WASC Senior College and University Commission
July 18, 2024
Dr. Carol Humphreys
President
Sofia University
1069 East Meadow Circle
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Dear President Humphreys:
This letter serves as formal notification and official record of action taken concerning Sofia University (SofiaU) by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) at its meeting June 28, 2024. This action was taken after consideration of the report of the review team that conducted the Special Visit to Sofia University March 26-28, 2024 using the 2013 Standards of Accreditation. The Commission also reviewed the institutional report and exhibits submitted by Sofia University prior to the Special Visit and the institution’s May 21, 2024 response to the team report. The Commission appreciated the opportunity to discuss the visit with you and your colleagues Nami Kim, Provost and ALO, and Bill Chen, Interim CFO. Your comments were very helpful in informing the Commission’s deliberations. The date of this action constitutes the effective date of the institution’s status with WSCUC.
Actions
- Receive the Special Visit team report that focused on: (1) financial aid compliance; (2) internal financial controls; and (3) institutional planning
- Continue with the previously scheduled reaffirmation review with the Offsite Review in fall 2027 and the Accreditation Visit in spring 2028
- Schedule an Interim Report to be submitted on March 1, 2025 to address: (1) strategic planning; (2) academic master plan; and (3) strategic enrollment management
- Schedule a Progress Report to be submitted by January 31, 2025 to address the 2023-2024 Financial Aid Audit
Commendations
The Commission commends the institution for:
- Creation of a Financial Aid Policy and Procedure Manual that makes use of a thorough analysis beginning with the fundamental components and that documents processes and provides consistency and education across the university.
- A well-informed and engaged board laser-focused on financial sustainability and mission-aligned institutional success.
- A collaborative and supportive culture with strong impetus toward positive action exemplifying transpersonal psychology.
Areas for Development
The Commission requires the institution to respond to the following areas for development:
- Continue focus on financial and planning processes to ensure institutional success. (CFR 3.7)
- Tie budget considerations to Strategic, Academic Master, and Strategic Enrollment Management Plans. (CFR 3.4, 4.3)
- Develop, publish, and monitor clear metrics and success indicators (e.g., for student achievement, enrollment, and finances) in alignment with institutional planning (i.e., Strategic Plan, Academic Master Plan, and Strategic Enrollment Management Plan). (CFR 1.2, 4.6)
In accordance with Commission policy, a copy of this letter is being sent to the chair of Sofia University’s governing board. The Commission expects that the team report and this action letter will be posted in a readily accessible location on the Sofia University’s website and widely distributed throughout the institution to promote further engagement and improvement and to support the institution’s response to the specific issues identified in these documents. The team report and the Commission’s action letter will also be posted on the WSCUC website. If the institution wishes to respond to the Commission action on its own website, WSCUC will post a link to that response on the WSCUC website.
Finally, the Commission wishes to express its appreciation for the extensive work that Sofia University undertook in preparing for and supporting this accreditation review. WSCUC is committed to an accreditation process that adds value to institutions while contributing to public accountability, and we thank you for your continued support of this process. Please contact me if you have any questions about this letter or the action of the Commission.
Sincerely,
Jamienne S. Studley
President
JSS/mbg
Cc: Tracy Poon Tambascia, Commission Chair
Nami Kim, ALO
Kathryn Laurin, Board Chair
Members of the Accreditation Visit Team
Mark B. Goor, Vice President
