The California Community Colleges are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a non-governmental organization providing the public with a means of recognizing institutions that meet established standards of good practice. Accreditation is carried out by visiting teams, composed of staff and governing board members from WASC-accredited institutions. The team evaluation begins with a reading of the institution's catalog, class schedule, and self-study report, which should provide information on institutional mission and integrity, educational programs, and student support systems. Strong faculty leadership in the entire accreditation process is important since faculty are most directly responsible for the delivery of education and support services to students. In addition, faculty can help strengthen the accreditation process by becoming involved in and writing the college's self-study report and should be vitally involved in the team visit. Finally, the local academic senate should fully participate in reviewing and acting on the recommendations in the visiting team's report. An accreditation guide by the WASC's Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges is appended. (TGI)