The Western Institute for Social Research is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the minimum standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (CEC 94909(a)(2) and CEC 94897(l)(1)(2). Web site address: www.bppe.ca.gov.
WISR’s Catalog
As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review our catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You can also receive this catalog by email, in bound paper version, or both.
WISR’s School Performance Fact Sheet
We currently offer three graduate degree programs. Prospective students are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet for each of the degree programs at the Western Institute for Social Research. Prospective students are also encouraged to review the School Performance Fact Sheet for each of WISR’s degree programs: the Master of Science in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy; the Master of Science in Education and Community Leadership; and the Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Social Change which must be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement (CEC 94909(a)(3)(B)).
WISR’s Annual Report to the BPPE
Prospective students are welcome to read the Western Institute for Social Research’s Annual Report as well.
How to Contact the BPPE with Questions
Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the school may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225 Sacramento, CA 95834 or P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818. Telephone and Fax #’s: (888) 370-7589 or (916) 574-8900 or by fax (916) 263-1897. Web site address: www.bppe.ca.gov. (CEC 94909(a)(3)(C)).
BPPE Office of Student Assistance
The Office of Student Assistance and Relief is available to support prospective students, current students, or past students of private postsecondary educational institutions in making informed decisions, understanding their rights, and navigating available services and relief options. The office may be reached by calling (888-370-7589) or by visiting www.bppe.ca.gov.
Required Disclaimers
The Western Institute for Social Research has never filed a bankruptcy petition, operated as a debtor in possession or had a petition of bankruptcy filed against it under federal law (CEC 94909(a)(12)).
The Western Institute for Social Research does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs (CEC 94909(a)(10)).
The Western Institute for Social Research is accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). WISR is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
The Western Institute for Social Research programs are designed to, prepare students for licensure for the Marriage and Family Therapy. (CEC 94909(a)(16) and CEC 94897(p)).
Self-Monitoring and Compliance with BPPE Regulations
Western Institute of Social Research (WISR) is required to comply with certain federal and California state laws and regulations. This Policy identifies the procedures developed by WISR to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) (https://www.bppe.ca.gov/).
WISR is located in Berkeley, California and accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). WISR is a private graduate school that is approved to operate as such by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). [“Approved” means, “approval to operate” which means compliance with state standards as set forth in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (California Education Code, Title 3, Division 10, Part 59, Chapter 8)]. Web site address: www.bppe.ca.gov.
WISR is committed to compliance with the requirements set by the State of California and the BPPE. Because the State and BPPE regularly update their requirements, WISR must have timely access to information about any additions or changes to the legal and regulatory requirements.
Members of WISR’s administrative team subscribe to the BPPE’s email notification service and review the BPPE’s announcements. Agendas for WISR’s Continuous Quality Improvement and Compliance Committee are reviewed to determine if there will be discussion on issues relevant to the school and, if so, identify who from WISR should attend. Where appropriate, information provided by the BPPE concerning intention to amend or issue new regulations changes and other relevant information from Continuous Quality Improvement and Compliance Committee meetings are distributed to appropriate administrative staff.
Where applicable, officers and other staff are encouraged to attend BPPE workshops. Annual Reports and School Performance Fact Sheets and other reporting required by the BPPE are discussed by the staff and shared with the Board of Trustees. WISR posts School Performance Fact Sheets and Annual Reports as required by BPPE.