Opening & Closing Plenaries

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. 

Sal Khan
Sal Khan
Khan Academy
Founder and CEO

WSCUC Town Hall

Friday, April 10  |  11:00am - 12:00pm

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
Maria Toyoda
President & CEO
WASC Senior College and University Commission

Tracy Tambascia
Tracy Poon Tambascia
Chair, WASC Senior College and University Commission
Professor, University of Southern California

Christopher Oberg
Christopher Oberg
Executive Vice President
WASC Senior College and University Commission

John Hausaman
John Hausaman
Associate Vice President
WASC Senior College and University Commission

Stephanie Huie
Stephanie Huie
Vice President
WASC Senior College and University Commission