsylvania will be integrated into Pennsylvania Western University (formerly California University of Pennsylvania) as of the effective date of the transaction, anticipated to be July 1, 2022. To note the Commission action for Clarion University of Pennsylvania of June 23, 2022 and to remind the institution of its obligation to address the team findings from the evaluation visit of the Clarion University of Pennsylvania. To request that the Pennsylvania Western University supplemental information report due October 1, 2022, also include further evidence of (1) the development and implementation of organized and systematic assessment of nonacademic units (Standard VI) and (2) an annual independent audit confirming financial viability and evidence of follow up on any cited concerns (Standard VI). To direct the institution to conduct a new comprehensive evaluation in accordance with Commission policy and procedures and federal regulation 34 CFR § 602.22(h) in anticipation of an evaluation visit in 2024-2025. To note the date of the evaluation is one year earlier than the date indicated in the March 10, 2022 action.
  • June 23, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the supplemental information report. To note that the institution hosted a virtual site visit in lieu of an on-site visit in accordance with the United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 17, 2020. To reaffirm accreditation. To note that a verification visit is required by USDE guidelines and will be conducted within a reasonable period of time following the virtual site visit. To remind the institution of the Commission action of March 10, 2022, that includes the change of name to Pennsylvania Western University.
  • March 10, 2022
    To acknowledge receipt of the complex substantive change request. To include the change in legal status, form of control, or ownership within the institution's scope of accreditation. To note the complex substantive change request includes a modification of the fundamental structure of the institution pursuant to the legislative authorization of Act 188 as amended (including Act 50 of 2020), that integrates Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with and into California University of Pennsylvania effective July 1, 2022, the anticipated date of the transaction. To note that following such modification, the name of California University of Pennsylvania will change to Pennsylvania Western University. To require verification from the related entity and the institution of the date of the closing of the transaction within five calendar days of the transaction. To note that the surviving institution is responsible for ensuring the submission of all required reports and information on behalf of any of the integrated institutions. To request a supplemental information report, due October 1, 2022, providing evidence documenting (1) a mission that accurately defines the purpose of the institution, the students it serves, and what it intends to accomplish (Standard I; Requirement of Affiliation 7); (2) an adequate core of faculty (full-time or part-time) and/or other appropriately qualified professionals with sufficient responsibility to the institution to assure the continuity and coherence of the institution's educational programs (Standard III); (3) accurately described academic programs and outcomes that enable students to understand and follow program requirements and time to completion (Standard III); (4) institutional structures and processes in place to support the student experience, as evidenced by a coherent and effective support system sustained by qualified professionals, which enhances the quality of the learning environment, contributes to the educational experience, and fosters student success (Standard IV); (5) adequate fiscal and human resources, including physical and technical infrastructure, to support operations (Standard VI); (6) the sufficiency of resources to fulfill its mission and goals and to support its educational purposes and programs (Standard VI; Requirement of Affiliation 11); (7) the implementation of a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII); (8) the updated status of the institution; (9) the implementation of the teach-out plan, including evidence (a) that required notifications to all relevant stakeholders have taken place, (b) communication regarding student records has occurred, and (c) of a final version of the integration planning team milestones including timeframe and status (Teach-Out Plans and Agreements Policy and Procedures); and (10) submission of any written evidence of approvals from all necessary licensing, regulatory, or other legal entities as necessary, including the United States Department of Education (Requirement of Affiliation 5). To request a supplemental information report due May 2, 2022, providing updated financial projections and organizational charts for the integrated institution. To direct a complex substantive change site visit as soon as practicable but no later than six months after the date of the transaction. To note the transfer of Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania student records, programs, and services to Pennsylvania Western University as part of the integration transaction. To further note that degree granting authority from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will cease for Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania as of July 1, 2022. To note that the following additional locations are included within the institution's scope of accreditation effective as of the integration date: (1) 840 Wood St., Clarion, PA 16214; (2) 219 Meadville St., Edinboro, PA 16444; (3) West First St., Oil City, PA 16301; (4) 751 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335; (5) 147 Poplar Drive, Monaca, PA 15061; (6) 881 Hills Plaza Drive, Suite 