Statement of Purpose

The Association is a non-governmental, voluntary organization of educational institutions, acting through their respective Commissions (as defined below), comitted to excellence in all levels across the continuum of education, whose purposes are to encourage, advance, assist and sustain the quality and integrity of education. In order to acheive these purposes in the public interest, the Association shall establish appropriate criteria and levels of educational excellence and effectiveness, and work with other organizations, agencies, and institutions to achieve cooperation and coordination between and among schools, colleges and universities.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, these purposes shall be effected:

1. Through the three accrediting commissions and any joint accrediting or similar committee, described in Article VI hereof (the "Commissions"), evaluating and accrediting educational institutions;
2. By the process of evaluation and accreditation carried out by the three accrediting Commissions, assisting members and candidates in carrying out their particular educational goals, and improving the effectiveness of each institution;
3. By advancing education through cooperation with appropriate agencies and organizations;
4. By initiating and sustaining such research as may be consistent with the purposes of the Association;
5. By organizing and encouraging the discussion and examination of educational issues by representatives of educational institutions and agencies, and promoting the common pursuit of solutions to educational problems;
6. By speaking for the membership on educational issues in appropriate private and public forums without in any manner restricting the right of each member of the Commission of the Association to represent its own views in such forums.