The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) sent a letter on July 9 to Saint Mary’s College President Roger Thompson, issuing a warning that the school’s accreditation may be in jeopardy. The college has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 1948. 

    When a college or university achieves and maintains accreditation status it assures the public that the institution has been rigorously evaluated and has met the highest of standards.  There are also many benefits, such as providing students with access to federal loans, grants, and work-study programs.

    WSCUC’s letter to Thompson served as a formal notification and official record of action that the Commission placed SMC “on Warning.” A review team conducted a special visit at the college between March 4-6 using the 2023 Standards of Accreditation. On June 26, the Commission voted to issue a warning which, according to the letter, “reflects the Commission’s finding that an institution fails to meet one or more of the WSCUC Standards of Accreditation. The Commission has determined that Saint Mary’s College of California is not compliant with WSCUC Standard 3.”

    Under WSCUC, Standard 3 refers to developing and applying resources and organizational structures to ensure quality and sustainability.  The Commission noted that SMC “has experienced multiple years of declining enrollment and deteriorating finances resulting in ongoing operating deficits that endanger the financial sustainability of the institution.  The institution must show progress in implementing a comprehensive and evidence-based strategic enrollment and financial sustainability plan.”

    According to the WSCUC’s letter, SMC has two years to rectify the situation. “It is the responsibility of the Commission to determine, at the end of the sanction period, whether the institution has made the necessary corrections and has come into compliance with Commission Standards,” the letter stated. “The accredited status of Saint Mary’s College of California continues during the Warning period and students’ status within the college is not affected by this sanction.”

    In a July 13 message to the SMC community Thompson wrote, “We take the Commission’s findings seriously and are fully committed to addressing the priorities outlined in its recent Action Letter. 

    “Saint Mary’s remains fully accredited, and our focus is clear: to build a stronger, more sustainable future while continuing to provide the exceptional educational experience that has defined this institution for generations. We value WSCUC’s partnership in that work and will continue to engage openly with the Commission as we implement our plan and demonstrate continued progress. 

    “The challenges outlined by WSCUC – particularly those related to enrollment, financial sustainability, and institutional planning – are ones we have been actively addressing since I joined Saint Mary’s.” 

    Thompson also noted that since he took over the reins in July 2024, his focus has been on long-term financial health, and he acknowledged that “difficult decisions and meaningful sacrifice” played a role. His commitment to transparency and open communication will help to build trust, and he appreciates the commitment of faculty, staff, and students during this period.

    Thompson’s letter concluded, “The work ahead will require continued discipline, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our future.  I am confident that, together, we will successfully meet this challenge, strengthen Saint Mary’s, and ensure that future generations of students continue to benefit from the distinctive Lasallian Catholic education that has defined this College for more than 160 years.”

    Upcoming milestones include: Nov. 1, 2026 (Progress Report due); Fall 2027 (WSCUC Special Visit); Spring 2029 (Reaffirmation Off-site Review); and Fall 2029 (Comprehensive Accreditation Visit).