If CGI is now a branch of The Chicago School, does that mean CGI is regionally accredited?
What is the difference between HLC accreditation and WASC accreditation?
Has CGI withdrawn its WASC eligibility now that HLC accreditation is being pursued?
What is the state of higher education legislation in California?
What happens after January 1, 2009, for graduate schools that were BPPVE approved but not regionally accredited?
What about MFT licensure?
What is TCS-CGI doing to address the situation for doctoral students?
Why should I start studying at CGI at this time?
Will my CGI degree allow me to qualify for licensure?
When will we know the final outcome of all this?
What if I still have questions?


If CGI is now a branch of The Chicago School, does that mean CGI is regionally accredited?

No. TCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). CGI recently earned candidacy status and is eligible for accreditation by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). Now that CGI is a branch of TCS, we are in the process of seeking regional accreditation for the Westwood and Irvine campuses. Until that process is complete, CGI and its campuses are not accredited by HLC.

The Higher Learning Commission has been notified of the merger between TCS and CGI and a site visit is to be scheduled for this fall. Therefore, at this time, the Westwood and Irvine campuses remain in WASC candidacy status. They are not HLC accredited.

What is the difference between HLC accreditation and WASC accreditation?

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) are two of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.  Both carry equal stature and are designed, through a peer-review process, to help institutions meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. Regional accreditation is voluntary. The primary difference is in the states served; each regional accreditation agency is responsible for accreditation for those institutions that have main campuses located in their home state(s).

Has CGI withdrawn its WASC eligibility now that HLC accreditation is being pursued?

No, CGI remains a candidate for WASC accreditation at this time. We are in open and regular communication with HLC and WASC— both of which carry equal stature in the academic community—to ensure that we expedite the process of becoming a regionally accredited institution.
What about APA accreditation?

The American Psychological Association (APA) accredits programs by location. Therefore, the accreditation of TCS’ Chicago Campus-based Clinical Psy.D. program does not extend to the California campuses of either TCS or CGI. TCS strives to achieve the maximum professional accreditations afforded our individual programs, regardless of location, and hence we plan to pursue APA accreditation for any eligible programs when appropriate. 

What is the state of higher education legislation in California?

Until 2007, oversight of certain postsecondary and vocational institutions, as well as approval of the institutions and various elements of their operations, was administered in California by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE). This agency was sunsetted on July 1, 2007. The California legislature passed interim legislation that extended institutional approvals in existence at the time of BPPVE’s sunset to July 1, 2008. Further interim legislation followed that extended the period during which licensing bodies (including the Board of Psychology and the Board of Behavioral Sciences) must recognize institutional approvals for the purpose of allowing students to sit for licensing examinations until January 1, 2009.

On August 19, 2008, the California Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Act of 2008 (a.k.a. SB 823) was passed by a majority vote in the State Senate. The bill was written to be a comprehensive measure to create a successor Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. It also was designed to address concerns of doctoral students from former BPPVE-approved schools regarding licensure. However, SB 823 was vetoed by Gov. Schwarzenegger on September 30, 2008.

What happens after January 1, 2009, for graduate schools that were BPPVE approved but not regionally accredited?

Advocates from all over California have been working to represent students attending BPPVE-approved schools affected by these recent events. These advocates worked diligently to advance SB 823. As it stands, however, because of the veto, the BOP has decided that unless there is a change in the law, doctoral degrees conferred after January 1, 2009, from BBPVE-approved schools, such as CGI, will no longer be acceptable unless the school becomes regionally or nationally accredited by a recognized accrediting body and the degree is conferred after the institution receives accreditation.

What about MFT licensure?

Students graduating with a CGI degree that prepares them for MFT licensure have no reason to be concerned. The BPPVE sunset issue, and the subsequent SB 823 bill, only affected doctoral students and licensure before the Board of Psychology. Thanks to Assembly Bill 1897, which also passed in the State Senate, the MFT program at the Westwood and Irvine campuses will continue to be granted recognition by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, which oversees Marriage and Family Therapy licensure in California.

What is TCS-CGI doing to address the situation for doctoral students?

The Board of Psychology recognizes degrees earned from regionally accredited institutions and will count such degrees towards licensure. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCS) is a regionally accredited institution with the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC). Although TCS’ affiliation with the California Graduate Institute (CGI) does not automatically result in accreditation of CGI, it does allow TCS to engage in a well-defined process with HLC to bring CGI under regional accreditation. TCS has already begun this process and hopes to obtain a preliminary decision from HLC prior to January 1, 2009, and a formal decision by February 2009. While the outcome of this process cannot be guaranteed, we are working closely with our staff liaison to ensure a positive and expeditious outcome.

In short, TCS and CGI have engaged in efforts focused on providing a solution that will alleviate all concerns, regardless of the fate of SB 823. Specifically, TCS and CGI are pursuing regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission for the Westwood and Irvine campuses.

Why should I start studying at CGI at this time?

The California Graduate Institute (CGI) has been training professional psychologists for 40 years, offering a quality education that always met the standards of the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education and the Board of Psychology. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (TCS) is the nation’s leading graduate school of professional psychology, is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and maintains an American Psychology Association (APA) accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral program in the State of Illinois. TCS and CGI are well regarded in the profession and TCS has developed a positive working relationship with HLC. CGI and TCS are dedicated to resolving all licensing issues and will work tirelessly until that goal is achieved.

Will my CGI degree allow me to qualify for licensure?

If and when the following event(s) occur, CGI graduates will be qualified to sit for licensure:

• CGI Psy.D. and Ph.D. students complete all of their degree requirements prior to January 1, 2009.

• The Westwood and Irvine campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This is anticipated to occur in spring of 2009.
  

Students seeking the MFT credential will be eligible to sit for licensure regardless of the BPVVE sunset provision and HLC accreditation.

When will we know the final outcome of all this?

TCS and CGI will be able to make a preliminary statement regarding resolution of this issue on or before December 31, 2009.

What if I still have questions?

You probably do! We recognize that each individual may have unique concerns, thoughts, and questions—and we are eager to address them. We will be making a great effort to keep the CGI and TCS communities apprised of the latest developments throughout this year of learning and integration. Staff, faculty, and students will receive ongoing email communications and updated FAQ documents as new information becomes available, and there will be many face-to-face opportunities to ask questions and learn more. In addition, we have established a central email address, cgi@thechicagoschool.edu, through which you may submit questions and comments at any time, and receive a prompt response.