ELEVATING

ENCOURAGING

EMPOWERING

INTRODUCTION

ICAITS exists to assure Learners of high-quality Transformative Learning by (1) elevating accountability and transparency of its institutions, (2) encouraging innovation and disruption in higher education systems for continuous improvement, and (3) empowering sustainable models for Transformative Higher Learning.

ICAITS works to fulfill these three major goals through meeting six objectives:

1. Promoting high quality transformative education through the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards for assessing educational effectiveness for quality and continuous improvement.
2. Ensuring the consistent application of standards, accreditation requirements, and federal requirements
3. Providing an accreditation process that fosters ongoing institutional self-study and continuous improvement
4. Providing guidance for quality and growth to aspiring and established institutions
5. To facilitate and promote cooperation between likeminded institutions with shared core philosophies and commitments
6. Ensuring Learners, the general public, authorizing agencies, and other stakeholders that institutions accredited by ICAITS have:
   • Defined, appropriate, and transparently communicated educational objectives and outcomes
   • Appropriate conditions in which educational outcomes are being fulfilled
   • Sustainable organizational models, including staffing and support
   • A reliable expectation of continuing to provide high quality transformative education into the foreseeable future

To fulfill these major goals and objectives ICAITS has established Ten Standards for Accreditation against which institutions applying for initial accreditation and those seeking to continue accreditation are evaluated. Institutions are required to maintain the Standards at all times, along with all additional Federal and State Requirements, and are accountable at regular reporting times to provide evidence of their performance in meeting these standards.

ICAITS STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION

The Standards reflect and quantify the ICAITS commitment to:

1. Accountability and Transparency – advancing institutional quality and credibility.
2. Innovation and Disruption – facilitating continuous improvement.
3. Empowering Sustainable Models – promoting access to higher education.

To ensure that institutions are upholding these commitments, institutions are required to continually monitor their performance against the Standards, in order to show ongoing compliance and continuous improvement. ICAITS bases its accrediting determinations solely on the institution’s actual compliance in meeting the Standards for Accreditation.

The ICAITS Standards for Accreditation are (with number of Required Evidences after each Standard):

Standard 1 – Shared Core Philosophies and Commitments (2)

Standard 2 – Mission and Objectives (3)

Standard 3 – Integrity and Policies (7)

Standard 4 – Authority to Operate (14)

Standard 5 – Governance and Organizational Structure (4)

Standard 6 – Planning and Effectiveness (5)

Standard 7 – Finance and Operations (10)

Standard 8 – Enrollment Management (25)

Standard 9 – Academics (17)

Standard 10 – Learner Success (5)                                                                       Total Standards: 10 / Total Evidences: 92

STANDARD 1 – SHARED CORE PHILOSOPHIES AND COMMITMENTS

The Core Philosophies and Commitments of an institution reflect its commitment to the Biblical worldview. Institutions are not required to duplicate the ICAITS Core Philosophies and Commitments statement, but the institution must have a statement of its core commitment to the Biblical worldview, and that statement should align fully with the ICAITS Core Philosophies and Commitments Statement. The statement should be clear, so as to effectively inform prospective learners, faculty, administrators, Board members, other internal and external stakeholders, and the general public regarding the worldview commitment of the institution.

Core Accountabilities

1.1 Affirmation and Publication of Shared Core Philosophies and Commitments

The institution has a Statement of Core Philosophies and Commitments, or a Statement of Faith, which agrees with the ICAITS Core Philosophies and Commitments statement, and which is readily available in appropriate official publications.

1.2 Review and Approval of Core Philosophy and Commitments Statement

The Ownership or Board of the institution periodically reviews and approves the institution’s Statement of Core Philosophies and Commitments, or Statement of Faith.

STANDARD 2 – MISSION AND OBJECTIVES

The mission and objectives of an institution are fundamental elements that guide its direction, operations, and effectiveness. Transparency and clarity in the communication of the mission and objectives are paramount to the health of an institution.

