CECU Calls on Congress to Protect the 235,000 Students at ACICS Schools

January 2, 2018 - Arlington, Va. - Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) today called upon Congress to extend the time for ACICS schools to find a new accreditor. In a formal letter to congressional leaders, CECU president and CEO Steve Gunderson shared new research showing that over 235,000 students are at risk of losing access to completion of their degrees if Congress fails to act.

In his letter, Gunderson wrote: "This is not, and should not be, a partisan issue. When the Obama Department of Education announced their decision to revoke ACICS recognition, I was assured by the Department leadership this action was not meant to harm the schools or the students, and that every step would be taken to help schools make the transition. We now need everyone involved to make sure schools are given time to find new accreditors, and that accreditors are given time to conduct appropriate reviews.”

CECU released a study they conducted on the status of schools seeking new accreditation. Except for a small number of schools that have chosen to cease operations, most schools have submitted their applications with new accreditors. But the process has been slow because accreditors do not have the staff and resources to move quickly. Many schools have been forced to comply with the requirements of both their current accreditor and a new accreditor.

“Early in this process, a group of accreditors wrote to the Department making clear they would be unable to consider all the requests for new accreditation within the current timeline. The only way we can protect the more than 235,000 students attending these institutions is to give the schools and the accreditors more time,” said Gunderson. “Unfortunately, this requires legislative action. We continue to work with the Congress to include such legislation in the Omnibus Appropriations Bill. But that legislation keeps being delayed.”

Gunderson called upon Congress to either enact the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, or pass under suspension this simple extension of time.

To speak with Mr. Gunderson, please contact Clay Sutton at clay.sutton@career.org, or call (540) 236-8227.

About Career Education Colleges and Universities
The Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is a voluntary membership organization of accredited, postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that provide career-specific educational programs. CECU has about 500 member campuses that educate and support millions of students for employment in over 200 occupational fields. CECU member institutions provide the full range of higher education programs, including masters and doctorate degrees, two- and four-year associate and baccalaureate degree programs, and short-term certificate and diploma programs.