The TCS Education System (TCS Ed) community has much to celebrate so far in 2015, the most recent news coming from our colleagues at The Santa Barbara & Ventura Colleges of Law (COL).

After months of peer review, extensive reporting, and multiple site visits, COL was granted initial accreditation by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). COL is already accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of The State Bar of California and graduates of the J.D. program are eligible to take the state bar exam.

“This is a proud moment for COL President Dr. Charles McClintock, COL faculty and staff, as well as the entire TCS Ed System community,” said TCS Ed President Dr. Michael Horowitz. “A WSCUC seal of approval speaks to the high quality of education provided by COL and the institution’s ongoing commitment to excellence. Furthermore, the WSCUC accreditation brings to fruition the long-standing goal of TCS Ed and COL since the 2010 affiliation.”

WSCUC is a regional accrediting agency serving a diverse membership of public and private colleges and universities. The accreditation process is designed to confirm that COL has the resources, policies, and best practices in place to meet high academic standards and achieve its educational goals. (More information about this rigorous endeavor can be found at www.wascsenior.org/resources/eligibility).

“We are pleased to have achieved institutional accreditation that affirms the quality of education we have been providing to our law students for 45 years,” said COL President, Dr. Charles McClintock, who worked closely with his team and accreditation experts at TCS Ed every step of the way.

Dr. Eileen Heveron, TCS Ed System’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Information Technology, echoed Dr. McClintock’s sentiments.

“WSCUC accreditation is meant to promote the active exchange of ideas among public and independent institutions that further the principles of improved institutional performance, educational effectiveness, and the process of peer review,” Dr. Heveron added. “This deep institutional engagement will help solidify COL’s position in the California law school landscape. It is a tremendous achievement.”

Indeed it is. Kudos to all involved.

If you’d like to share a word of congratulations with COL, visit them on Twitter or Facebook.