Core Accountabilities

2.1 Statement and Publication of the Mission

The institution has a Mission Statement that serves as an accurate and comprehensive guide for the institution’s scope and operations, and which is readily available in appropriate official publications.

2.2 Review and Approval of the Mission

The Ownership or Board of the institution periodically reviews and approves the institution’s Mission.

2.3 Institutional Objectives

The institution has clearly defined and published Institutional Objectives which are consistent with the institution’s stated mission, are measurable, and are periodically reviewed and approved by the institution’s Ownership or Board.

STANDARD 3 – INTEGRITY AND POLICIES

Integrity is critically important to ICAITS as a reflection of godly conduct and of trustworthy engagement with all stakeholders, and as an underpinning of institutional credibility, function, and educational mission. It is the basic expectation of every institution and is generally exhibited through transparency.

Core Accountabilities

3.1 Name

The name of the institution is appropriate for its mission and is fitting for the programs offered.

3.2 Integrity and Reputation

The institution demonstrates integrity in its operations and is represented accurately and honestly to learners, internal and external stakeholders, the general public, and to ICAITS. The institution’s name is free from any association with any activity that might be harmful to the reputation of ICAITS accrediting processes, including but not limited to illegalities, fraud, unethical conduct, and mistreatment of constituents.

3.3 Fair Practices

The institution demonstrates that all stakeholders are treated equitably, transparently, and consistently while upholding ICAITS standards and maintaining public trust in higher education quality assurance.

• Records Management and Transcripts

All institutional and student information and records are securely and confidentially maintained and retained in accordance with laws applicable to the jurisdiction(s) in which the institution operates and with professional requirements. The institution maintains and upholds a records management policy, and transcripts are readily available and maintained permanently in print or digital form.

3.4 Policy Approval

The institution’s publications and policies are approved by the board or administration, as appropriate, and include at least the following: Board Manual (if applicable), Policies Manual or Library, Catalog(s), Faculty Handbook, and Student Handbook.

3.5 Publication and Policy Clarity

The institution’s publications and policies are current, clear, factually accurate, and consistent with each other and with ICAITS Standards.

3.6 Policies and Policy Manual or Library

The institution demonstrates transparency and consistency in making policies accessible in a publicly accessible policy manual or library that includes at least the following policies:

Academic Calendar

Admissions Policy

Affirmation of Core Philosophy and Commitment

A.I. Usage Policy

Course Duration Policy

Credit Transfer Policy

Enrollment Agreement

Good Standing Policy

Grading Policy

Graduation Policy

Grievance Policy

Intellectual Honesty Policy

Leadership and Governance Policy

Non-discrimination Policy

Organizational Chart

Privacy Policy

Records Management Policy

Refund and Withdrawal Policy

Sexual Abuse and Child Abuse Policy

Substance Abuse Policy

Tuition Policy

Writing Style Policy

3.7 Grievance and Due Process

The institution maintains and consistently applies clear due process and grievance policies and procedures for all constituents. Documentation of any due process or grievance proceedings are made available to ICAITS upon request.

STANDARD 4 – AUTHORITY TO OPERATE

In demonstration of appropriate subjection to governing authorities, the institution maintains its eligibility for accreditation and be properly licensed, authorized, exempted, or approved by all applicable state and federal education institutional authorizations (or their equivalent for non-U.S. institutions).

In addition to compliance with ICAITS Accreditation Standards, the institution demonstrates that it meets the Federal Requirements in 4.3-4.14. Failure to meet the Federal Requirements will be reported to the United States Department of Education and will trigger an ICAITS review of the institution.

Core Accountabilities

4.1 Legal Authorization to Operate

The institution demonstrates that it has legal authorization to operate from all appropriate governmental agencies (state, federal, territory, country) in which it is located and has filed copies of such authorizations with ICAITS.

