Accrediting Commission International

Contents

Accrediting Commission International (ACI), also known as Accrediting Commission International for Schools, Colleges, and Theological Seminaries, possibly associated with International Accrediting Commission (IAC), also known as International Accrediting Commission for Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries is an unrecognized educational accreditation corporation in Beebe, Arkansas, primarily accrediting religious schools, including seminaries and Bible colleges, but also offering accreditation to non-U.S. schools that offer business education programs.[1] John F. Scheel is president.[2] The St. Petersburg Times quoted Alan Contreras, the leader of Oregon's Office of Degree Authorization (an organization that follows questionable accrediting agencies) as saying, "Anything accredited by ACI in Beebe, Ark., is either fake or substandard, as far as I know."[3]

Recognition

ACI is not recognized by either Council for Higher Education Accreditation or United States Department of Education, the two institutions responsible for recognizing educational accrediting institutions in the United States.[4][5] According to its website, ACI had not applied for USDE affiliation as of 2007 because most of its members' views regarding separation of church and state.[1]

The Oregon Office of Degree Authorization includes ACI in its list of unrecognized accreditation agencies stating that, "any so-called 'accreditation' by these bodies is meaningless in Oregon and in some other states."[6]

IAC was caught in a sting operation by Missouri assistant attorney general Eric Vieth. They accredited an obviously bogus college and were subsequently charged with fraud.[5] IAC was ordered to cease operation in the state of Missouri but reappeared in Beebe, accrediting the same institutions as previously.[5][7] Degree.net says that "International Accrediting Commission for Schools, Colleges and Theological Seminaries" (IAC) was an organization directed by Dr. George Reuter, who retired immediately before ACI arose in Arkansas.[4]

Schools accredited by ACI

In 2009 ACI reported having accredited 310 schools.[2]

Some organizations accredited by ACI include Cornerstone University, Washington International University,[8] Wisconsin International University,[9], Central Bible College International and Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary and College in Kennedale, Texas.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Other Benefits and Steps Toward ACI Certification". Accrediting Commission International. 2007-09-28. Archived from the original on 2007-09-28. http://web.archive.org/web/20070928152427/http://www.accreditnow.com/default.aspx?page=0-introduction&main=&selected=pnl1Item0-0. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  2. ^ a b "Home; About Us". Accrediting Commission International. http://www.accreditnow.com. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  3. ^ Bousquet, Steve; Matus, Ron (2007-10-27). "Degree inspires little faith". St. Petersburg Times. http://www.sptimes.com/2007/10/27/State/Degree_inspires_littl.shtml. Retrieved 2009-03-26. 
  4. ^ a b "Accrediting Agencies Not Recognized Under GAAP". Degree.net. 2008. http://www.degree.net/guides/non-gaap_listings.html. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  5. ^ a b c Great Moments in Accreditation: The Case of IAC, ACI, and The Three Stooges, by John Bear, Quackwatch
  6. ^ “Accrediting” entities not recognized by the State of Oregon, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, Oregon state government
  7. ^ Roach, David (2006-10-24). "Pastor's resignation sparks discussion of accreditation". Baptist Press. http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=24242. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  8. ^ "Welcome to WIU". Washington International University. 1999. http://www.usa-wiu.org/school.html. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  9. ^ Lee, Jeff (2006-10-09). "College Linked to 'Worthless' American Degrees". Vancouver Sun. http://www.cufa.bc.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=149&Itemid=1. Retrieved 2009-03-23. 
  10. ^ "Trinity Valley Baptist Seminary and College accreditation". tvsbc.org. http://www.tvbsc.org/Accreditation.htm. Retrieved July 21, 2009. 

External links