Mission > Action > Impact: A Fireside Conversation with Sal Khan on the Future of Learning
Wednesday, April 8 | 4:30pm - 5:30pm
ARC2026 opens with a fireside conversation featuring Sal Khan, founder and CEO of Khan Academy, whose work embodies how a clear mission— translated into purposeful action— can spark transformative impact for learners and institutions alike.
Together, we will explore how higher education can navigate a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by AI, new delivery models, and emerging opportunities. Khan will share forward-looking perspectives on how collaboration and innovation can expand access, strengthen outcomes, and shape the future of learning in an increasingly competitive landscape. This plenary sets the stage for ARC2026’s charge: turning mission into action, and action into lasting impact.
Join WSCUC leadership, staff, and commissioners for the ARC2026 Town Hall: the concluding plenary that begins with an overview of the shifting higher education and accreditation landscape and offers a look at WSCUC’s ongoing and upcoming priorities and initiatives that affect our institutions.
This interactive session will highlight key activities, policy developments, and strategic directions shaping WSCUC’s work. Participants are invited to submit questions for WSCUC leadership as we reflect on recent progress and look ahead to opportunities that strengthen quality, accountability, and success for all students.
In addition to attendee-submitted topics, we look forward to discussing:
Strategic Perspective for 2026–2028: Update on WSCUC’s strategic direction, the pillars guiding our work (Evidence, Outcomes, Improvement, and Innovation), emerging trends and opportunities, and what they mean for our member institutions.
Situational Awareness: Key developments in the accreditor and policy landscape, including federal, state, and emerging areas of focus, and how institutions and accreditors can be prepared.
Innovation: How WSCUC approaches innovation— whether large and small—and our firm commitment to supporting institutions as they experiment, adapt, and pursue new practices and models.
Advancing WSCUC’s Data Leadership: Updates on accountability metrics, Annual Integrated Monitoring (AIM), and evolving resources and expectations for data use in peer review.
Maria Toyoda President & CEO WASC Senior College and University Commission
Tracy Poon Tambascia Chair, WASC Senior College and University Commission Professor, University of Southern California
Christopher Oberg Executive Vice President WASC Senior College and University Commission
John Hausaman Associate Vice President WASC Senior College and University Commission
Stephanie Huie Vice President WASC Senior College and University Commission