4.2 Authorization to Offer Distance Learning

The institution demonstrates that it has legal authorization to offer such courses and/or programs in US States and territories in which the learner declares residency. The institution’s distance learning offerings meet all applicable ICAITS Accreditation and Federal Requirements.

4.3 Federal Requirement: Credit Hours

The institution demonstrates its awarding of credit hours in compliance with the Federal definition of a credit hour: “A credit hour for Federal purposes is an institutionally established equivalency that reasonably approximates some minimum amount of student work reflective of the amount of worked expected in a Carnegie unit: key phrases being ‘institutionally established,’ equivalency,” “reasonable approximate,” and “minimum amount.” If the Carnegie unit is not the institution’s primary unit of academic measure (e.g., outcomes-based education), then the institution must demonstrate equivalency in its assignment of credit hours. The institution demonstrates peer review of a credit hour, via ICAITS and/or peer evaluators. ICAITS will determine the reliability and accuracy of the assignment and process (§600.2, §602.24(f)).

4.4 Federal Requirement: Program Length and Cost

The institution demonstrates that its programs are aligned with institutional mission and objectives, are of duration and length comparable to other accredited higher education institutions, and that program-specific tuition and fees are published and appropriate for program length and objectives (§602.16(a)(1)viii).

4.5 Federal Requirement: Student Complaints

Institutions must record and retain record of all student complaints. Records must be kept of (1) student complaints received, (2) the process for addressing the student, and (3) how the student complaint was handled in accordance with the institution’s policies and procedures. The institution’s student complaint policy must include (1) a method for receiving confidential student input, (2) clear step-by-step procedures for due process, (3) and the identification of an appropriate office that securely maintains all information and records of complaints, appeals, proceedings, and instructions for filing a complaint with ICAITS and any other relevant government agencies (§602.16(a)(1)ix).

4.6 Federal Requirement: Transfer of Credit Policies

The institution has published policies and procedures for accepting credits in transfer. Published policies include criteria for evaluating, awarding, and accepting credit transfer. Policies and practices must ensure that course work is at the appropriate level for collegiate transfer. The institution awarding and accepting credit transfer is responsible for the quality of course work and credit given on the transcript. The policies and procedures must be published and communicated to those who administer the policies. Articulation agreements must be disclosed and the institution listed with which the agreement is made (§602.24(e)).

4.7 Distance Education

The institution demonstrates that programs and courses offered via Distance Education are in compliance with the Federal definition of Distance Education: Education that uses one or more of the technologies listed to deliver instruction to students who are separated from the instructor and to support regular and substantive interaction between the students and the instructor, either synchronously or asynchronously. The technologies may include the internet; one-way and two-way transmissions through open broadcast, closed circuit, cable, microwave, broadband lines, fiber optics, satellite, or wireless communications devices; audio conferencing; or video cassettes, DVDs, and CD-ROMs, if used in a course in conjunction with any of the technologies listed above (§602.3).

4.8 Verification of Student Identity

The institution has a process to verify that the student who registers for a program or course is the same student who participates in, completes, and receives credit. Methods to verify the student include but are not limited to: a secure login or passcode, proctored examinations, or new or other technologies and practices that are effective in verifying the identity of the student. Institutions must notify the student at the time of registration of any additional charges associated with the verification of student identity (§602.17(g)1).

4.9 Student Privacy

The institution has a written procedure for protecting the privacy of students enrolled in all programs or courses (§602.17(g)2).

4.10 Public Information

The institution makes available to students and the public through the institution’s Catalog(s), website and/or other methods, the following information: academic calendar, grading policies, refund policies, admission policies, program requirements, and information regarding tuition and fees (§602.16(a)(1)vii).

4.11 Advertising and Recruitment Materials, Policies, and Practice

The institution’s advertising and recruitment materials accurately represent the institution’s practices and policies (§602.16(a)(1)vii).

4.12 Fraud and Abuse

The institution does not engage in fraud or abuse and practices or procedures that are designed to deceive or falsify information to students (§602.27(6)).