450, Ebensburg, PA 15931; (7) College Drive, Butler, PA 16003; (8) 101 Community College Way, Johnstown, PA 15904; (9) 701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106; (10) 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103; (11) 6022 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501; (12) 4 Erie Avenue, Suite 2000, Saint Mary's, PA 15857; (13) 4900 Friendship Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224; (14) 131 Columbus Inner Belt, New Castle, PA 16101; (15) 102 Equity Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601. To direct a substantive change site visit to all locations as soon as practicable but no later than six months after the commencement of instruction at each location. To require immediate notification when instruction commences at each location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if instruction does not commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. To note that the following additional location is closed: Dixon University Center at 2986 North Second Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1201. To remind the institution of its obligation to inform the Commission about any and all developments relevant to this action. To note the Commission may rescind this action if any developments reveal additional information that might have affected the Commission's decision and/or the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. To direct a prompt Commission liaison guidance visit to discuss the Commission's expectations. To note the actions for Clarion University of Pennsylvania and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania on March 10, 2022. Upon reaffirmation of accreditation, to direct the institution to commence self-study in preparation for an evaluation visit in 2025-2026.
  • March 4, 2021
    To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To note that the institution hosted a virtual site visit in lieu of an on-site visit in accordance with United States Department of Education (USDE) guidelines published March 17, 2020. To postpone a decision and request a supplemental information report, due September 1, 2021, documenting evidence of the sufficiency of planning and resources to fulfill its mission and goals and to support its educational purposes and programs (Standard VI). To request that the supplemental information report also provide further evidence of a clearly articulated and transparent governance structure that outlines roles, responsibilities, and accountability for decision-making by each constituency (Standard VII). To direct a follow-up team visit following submission of the supplemental information report. To note the visit will also fulfill the verification requirements of the USDE guidelines. Upon reaffirmation of accreditation, the next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2027-2028.
  • April 16, 2020
    To acknowledge receipt of the self-study report. To delay the On-Site Evaluation visit scheduled for Spring 2020 due to extraordinary circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19) interruptions and to continue accreditation. To note the institution remains accredited during a delay granted by the Commission. The Evaluation visit will be scheduled in accordance with Commission policy and procedures.
  • October 29, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Campus of Allegany College of Maryland, PO Box 100, Somerset, PA 15501. To require immediate notification when instruction ceases at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • October 29, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Southpointe, 135 Technology Drive, Cannonsburg, PA 15317. To require immediate notification when instruction ceases at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019-2020.
  • October 29, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Community College of Allegheny County, South Campus, 14750 Clairton Road, West Mifflin, PA 15122. To require immediate notification when instruction ceases at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • October 29, 2019
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Vo-Tech Center, 445 School House Road, Johnstown, PA 15904. To require immediate notification when instruction ceases at the additional location. To note that the Commission may rescind this action if the requested substantive change is not implemented within one calendar year from the date of this action.
  • October 29, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the second Postsecondary Certificate (< 1 year) in Innovation and Entrepreneurship within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019-2020.
  • October 17, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the first Postsecondary Certificate (< 1 year) in Data Science within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019-2020.
  • August 27, 2018
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the additional location at Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 within the scope of the institution's accreditation. The Commission requires written notification within thirty days of the commencement of operations at this additional location. Operations at the additional location must commence within one calendar year from the date of this action. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019-2020.
  • June 22, 2017
    To accept the monitoring report. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019-2020.
  • May 1, 2017
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the second Doctor's - Professional Practice (Doctor of Criminal Justice) within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To note that the monitoring report has been received and will be acted upon by the Commission at the June meeting. The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019 - 2020.
