Clara posted the following supplementary information on the MBA to a First Class conference, in response to some student concerns.  We though we would share it here as well, in case there are faculty and staff have similar questions.

1. The MBA degree will continue.
2. The reorganization does not put the AACSB accreditation in jeopardy.  We have already had preliminary conversations with AACSB, have notified them of our upcoming merger with Middlebury, and have started proceedings to request a substantive change that would officially transfer accreditation to Middlebury upon the completion of the merger in 2010.  AACSB personnel have expressed an eagerness to work with us, as they, like we, are interested in the outcome of a rigorous and vital MBA program.
3.  Current students will have the same curriculum, the same degree, and the same accreditation.
4. The two school model of administrative organization does not preclude any program being appropriately distinguished by specific admissions requirements or degree requirements, or the engagement of appropriately qualified faculty in curricular decision making. Nor does it preclude program-specific data collection, resource allocation, or tracking of expenditures.
5.  Attached are the AACSB accreditation standards, for those who are Interested.  They are focused on program quality, not administrative structure. As they state, “The administrative structure within which the
programs are offered is at the discretion of the institution. While no particular administrative structure is mandated, the organizational structure and procedures must foster strategic management and continuous
improvement.”

2 thoughts on “AACSB Accreditation

  1. I think this is a really good example of how we, as faculty and staff, should be the solution rather than fuel the rumor fire in order to have a constructive conversation about restructuring. Thanks for blogging this!

  2. Hear, hear, Lynn! Imagine what great things could come if we all focus our energies on progress instead of proliferating rumors and hearsay. Here’s to a fantastic future for a fantastic institution!

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