4.13 Student Achievement

The institution’s assessment of student achievement includes, at a minimum, the collection and analysis of retention rates and graduation rates for undergraduate degree programs, and course completion rates for certificate programs, job placement rates, transfer rates, pass rates for state or other licensing examinations, and other appropriate measures. Student achievement information is made available to the public on the institution’s website and/or via other appropriate means in an easily accessible and understood format (§602.16(a)(1)).

4.14 Title IV Participation

If applicable, the institution maintains and demonstrates compliance with all relevant program responsibilities under Title IV of the most recent Higher Education Act as amended (§602.16(a)(1)x, §602.27(a)6, 7).

STANDARD 5 – GOVERNANCE AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The institution maintains an organizational and governance structure that offers adequate academic and administrative guidance, supervision, competence, and continuity to support the responsible, effective, and sustainable use of resources in alignment with its mission.

Core Accountabilities

5.1 Governance

5.1.1 Owners, Governing Board Members, and Other Leaders and Administrators

The institution’s owners, governing board members, and other leaders and administrators demonstrate appropriate qualification for the roles they fulfill, and demonstrate competence in their area(s) of appointment. Specifically, each demonstrates expertise in at least one area related to education administration, finance, design and delivery of educational programs, and student services. Each are above reproach in reputation, having a record of integrity and ethical conduct. Each demonstrate compliance with the institution’s policies, procedures and rules of conduct.

5.1.2 Succession Plan

The institution maintains a written plan for the continuation of operations in the event a leadership succession is necessary. The plan includes specific delineation of responsibilities and roles to be fulfilled during times of transition. The institution reviews the plan periodically and revises as needed.

5.2 Organizational Structure

5.2.1 Appropriate Structure

The institution maintains an organizational structure that offers adequate guidance, supervision, competence, and continuity to support the appropriate use of resources in sustainable fulfillment of the institution’s mission.

5.2.2 Transparency in Structure

The institution makes publicly accessible an organization chart that accurately reflects the assignment and accountabilities of all personnel. The institution reviews this chart annually and revises as needed.

STANDARD 6 – EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING

The institution’s strategic planning processes must involve every department and function and culminate in the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive Institutional Strategic Plan that considers both short term planning (1-2 years) and long term planning (3-5 years) for priorities and institutional goals.

In order to measure and ensure the effectiveness of the institution’s planning and execution, institutions will develop and maintain a comprehensive Institutional Assessment Plan. This plan identifies outcomes and assessments used to evaluate effectiveness in achieving those outcomes, and thoroughly describes all processes used to evaluate institutional functions and outcomes. The Institutional Assessment Plan leads to evidence of continuous improvement through analysis of assessment results.

Core Accountabilities

6.1 Institutional Assessment

6.1.1 Assessment Plan

The institution has developed, implemented, and assessed a comprehensive and Ownership/Board approved Assessment Plan resulting from global assessment processes and based on internal and external factors.

6.1.2 Global Process for Institutional Assessment

The institution utilizes multiple approaches (qualitative, quantitative, direct, and indirect) and demonstrates involvement from all departments in data-gathering and assessment of functions, institutional effectiveness, learner success, and outcomes.

6.1.3 Assessment of Effectiveness of Learning Outcomes

The institution maintains and regularly provides a systematic assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of learning outcomes at the institutional, program, and course levels against the standard of the institution’s mission.

6.2 Strategic Planning

6.2.1 Global Process for Strategic Planning

Based on processes aligned with the Assessment Plan, the institution demonstrates involvement from all departments in strategic planning processes and in the development and assessment of the Strategic Plan.

6.2.2 Strategic Plan

The institution has developed, implemented, and assessed an Ownership/Board approved Strategic Plan developed through the implementation of the Assessment Plan in consideration of internal and external factors, and which effectively aligns the institutions resources with the institutional mission, objectives, budget, and assessment.