  • November 19, 2015
    To accept the Periodic Review Report and to reaffirm accreditation. To request a monitoring report, due April 1, 2017, documenting further steps taken (1) to ensure the institution's short- and long-term financial viability and sustainability, including updated budget and enrollment projections (Standard 3); (2) to assess the effectiveness of the new governance process (Standard 4); and (3) to implement and assess the effectiveness of the new strategic plan (Standard 7). The next evaluation visit is scheduled for 2019 - 2020.
  • November 2, 2015
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To include the Doctor of Health Sciences degree within the scope of the institution's accreditation. To note that the Commission will act on the Periodic Review Report at its November meeting.
  • March 6, 2014
    To accept the progress report. To request that the Periodic Review Report, due June 1, 2015, document (1) steps taken to strengthen shared governance (Standard 4), (2) further implementation of the new strategic plan (Standard 2), and (3) further implementation of the new general education program and the assessment of the general education learning outcomes (Standard 12).
  • October 31, 2012
    To acknowledge receipt of the substantive change request. To note the institution's decision to close the additional location at Regional Enterprise Tower, 425 6th Ave - Room 430, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1834 and to remove it from the scope of the institution's accreditation. To remind the institution of the progress report, due December 1, 2013, documenting (1) steps taken to use assessment results to improve strategic planning (Standards 2 and 7) and (2) further implementation of a documented assessment process for general education (Standard 12). To further remind the institution that the Periodic Review Report, due June 1, 2015, should document steps taken to strengthen shared governance (Standard 4).
  • June 28, 2012
    To accept the monitoring report. To request a progress report, due December 1, 2013, documenting (1) steps taken to use assessment results to improve strategic planning (Standards 2 and 7) and (2) further implementation of a documented assessment process for general education (Standard 12). To remind the institution that the Periodic Review Report, due June 1, 2015, should document steps taken to strengthen shared governance (Standard 4).
  • Distance Education
    Approved to offer programs by this delivery method
  • Correspondence Education
    Not approved for this delivery method

Approved Credential Levels

The following represents credential levels included in the scope of the institution’s accreditation:

  • Postsecondary award (< 1 year) Included within the scope
  • Postsecondary award (1-2 years) Included within the scope
  • Postsecondary award (2-4 years) Included within the scope
  • Associate's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Post-baccalaureate Certificate Included within the scope
  • Master's Degree or Equivalent Included within the scope
  • Post-Master's Certificate Included within the scope
  • Doctor's Degree - Professional Practice Included within the scope
  • Main Campus
    Pennsylvania Western University
    250 University Avenue
    California, PA 15419-1394
  • Additional Location
    101 Community College Way
    101 Community College Way
    Johnstown, PA 15904
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    102 Equity Drive
    102 Equity Drive
    Greensburg, PA 15601
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    131 Columbus Inner Belt
    131 Columbus Inner Belt
    New Castle, PA 16101
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    147 Poplar Drive
    147 Poplar Drive
    Monaca, PA 15061
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    1901 Vine Street
    1901 Vine Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    4 Erie Avenue
    4 Erie Avenue, Suite 2000
    Saint Mary's, PA 15857
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    4900 Friendship Avenue
    4900 Friendship Avenue
    Pittsburgh, PA 15224
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    6022 Glades Pike
    6022 Glades Pike
    Somerset, PA 15501
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    701 Market Street
    701 Market Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    751 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335
    751 Liberty Street
    Meadville, PA 16335
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    881 Hills Plaza Drive
    881 Hills Plaza Drive, Suite 450
    Ebensburg, PA 15931
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    Clarion Campus
    840 Wood Street
    Clarion, PA 16214
  • Additional Location
    College Drive
    College Drive
    Butler, PA 16003
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    Edinboro Campus
    219 Meadville Street
    Edinboro, PA 16444
    Opened: 07/01/2022
  • Additional Location
    Washington Hospital
    155 Wilson Avenue
    Washington,, PA 15301

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