Students and faculty at the International College of the Cayman Islands celebrated what will become a 35-year milestone of U.S. accreditation with its renewal notice by an independent council this month.

Based in Washington D.C., the renewal by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is significant because it provides assurance that ICCI meets or exceeds an international standard for its bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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,” said Ms. Bent-Hamilton. ”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.”

Another ICCI student, Davin Barrett who is working on a bachelor’s degree in finance, said the accreditation renewal is particularly important since so many firms conduct business with U.S. clients.

“Accreditation tells the world that the degree that I hold has met the requirements of academic excellence, and is accepted throughout the United States as authoritative,” said Mr. Barrett. “Having independent accreditation gives me a fighting chance to compete with other young professionals who may have studied abroad and even those who have studied locally.

Dean Scott Cummings stated this 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,” said the Dean.

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, says International College president, John Cummings, PhD.

“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 U.S.”

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