STANDARD 7 – FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

The institution demonstrates its viability and sustainability through financial integrity and stability. The institution’s financial resources and facilities are adequate to fulfill the institution’s mission and to support its programs and activities for the foreseeable future.

Core Accountabilities

7.1 Adequate Financial Resources

The institution’s finances are adequate to support personnel, equipment, materials, support services, and facilities for delivering approved programs.

7.2 Annual Financial Report

The institution submits an annual financial report including at a minimum an itemized Profit and Loss Statement and current Balance Sheet.

7.3 Independent External Verification

An independent external review of the institution’s financial statements is conducted each year, in accordance with review and/or auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Independent external reviews demonstrate a recent history of financial stability.

7.4 Credit and Reserves

The institution demonstrates credit lines or other liquid reserves adequate to ensure sustainability of operations. Proprietary institutions demonstrate a pattern of cash distributions to shareholders of no more than 60% of net income.

7.5 Qualified Management

The institution has sufficient, competent finance management, led by a professionally qualified Chief Financial Officer.

7.6 Strategic Planning and Budgeting

Strategic planning and budgeting processes and outcomes are demonstrably connected and support the institution’s mission and objectives.

7.7 Internal Fiscal Evaluation

The institution, at administrative, executive, board, and ownership levels, regularly and systematically evaluates the institution’s fiscal condition and management of its financial operations, including the use of appropriate internal and external mechanisms which ensure financial stability including enrollment management, diversification of revenue resources, and realistic budgeting.

7.8 Facilities and Equipment

The institution provides, maintains, and controls adequate facilities and equipment to appropriately serve the needs of the educational programs, support services, and other mission related activities.

7.9 Technology and Resources

Information technology and electronic resources are sufficient to provide appropriate support for all functions of the institution’s operations.

7.10 Health, Safety, and Security

Appropriate health, safety, and security measures, including an Emergency Plan, are in place for all institutional facilities and activities.

STANDARD 8 – ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

The institution’s advertising, recruitment, enrollment, and retention efforts are ethical, transparent, and focused on attracting  prospective students who are likely to succeed, while its admissions criteria ensure applicants have the ability to succeed in a distance learning environment, reflecting the institution’s mission and values, and meeting established standards for disclosure, consumer protections and ethical practices.

Core Accountabilities

8.1 Recruitment

8.1.1 Advertising and Promotion

The institution ensures all advertising and promotions are ethical, clear, and accurate. Materials disclose education offerings and relevant occupational opportunities, and include the institution’s name, address, and website URL, as well as accreditation status and details.

8.1.2 Accuracy in Advertising

Advertisements accurately reflect programs and services, avoid using “guarantee,” and may use “free” in limited cases. In-residence components and costs are disclosed. Testimonials on the website are truthful, recent (under four years), and backed by signed written consent.

• Disclosures

The website, catalog, and enrollment agreements disclose:

1. Program details, costs, schedules, and delivery methods before collecting student contact information
2. That transfer credit is determined by the receiving institution.
3. Student consumer information as per federal and state regulations.

8.1.4 Catalog Archives

Catalogs are permanently archived.

8.1.5 Accuracy in ICAITS Accreditation Disclosures

The institution accurately reflects its accredited status and uses the official ICAITS accreditation logo and statement of accreditation (“Accredited by ICAITS” or “ICAITS Accredited”) when publishing its accreditation status in all online and print advertisements and promotional materials. ICAITS name, address, phone number, and web address are published on the institution’s website and catalog. The institution publicly corrects any misleading or inaccurate information it releases on its accreditation status or anything pertaining to ICAITS.

8.1.6 Learner Recruitment

The institution takes responsibility for the actions and conduct of its recruitment personnel, ensuring they are properly trained, licensed, and comply with state, federal, and ICAITS standards. All recruitment staff follow relevant laws and may not use misleading titles or advertise without authorization. If offering referral gifts, they must be limited to institution-branded items.

