Although receiving initial accreditation is a complex and daunting task which requires commitment to educational quality, once an institution has earned a grant of accreditation it must meet all of the additional requirements outlined in the Accreditation Criteria, Title II, Chapters 1 and 2. These chapters explain that institutions not only must periodically reapply for accreditation, but that they also must prepare extensive Annual Institutional and Financial Reports which summarize the enrollment and financial condition of the institution. Furthermore, institutions may be required to prepare interim reports for a number of reasons. Finally, institutions must report changes in the mission, objectives, ownership, programs, names, location, and non-main locations whenever these occur. This additional reporting helps keep ACICS abreast of the current conditions at the institution and assists the Council in its assessment of educational quality, but it also can be an administrative burden for an institution not sufficiently organized to maintain its compliance with the Accreditation Criteria.

Academic Standards 
The essential elements of a curriculum and syllabus provided below are intended as tools for institutions to utilize when establishing new programs or revising existing programs.

Annual Reporting 
All ACICS-accredited institutions are required to submit an Annual Financial Report (AFR), Ownership/Control Disclosure Form, and audited financial statements 180 days following the end of the institution's financial year.

Late Filings 
A $500 late fee will be charged if the AFR is received after the due date.

Interim Reporting 
The Council occasionally requires accredited institutions to submit additional financial information based on the school’s reported financial position.

Classification of Campuses 
The Council classifies campus activities into three categories: main (including additional space—see Glossary definition), branch (including additional space), and learning site.

Change of Location 
Section 2-2-602 of the ACICS Accreditation Criteria governs changes of location.

Change of Name 
Section 2-2-601 of the ACICS Accreditation Criteria governs changes of name.

Campus Closure 
The institution has an obligation to make appropriate arrangements when closing an institution.

Change of Ownership or Control 
Section 2-2-400 of the Accreditation Criteria provides for an automatic, self-executing discontinuation of accreditation effective on the date of a change of ownership/control of an institution accredited by ACICS.

Distance Education
A Distance Education Application must be submitted and approved by ACICS prior to the initiation of any distance education or online activity, including one or more courses or entire programs.

Evaluation Visits 
Prior to any evaluation visit, an institution should forward the Evaluation Visit Update Report directly to each team member at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled visit.

Faculty Enhancement 
Section 3-1-543 of the Accreditation Criteria requires institutions to establish faculty development plans including in-service and/or professional growth activities to enhance faculty expertise.

Interim Report for Eight-Year Grants
An Interim Report must be submitted by June 30 of the fourth year (mid-point) of an eight-year grant of accreditation. This report will undergo evaluation, and based upon a review of the report, visit(s) may be required as determined by the Council. Click here for Interim Report. 

Programs 
The Council must be notified prior to the start of any new program and must issue its approval before an institution advertises, recruits, or enrolls students in the proposed program.