SUMMER 2011

Higher
Learning
Commission
Initial Accreditation Update
By Christopher Title
Communication and Humanities Instructor
T
he Art Institutes International Minnesota (Ai Minnesota) has been
nationally accredited by the American Council of Independent
Colleges and Schools (ACICS) since it was founded in 1997. In
fact, the College’s current national accreditation by ACICS was
recently extended through 2015. So, why request regional, Initial Accreditation
from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association
of Colleges and Schools (HLC)?
National accreditation agencies, like ACICS, typically accredit institutions
that specialize in instruction and training for specific professions and careers.
Many nationally accredited institutions are proprietary, independent, and
privately supported. ACICS was a good “fit” with the original status of our
school. Regional accreditation agencies, like HLC, have typically accredited
institutions such as community colleges and state universities, as well as
private liberal arts colleges.
As Ai Minnesota has grown in student population, expanded the number of
academic programs, and developed comprehensive General Education offerings,
it has developed into the kind of organization that meets the criteria
required for regional accreditation. As our institution continues to evolve
and grow, HLC Initial Accreditation aligns more closely with our school’s
mission. HLC Initial Accreditation is an important strategic goal for our
institution, and our ongoing efforts demonstrate our College’s commitment to
provide a high quality education to our students.
In the process of seeking HLC accreditation, the following events have occurred:
• Ai Minnesota’s Board of Trustees authorized submission of our Preliminary
Information Form (PIF) to HLC in 2006
• Upon HLC approval, the institution conducted a comprehensive twoyear,
self-study inclusive of students, faculty, staff, and administrators