8.2 Enrollment

The institution sets admissions criteria to ensure applicants can succeed in their selected program(s), reflecting the institution’s mission, values, and learner population. All admission practices and agreements meet established standards and ethically disclose all party’s obligations.

8.2.1 Admissions Policies and Disclosures

Admissions policies ensure the institution enrolls learners capable of succeeding. Applicants are informed of criteria, educational demands, and required documents before enrollment. The institution admits learners regardless of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age, providing reasonable accommodations. Official transcripts must be received within one semester of admission, or the learner is withdrawn.

8.2.2 Learner Identity Verification and Permissions

Learner identity verification is conducted during admissions to ensure the learner completing coursework and assessments is the same one awarded credit. The institution obtains permission from responsible parties to ensure that enrolling learners below the compulsory school age does not interfere with required schooling.

8.2.3 Admissions Criteria

The institution’s admissions criteria align with its mission and ensure applicants can succeed. Criteria are applied consistently, and exceptions are documented. Non-English transcripts are evaluated by qualified third parties, and language proficiency is verified for non-native English speakers.

8.2.3.1 Non-Degree and Undergraduate Programs

The institution obtains official documentation of a high school diploma or equivalent (or report of good standing for early college learners) at admission. For self-certification, applicants must sign a statement confirming their diploma, provide school details, and follow procedures to validate the information if necessary.

8.2.3.2 Graduate Programs

At admission, the institution requires official documentation of a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution.

8.2.3.3 Doctoral Programs

At admission, the institution requires documentation of a master’s degree from an accredited institution and relevant academic experience.

8.2.4 Admission Disclosure

The institution notifies applicants of admission and documents the reasons for any denial.

8.2.5 Credit Transfer and Equivalent and Experiential Learning

The institution has a fair transfer credit policy published in the catalog, with clear steps and required documentation. Students can appeal transfer credit decisions. Credits are not denied solely based on the accrediting institution. Experiential learning credits cannot exceed 25% of any degree, and are determined according to the CAEL Ten Standards for Assessing Learning. Learners must complete at least 25% of their degree credits through the awarding institution.

8.2.6 Enrollment Agreements

The institution provides enrollment agreements that clearly describe the educational program and fully inform applicants of the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both the learner and the institution. Before acceptance, learners must acknowledge the tuition refund policy, which is published in the agreement, catalog, and website. Agreements become binding only after submission by the learner and acceptance by the institution, with a copy provided within 10 days and maintained in the student’s record. All agreements comply with federal and state requirements, including required disclosures, type size, notice to buyer, and computation examples. Any separate payment contracts are incorporated by reference into the enrollment agreement.

8.3 Enrollment Policies and Disclosures

The institution maintains fair tuition, refund, cancellation, and collection policies, clearly discloses costs and fees on enrollment agreements, and applies all procedures consistently and ethically.

8.3.1 Financial Disclosures

The institution discloses all education-related costs, including tuition, fees, materials, and required services, before enrollment. Optional service costs and the refund policy, including a sample calculation, are clearly communicated, and student acknowledgment is documented.

8.3.2 Cancellation and Withdrawal Policies and Disclosures

The institution maintains and applies fair, published cancellation and withdrawal policies. Learners may submit notice of cancellation or withdrawal through approved methods designated by the institution, which comply with federal and state requirements and do not impose undue difficulty. Learners have five calendar days after signing the enrollment agreement to cancel and receive a full refund of all payments. Cancellations after five days but before the program begins are eligible for a refund minus certain fees, including an application or transfer evaluation fee (up to $75USD), a one-time registration fee (up to 20% of tuition, not exceeding $200USD), and any third-party library or resource service fees. Learners who have paid in full but are not eligible for a refund still receive all educational materials, including kits and equipment. If promissory notes or enrollment agreements are sold to third parties, both the institution and the third parties must comply with ICAITS cancellation policies.

