January 2, 2009
Bryant University reaccredited by AACSB International
College of Business is cited for excellent faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and a world-class degree in international business.
Bryant University's undergraduate and graduate business programs remain among the world's best, according to AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which reaffirmed Bryant's AACSB accreditation earlier this month. (Learn more about AACSB.)
Fewer than five percent of the world's business schools are accredited by AACSB International, an association of more than 1,100 educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations in 70 countries that is dedicated to advancing business education worldwide. Bryant has maintained its AACSB designation since it was first accredited in 1994.
To maintain accreditation, the College of Business must meet specific AACSB standards of excellence. A team of business school deans visited the Bryant campus in early November to evaluate the programs as they relate to the University's mission, strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students in the educational process, and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
A culture dedicated to learning
The evaluators were particularly impressed by Bryant's culture of academic program assessment, engagement, and innovative educational programs that respond to the needs of the marketplace, according to V.K. Unni, vice president for academic affairs.
"Since our last reaccreditation visit by AACSB in 2003, Bryant has pursued a strategically aggressive plan for growth that included the addition of a Bachelor of Science in International Business and several new tenure-track business faculty," Unni said.
"Our faculty's commitment to making continuous improvements that ensure a high-quality education for our students helped us maintain the AACSB accreditation."
Over the last two years, Bryant has welcomed 25 new tenure or tenure-track faculty including 13 in the College of Business.
In March, Bryant accepted an invitation to become a full member of the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE). The organization, which was founded in 2003 by 10 nationally-ranked international business programs, aims to promote, enhance, and innovate the way international business is taught.
Bryant hosted the 2008 CUIBE spring conference and shared its philosophy for teaching international business, which includes language, cultural, and study abroad components. (To learn more, visit CUIBE.)
Last spring, the first class of International Business students graduated from Bryant.
Innovative learning
AACSB International commended Bryant for the University’s continued efforts to create an innovative and stimulating educational experience for undergraduate and graduate students. Some examples include:
