Summer 2011 Issue - The Art Institutes

The Art Institutes International Minnesota is seeking comments from the public about the
College in preparation for its evaluation for Initial Accreditation by a regional accrediting
agency. The College will undergo a comprehensive visit November 7 - 9, 2011, by a team
representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools. The Art Institutes International Minnesota is currently accredited by
the Accreditation Council of Independent Colleges and Schools and is now pursuing
accreditation by the Commission.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the college:
Public Comment on The Art Institutes International Minnesota
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution of its
academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed; comments will not be
treated as confidential.
All comments must be received by October 7, 2011.
• In the fall of 2009, Ai Minnesota submitted its request for Initial Candidacy
along with its self-study report titled, Enhancing Quality: A Passion for
Excellence (available in the library)
• In October of 2009, HLC conducted an evaluative site visit on our campus
• In spring of 2010, HLC approved the status of Initial Candidacy for Ai
Minnesota, enabling us to move forward toward Initial Accreditation
• In summer of 2010, Ai Minnesota began the self study process anew, again
including students, faculty, staff, and administrators
Now, during the summer of 2011, Ai Minnesota is preparing to share its latest
self-study titled Creating Tomorrow, along with its formal request for Initial
Accreditation. The development of the self-study has allowed our College the
opportunity to reflect on who we are and how we operate as a College. As a
result of the reflective nature of the self-study process, Ai Minnesota has learned
that it is committed to develop new ways of supporting students and engaging
them in quality learning experiences. The recent campus-wide effort to review
and revise our mission statement is a perfect example of improvement efforts
growing out of the self-study process.
As part of the self-study process, a “call for comment” is being issued by the
school to the general public (see graphic). In the coming days, students, faculty,
staff, and our industry partners will be increasingly involved in preparing the
campus for a site visit by an HLC evaluative team scheduled for November
7-11, 2011. There is no guarantee that Ai Minnesota will be granted Initial Accreditation
by HLC, but one thing is certain, we will be ready to demonstrate
our commitment to quality learning and effective teaching when the visiting
team arrives.