Media availability — Dr. Lynda Harding, the university’s Accreditation Liaison Officer, is available from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 21, to discuss this important milestone. To arrange an interview contact Shirley Armbruster.

The Western Association of Schools & College (WASC) has extended its accreditation of California State University, Fresno through 2014, a significant affirmation of the academic excellence of the institution.

In a letter to Fresno State President John D. Welty, the accrediting commission commended the university “as a mature institution deeply committed to student learning.”

The commission also praised Fresno State for “building a culture dedicated to improvement and institutional learning that was supported by both administrative and academic leadership, and many faculty.”

Accreditation grants certification that the university meets association standards. The three-year accrediting process was framed with a theme of “A Learning Community.” The university organized a self-review around three topics: opportunity, exploration and interaction.

Ralph A. Wolff, WASC executive director, said reviewers “concluded that the university’s community and regional engagement is exemplary in an environment where students love their institution and believe that they are getting a fine education.”

To view the WASC reports and the executive director’s letter to Dr. Welty, see the WASC Campus Portfolio.

EDITORS and NEWS/PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORS: Press releases can be downloaded at www.fresnostatenews.com. University Communications also provides releases for news media companies via e¬mail. To be added to the distribution list, send your e-mail address to tornu@csufresno.edu.