8.3.3 Refund Policy

The institution has a fair refund policy, that complies with state and ICAITS standards, and that is disclosed in the enrollment agreement. The institution refunds any money due within 30 days of cancellation.

8.3.3.1 Time Based Term Refund Policy

Institutions using a time-based term refund policy must refund 100% of tuition for courses not started and disclose the refund schedule in the enrollment agreement. For multi-course programs, each course is treated separately for refunds. The institution may retain the application fee, a one-time registration fee (up to 20% of tuition, max $200USD), and library/resource fees, with the remainder refunded per the published schedule.

8.3.3.2 Flexible Time Schedule Refund Policy

Institutions using a flexible time schedule refund policy must disclose curriculum benchmarks (10%, 25%, 50% completion). If a student cancels after completing at least one but less than 50% of assignments, the institution may retain the application fee, a registration fee (up to 20% of tuition, max $200USD), and library/resource fees, with the remainder refunded per the schedule.

8.3.3.3 Residential Refund Policy

For courses with mandatory in-residence training, the enrollment agreement must list distance and in-residence costs separately. Distance study refunds follow standard or flexible policies, while in-residence refunds use the time-based policy if over six weeks or flexible policy if under six weeks. After the first in-residence session, the institution may retain the application fee, a registration fee (up to 20% of tuition, max $200USD), and library/resource fees, with the remainder refunded per policy.

8.3.4 Collection Procedures

The institution’s collection procedures are ethical, fair, support learner success, and respect the rights of both learners and the institution.

STANDARD 9 – ACADEMICS

The institution’s programs, offered in-person, online, or in hybrid formats, focus on learner education within a transformative context, that is aligned with the ICAITS Values and Affirmations, follow recognized postsecondary fields of study, and include clear course requirements and completion procedures. Program learning outcomes clearly define the knowledge and skills learners will gain. Curricula and materials are well-designed, cohesive, up-to-date, and supported by appropriate faculty and resources, ensuring evaluation methods align with outcomes and meet accepted educational standards.

Core Accountabilities

9.1 Programs, Curricula, and Assessment

9.1.1 Degree Program Requirements

The institution offers at least one certificate, competency, diploma, or degree program. Degree programs require a minimum of 60 credit hours for an associate, 120 for a baccalaureate, and 30 for graduate, doctoral, and professional programs.

9.1.2 Mission Alignment

Each program clearly relates to the mission and objectives of the institution

9.1.3 General Education

Undergraduate programs include a broad general education core: baccalaureate programs require at least 30 credit hours across key disciplines, and associate programs require at least 15 credit hours.

9.1.4 Education Outcomes

The institution establishes clearly defined, measurable learning outcomes at the course, program, and institutional levels. These outcomes guide curriculum design, instructional methods, and assessment practices, and are consistently reflected in both academic programs and support services to ensure alignment with overall educational goals. The institution’s programs provide a common core of knowledge, enhancing students’ educational and vocational skills, and meet accepted standards for their level.

9.1.5 Education Assessment and Continuous Improvement

The institution has a systematic, ongoing process for evaluating all educational programs. This evaluation includes analyzing the achievement of program learning outcomes, learner retention, completion and graduation rates, job placement success, and, when applicable, licensing or certification exam results, along with any other relevant evidence to assess program effectiveness and inform improvements.

9.1.6 Education Level Distinction

Graduate programs meet post-baccalaureate standards of rigor, advance learners’ development, and clearly differentiate expectations and outcomes among baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels of study.

9.1.7 Learning Resources and Research Support

The institution maintains and makes available to all learners adequate library and learning resources that support the institutional mission and programs, and that support the continued growth and development of learners and faculty.

9.1.8 Institutional Support for Library and Learning Resources

The institution supports the library and learning resources with adequate funding and qualified personnel appropriate for maintaining and developing the library and learning resources.

