(from the ACICS Accreditation Criteria, January 2016:)
Introduction
Embodied in these criteria is the belief by ACICS that accredited institutions should at all times
demonstrate a high standard of professional conduct involving educational practices and business
ethics. Accreditation is not a regulatory process in the legal sense. The Council encourages not
just conformity to standards but a continuous striving for excellence. Only those institutions that
believe in this tenet should seek accreditation.
Title I, Chapter 1:
Introduction
Accreditation is an independent appraisal of an institution during which the institution’s overall
educational quality (including outcomes), professional status among similar institutions,
financial stability, and operational ethics are self-evaluated and judged by peers. It is a voluntary
activity separate and distinct from business licensing, authority to award educational credentials,
and eligibility to administer student financial assistance.
ByLaws (Appendix A)
Section 8−Removal. A commissioner may also be removed by not less than a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the Council for breach of any code, canons, or tenets of ethics formally adopted pursuant
to these Bylaws.
2-3-600 − Review Board Appeal Process
A Review Board of Appeals panel of three to seven persons, depending on the scope and
complexity of the matter or institution being reviewed, will be designated by the Council from
the entire Review Board to hear an appeal from an institution. The Council also will designate
one member of the Review Board panel to serve as chair. The selection and actions of the panel
are subject to ACICS conflict of interest policies.