Summer 2011 Issue - The Art Institutes
Summer 2011 Issue - The Art Institutes
Summer 2011 Issue - The Art Institutes
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Higher<br />
Learning<br />
Commission<br />
Initial Accreditation Update<br />
By Christopher Title<br />
Communication and Humanities Instructor<br />
T<br />
he <strong>Art</strong> <strong>Institutes</strong> International Minnesota (Ai Minnesota) has been<br />
nationally accredited by the American Council of Independent<br />
Colleges and Schools (ACICS) since it was founded in 1997. In<br />
fact, the College’s current national accreditation by ACICS was<br />
recently extended through 2015. So, why request regional, Initial Accreditation<br />
from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association<br />
of Colleges and Schools (HLC)?<br />
National accreditation agencies, like ACICS, typically accredit institutions<br />
that specialize in instruction and training for specific professions and careers.<br />
Many nationally accredited institutions are proprietary, independent, and<br />
privately supported. ACICS was a good “fit” with the original status of our<br />
school. Regional accreditation agencies, like HLC, have typically accredited<br />
institutions such as community colleges and state universities, as well as<br />
private liberal arts colleges.<br />
As Ai Minnesota has grown in student population, expanded the number of<br />
academic programs, and developed comprehensive General Education offerings,<br />
it has developed into the kind of organization that meets the criteria<br />
required for regional accreditation. As our institution continues to evolve<br />
and grow, HLC Initial Accreditation aligns more closely with our school’s<br />
mission. HLC Initial Accreditation is an important strategic goal for our<br />
institution, and our ongoing efforts demonstrate our College’s commitment to<br />
provide a high quality education to our students.<br />
In the process of seeking HLC accreditation, the following events have occurred:<br />
• Ai Minnesota’s Board of Trustees authorized submission of our Preliminary<br />
Information Form (PIF) to HLC in 2006<br />
• Upon HLC approval, the institution conducted a comprehensive twoyear,<br />
self-study inclusive of students, faculty, staff, and administrators