Contact:                                                                                                                                                   
 
ACICS 
(202) 336.6780 
 
 
June 15, 2016 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
 
 
Statement by Anthony S. Bieda, Executive in Charge,  
Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) 
Subject: Department of Education’s Recommendation on Recognition Status 
 
ACICS takes the Department’s final staff report and recommendation very seriously.  The 
recommendation to deny recognition is disappointing, and must be addressed directly and decisively by 
the Board and senior management of the agency.  
ACICS took note that the Department acknowledged the steps we have taken to reform our 
accreditation process.  ACICS is prepared to make our case as effectively as possible to the National 
Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality next week.  
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About ACICS 
 
Founded in 1912, ACICS is the largest national accrediting organization of degree-granting institutions. 
ACICS accredits professional, technical and occupational programs, and is one of only two national 
accreditors recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education 
Accreditation. The mission of ACICS is to advance educational excellence at independent, nonpublic 
career schools, colleges and organizations in the United States and abroad. This is achieved through a 
deliberate and thorough accreditation process of quality assurance and enhancement, as well as ethical 
business and educational practices.