The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recently renewed its accreditation to the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology (WCBT), which signifies “the quality and merit of WCBT’s curriculum.”
AACSB International describes itself as a global nonprofit association that connects educators, students and businesses to form the next generation of leaders. Receiving the accreditation is not an easy task for schools to accomplish as there are many qualifications to be met.
“It is a rigorous process that involves strategic planning, faculty qualifications and assurance of learning. To be AACSB accredited, the college must demonstrate through a detailed self-study of its faculty meeting certain academic and professional standards, and it must demonstrate its students are meeting certain learning outcomes while the college has adequate resources and facilities,” said Michael Larobina, acting dean of the WCBT.
The school achieving accreditation from the AACSB is beneficial for both the professors and the students at Sacred Heart University.
“When it comes time for students to seek out internships and jobs, employers take into consideration if the school they attended is accredited. The accreditation aids in validating the quality of the program, adding value to the degrees earned in the Welch College of Business & Technology,” said Barbara Gerwien, Manager of Accreditation Data and Reporting at Sacred Heart University.
There are many plans for the future of the Jack Welch College of Business and its potential for expansion.
“In order to maintain accreditation, the faculty of the WCBT is always evaluating the needs of our students and the external business community to develop business programs to meet their needs,” said Laborina.
According to the SHU Newsroom, “today, a total of 935 institutions across 59 countries and territories have earned AACSB accreditation in business. SHU first earned its accreditation in 2006.”
Some students already feel the excitement of the university achieving this accreditation as they understand its value.
“I am stoked that I attend a college with this accreditation,” said junior Patrick Milner. “Knowing that this type of achievement will help my resume makes me excited and I definitely look forward to what the WCBT has to offer.”
Some students feel like their time spent studying and learning at Sacred Heart is paying off and will help them find the jobs they desire after they graduate.
“I feel like once I graduate, finding jobs will be easier as my resume will be stronger since companies will know that I graduated from a university that was accredited by the AACSB,” said junior Keelin Masuer. “I will be graduating next year, and I look forward to showcasing my accomplishments at Sacred Heart.”
A Dean for the College of Business and Technology has been recently appointed.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Catherine McCabe joining us in the role as Dean of the College of Business and Technology. Dr. McCabe’s appointment was announced on March 18, 2022, by Dr. Petillo,” said Gerwien.