9.1.9 Technology Integration and Innovation

The institution demonstrates commitment to innovation in  integrates information resources and technology into education, ensuring students develop proficiency appropriate to their degree or field.

9.2 Faculty

The institution retains qualified faculty with appropriate credentials and experience who provide effective instruction aligned with the institution’s mission and contribute to academic policy development. The institution upholds and protects academic freedom for faculty, allowing them to teach, research, and express ideas responsibly within their disciplines while supporting open inquiry, intellectual diversity, the institution’s mission and standards, and ICAITS Values and Affirmations.

9.2.1 Adequate Faculty

The institution retains an adequate number of faculty who are spiritually, academically, and experientially qualified to support the programs offered, deliver instruction effectively, and fulfill related academic and institutional responsibilities.

9.2.2 Engaged Faculty

The institution’s faculty support its mission and objectives by fulfilling all required responsibilities, including teaching, curriculum development and review, and academic oversight. Faculty ensure the quality and integrity of educational programs and actively participate in institutional governance.

9.2.3 Terminal Requirements

A minimum of 25% of baccalaureate level and 100% of graduate level and above courses in each program are taught by faculty who hold a terminal degree in the appropriate discipline, ensuring academic depth, rigor, and subject-matter expertise. There may be exceptions for faculty with exceptional tested experience. Such exceptions are transparent and well documented.

9.2.4 Faculty Leadership

The institution publishes and enforces policies defining faculty responsibilities for curriculum and academic oversight. The institution has a structured process for faculty leadership in developing, reviewing, modifying, and assessing all educational programs. This process ensures curricula remain current, academically rigorous, aligned with learning outcomes, and responsive to learner needs and institutional goals.

9.2.5 Faculty Development

The institution offers to faculty ongoing opportunities for professional and spiritual development to support continuous improvement as educators, scholars, and practitioners, and to enhance instructional effectiveness and alignment with the institution’s mission.

9.2.6 Faculty Evaluation

The institution conducts regular evaluations of each faculty member using published criteria to assess teaching effectiveness, professional performance, and contribution to academic quality, and uses the results to support continuous improvement.

STANDARD 10 – LEARNER SUCCESS

The institution provides comprehensive services that support learners’ spiritual, intellectual, and personal development. It recruits, admits, and enrolls learners responsibly, promotes their academic success, and offers the resources and support services necessary to help students achieve their educational goals.

Core Accountabilities

10.1 Learner Support

The institution provides a range of services for learner success that are aligned with the institution’s mission and objectives, ensuring that all learners have access to support regardless of their location or whether they study on-campus, online, or through hybrid programs.

10.2 Learner Success Personnel

The institution retains a sufficient number of qualified personnel in learner services who possess the appropriate education, training, and experience to effectively support learners. These persons provide guidance, resources, and assistance that help learners succeed academically, personally, and spiritually, ensuring that the institution fulfills its mission and objectives.

10.3 Advising and Counseling

The institution provides academic advising and career counseling services tailored to its educational programs. These services guide learners in selecting courses, developing academic plans, achieving learning outcomes, and preparing for careers in their chosen fields, ensuring support for both their educational and professional development.

10.4 Financial Aid (Where Applicable)

If the institution offers financial aid, then the institution offers comprehensive student financial aid services, managed by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. These services include guidance on available funding options, assistance with completing applications for federal, state, and institutional aid (if applicable) explanation of eligibility requirements, and counseling on financial planning and repayment responsibilities, where applicable. The goal is to ensure learners have the resources and support needed to access and manage financial resources effectively, enabling them to pursue and complete their educational programs successfully.

10.5 Alumni Services

The institution provides ongoing support for alumni to promote their continued success after graduation. This includes career services, networking opportunities, access to professional development resources, mentoring programs, and guidance on further education or certifications. Alumni support is designed to help graduates apply their learning in professional and personal contexts, maintain connections with the institution, and advance in their careers or community roles, ensuring the long-term impact of their education.