ICCI retains US accreditation for degrees

(CNS): The International College of the Cayman Islands has achieved something of a milestone with the renewal of its US accreditation for the 35th year. This means that students taking degrees at both under and post graduate level are assured that ICCI meets or exceeds international standards for those qualifications. The independent college’s dean, Scott Cummings, said the 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,” he said.

Initially accredited in 1979, accreditation must be periodically re-evaluated. Preparations for the renewal are rigorous, which take about a year and involve a wide range of faculty, the college president, Dr John Cummings, added.

“Faculty credentials, course offerings, syllabi, exams and grading policies are combed through,” said Dr Cummings. “Council representatives come to the campus and sit in on classes to evaluate teaching methods as well as interview students and faculty. And all these elements are compared to senior level colleges and universities in the US.”

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. The accreditation renewal runs through December 31, 2014.

Graduate student Melisa Bent-Hamilton said being accredited was a key part in 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 meet global standards. Having U.S. accreditation means that I am much more marketable and I can compete at the global level.”

Davin Barrett echoed her comments and said having independent accreditation for his degree once its finished will give him a fighting chance to compete with other young professionals.