West Chester University

Contact Info

Dottie Ives Dewey, Program Administrator
610.436.2746; Dept. phone: 610.436.2930
divesdewey@wcupa.edu
https://www.wcupa.edu/business-PublicManagement/geographyPlanning/planningProgramOverview.aspx
Public Information

Accreditation Actions

Accreditation through December 31, 2027
Last Accreditation Cycle: 2021 – 2022
Next Accreditation Cycle: 2026 – 2027
Progress Report: Not Applicable

Summary of Recent Actions

May 2022: Program granted 5-year accreditation.

PAB accreditation indicates that the Program has undergone an external review and substantially meets the PAB standards and criteria. Programs granted accreditation demonstrated conformity with PAB Standards after a thorough review from the Board. PAB bases its decisions on the overall quality of the program, its performance relative to its mission and strategic plan, and its performance relative to PAB’s five standards, which encompass a total of 29 criteria and 18 curriculum sub-criteria. When PAB determines that a Program does not fully meet a criterion or curriculum sub-criterion, the Program is encouraged to take steps to improve in that area and provide information to PAB on its efforts, either during the next accreditation review or in an interim progress report.

The Planning Accreditation Board has required the Program to address issues in the following areas:

• Criterion 1C / Programmatic Assessment determined to be partially-met. Specific measures and indicators demonstrating success in certain areas are lacking. The Program should establish these to show progress in student and faculty diversity, satisfaction of students and alumni, and other applicable aspects.

• Criterion 2B / Student Diversity determined to be partially-met. The Program has implemented several initiatives aimed at attracting a diverse student population and ought to continue them to demonstrate positive outcomes.

• Criterion 3B / Faculty Diversity determined to be partially-met. The Program has made progress in gender diversity and should continue to aim for a broader scope of faculty diversity.

This information is a summary only. Please consult the school directly for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, and compliance with PAB standards. Programs should also be consulted directly for additional information on issues and areas of improvement identified during an accreditation review, and the actions that the school is taking to address these areas. If the Program has provided a response to any of the issues cited above, please see below for a link to the response.

November 2020: Program granted Candidacy Status effective January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022.