Dear ACICS Members and other Colleagues:
Today, September 22, 2016, the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ("ACICS") received notice that the Senior Department Official at the Department of Education has accepted the recommendation of the Department staff and the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity ("NACIQI") to deny renewal of recognition to the Council. ACICS plans to appeal the SDO's decision to Secretary King. While the appeal is pending, ACICS retains its federal recognition and remains determined to fully execute its accreditation responsibilities in a professional manner.
Roger Williams, ACICS Interim President, stated: "While we are disappointed in this decision, ACICS plans to continue diligent efforts to renew and strengthen its policies and practices necessary to demonstrate this agency's determination to come into full compliance with the Department of Education's recognition criteria and, most importantly, to improve outcomes for the estimated 600,000 students currently attending ACICS-accredited institutions. We are confident that if given the opportunity to do so, we will be able to demonstrate major reforms and ongoing progress towards compliance with the Department's recognition criteria."