Students and faculty at the International College of the Cayman Islands celebrated what will become a 35-year milestone of US accreditation with its renewal notice by an independent council this month.
Based in Washington, DC, the renewal by the Accreditation Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is significant because it provides assurance that ICCI meets or exceeds an international standard for its bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Graduate Student Melisa Bent-Hamilton said being accredited was key par in her choosing ICCI to earn her MBA.
“Gone are the days that we can think of employment at the local or even regional level,” she said. “Now, one has to think global and that involves having qualifications that met global standards. Having US accreditation means that I am much more marketable and I can compete at the global level.”
Another ICCI student, Davin Barrett who is working on a bachelor’s degree in finance said the accreditation renewal is particularly important since so many firms conduct business with US clients.
“Accreditation tells the world that the degree that I hold has met the requirements of academic excellence and is accepted throughout the United States as authoritative. An independent accreditation gives me a fighting chance to compete with other young professionals who may have studied abroad and evne those who have studied locally,” said Mr. Barrett.
ICCI Dean Scott Cummings stated this renewal affirms the high standard ICCI has set more than 30 years ago.
“It is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff and confirms the quality of education students earn at ICCI,” said the Dean.
Initially accredited in 1979, accreditation must be periodically re-evaluated. Preparations for the renewal are rigorous and take about a year and involve a wide range of faculty, said the International College President John Cummings.
“Faculty credentials, course offerings, syllabi, exams and grading policies are combed through,” said Mr. Cummings.
“Council representatives come to the campus and sit in on classes to evaluate teaching methods, as well as to interview students and faculty. All these elements are compared to senior level colleges and universities in the US”
The Accreditation Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is recognised by the US Department of Education as a national accreditation agency and is recognised by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. The accreditation renewal runs through 31 December, 2014.
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