Antioch University Los Angeles Granted Full and Complete WASC Accreditation

Culver City, CA – July 5, 2007 – Antioch University Los Angeles (AULA) today announced that it had been granted full and complete accreditation status from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) effective June 15, 2007.

“WASC is synonymous with quality, creativity, innovation and courageous leadership in higher education within the US” stated Antioch University Los Angeles President, Dr. Neal King. “Antioch’s roots are nourished by the same vital juices.”

AULA has long benefited from continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), as a campus of Antioch University. The recent application to transfer accreditation from NCA to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) was undertaken, in part, to eliminate any complications related to being an out-of-state accredited institution but also to allow AULA to participate more fully in California’s regional Higher Education community.

Dr. King added, “After 35 years serving the diverse communities of the greater Los Angeles area, Antioch University Los Angeles is honored and delighted to join our WASC colleagues in ensuring our students, faculty and communities of the highest quality – and most socially responsible - contribution that colleges and universities can possibly make to the collective good.”

The effective date of Antioch’s transfer of accreditation to WASC was timed to coincide with Antioch’s recent commencement activities, held on June 15th at the Orpheum Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. Over 150 students from AULA’s undergraduate and graduate programs participated in commencement exercises and became the first class to receive their diplomas from the newly WASC accredited institution.

“This transfer of accreditation to WASC is a testament to the tremendous dedication of our faculty, staff and students” stated Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, Susan Nero, Ph.D. “Antioch continues to place a strong emphasis on the adult learner, providing an innovative approach to life-long learning that encourages the full potential of each student.”

Additionally, the transfer to WASC accreditation will better position Antioch University Los Angeles for continued growth within the geographical region, as well as providing an increased ability for the Antioch community to further the mission of the University by providing new opportunities for both students and faculty.

“Antioch University Los Angeles proudly continues to build on the legacy of Antioch College, particularly now as the college prepares to suspend operations for a period of time” added Dr. King. “This accreditation decision represents for AULA an affirmation of our diverse learning community, our innovative academic model, and the high quality of our curriculum and faculty.”

For more information on Antioch University Los Angeles, please visit our website at www.antiochla.edu or contact Joanna Gerber at (310) 578-1080 x 119.