AIU Is Seeking North Central Accreditation

Got this in my email today. I wonder why AIU is making the move?

American InterContinental University (AIU) will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit March 2-4, 2009 by a team representing The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. AIU has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1987 and is currently seeking accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission. The team will review AIU’s ability to meet The Higher Learning Commission’s Eligibility Requirements and Criteria for Accreditation.

The public is invited to submit comments regarding AIU:

Public Comment on American InterContinental University
The Higher Learning Commission
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602

or

www.hlcommission.org; click on “File Third-Party Comments”

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of AIU or its academic programs. Grievances or complaints will not be considered third party comment. Comments must be in writing and signed and should include the name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the comments. Comments will not be treated as confidential.

Written, signed comments must be received by February 1, 2009

 

I know that AIU had accreditation problems in the past but how can it switch from SACS to NCA? Is it physically relocating? How does a school pick which regional accreditor it wants?

 

In a press release, AIU is stating since most of their students are attending school in NCA's geographical area, that NCA makes more sense.

http://www.aiuonline.edu/Schools/AIU/PDF/press/SACS_to_NCA_Release.pdf

Shawn

 

As I understand it...

When AIU first began (in the Unites States), they started off in Atlanta, Georgia, with about 7000 traditional in-resident students, which required SACS accreditation. AIU was then bought-out by Career Education Corporation, which is located in Chicago, Illinois. Additionally, their online enrollment jumped to 30,000+ students. Since the bulk of their students are now registered in Illinois, it was prudent to move to NCA/HLC accreditation. The fact that NCA has historically been more liberal towards online education can't be discounted either. However, SACS is also coming onboard online educational opportunities in the 21st Century.

 

I think NCA accreditation makes it easier for AIU to offer online DBA/PhD programs. I think with SACS it has been difficult for them in the past.

 

Is this college RA or NA or not accredited?

 

They currently have regional accreditation through the Southern Association.

 

THANKS Ted!