Doctrinal Standard
AICCS requires member institutions to provide a statement of their faith position and beliefs to represent their religious identity. This is part of the AICCS standard. As such, institutions must comply with this requirement to be granted Candidacy (pre-accredited) or Accredited status and to maintain membership with AICCS.
An institution's Faith Statement defines its Christian nature by affirming its primary doctrinal matters. Institutions are not required to duplicate the AICCS Statement of Faith, but their Faith Statement should identify them as part of the evangelical Protestant tradition in higher education.
The institution’s Board and administration set forth the institution's current position. The document should also inform prospective students, faculty, administrators, Board members, and external constituencies regarding the institution's religious identity.
AICCS Statement of Faith
Association of Independent Christian Colleges and Seminaries subscribes to the following Statement of Faith of the National Association of Evangelicals.
We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in his ascension to the right hand of the Father, and His return in power and glory.
We believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of lost and sinful people.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they are saved unto the resurrection of life and are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ethical Standard: Governance & Student Protection
At the heart of this Christian foundation is a simple principle: to “love our neighbor as ourselves.” This approach not only upholds human dignity but also provides the highest assurance of quality for adult learners.
Commitment to a Biblical Code of Ethics
Faculty and leaders are expected to model ethical behavior, responsible leadership, and practices consistent with the school’s stated Christian mission. Member institutions affirm a biblical Code of Ethics that guides all policies, practices, and decision-making. Schools commit to:
- Upholding a biblical ethic in all areas of governance and operation.
- Protecting students from physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse.
- Safeguarding students from exposure to unbiblical teaching or practices.
- Modeling ethical conduct and servant-hearted leadership consistent with the mission of Christian education.
Standards of Integrity and Accountability
Member institutions are expected to operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability in all areas of leadership and administration. This includes:
- Institutional transparency — clear, honest communication about programs, policies, and operations.
- Truthful and ethical marketing — accurate representation of offerings, outcomes, and credentials.
- Fair and accessible grievance procedures — ensuring students have a safe, respectful pathway for raising concerns.
- Compliance with applicable laws and regulations — maintaining lawful and responsible institutional practices.
AICCS Code of Ethics
(Adapted from “Code of Ethics for Pastors” and used with permission of the National Association of Evangelicals)
“We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.” (II Cor. 6:3) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (Phil. 1:27)
PURSUE INTEGRITY
“I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent.” (I Chron. 29:17)
In Personal Character
Exalt Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or over-promising; peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not slothful. Avoid and, when necessary, report conflicts of interest and seek counsel.
In Personal Care
Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical dimensions of your person, for “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.” (I Cor. 6:19)
In Working, Teaching, Mentoring, Coaching, etc.
PURSUE INTEGRITY
“I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent.” (I Chron. 29:17)
In Personal Character
Exalt Christ, not self. Be honest, not exaggerating or over-promising; peace-loving, not contentious; patient, not volatile; diligent, not slothful. Avoid and, when necessary, report conflicts of interest and seek counsel.
In Personal Care
Care for the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical dimensions of your person, for “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.” (I Cor. 6:19)
In Working, Teaching, Mentoring, Coaching, etc.
BE TRUSTWORTHY
It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (I Cor. 4:2)
In Leadership
Model God's trustworthiness in leadership to encourage and develop trustworthiness in others. Use power and influence prudently and humbly.
Foster loyalty. Demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of your team and the entire student body. Keep promises. Respond sensitively and appropriately to students' and your team’s requests and needs. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” (Luke 16:11)
With Information
Guard confidences carefully. Inform a person in advance, if possible, when an admission is about to be made that may legally require the disclosure of that information. Communicate truthfully and discreetly when asked about individuals with destructive or sinful behavior patterns. Tell the truth, or remain discreetly silent. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” (Prov. 11:13)
With Resources
Be honest and prudent regarding personal and school resources. Refuse gifts that could compromise integrity. Ensure that all designated gifts are used for their intended purpose. “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” (Luke 16:11)
SEEK PURITY
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (I Tim. 4:12)
In Maintaining Sexual Purity
Avoid sinful sexual behavior and inappropriate involvement with your team members and students. Resist temptation: “Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.” (Eph. 5:3)
In Spiritual Formation
Earnestly seek the help of the Holy Spirit for guidance and spiritual growth. Be faithful to maintain a heart of devotion to the Lord. Be consistent and intentional in prayer and scriptural study: “Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (II Cor. 10:5)
In Theology
Study the Bible regularly and carefully to understand its message, and embrace biblical doctrine. In forming theology, consider biblical teaching authoritative over all other sources.
In Professional Practice
Identify a minister/counselor who can provide personal counseling and advice when needed. Develop an awareness of personal needs and vulnerabilities. Avoid taking advantage of the vulnerabilities of others through exploitation or manipulation. Address the misconduct of another staff or faculty member directly or, if necessary, through appropriate persons to whom that member of the staff may be accountable.
EMBRACE ACCOUNTABILITY
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gains, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (I Pet. 5:2-3)
In finances
Promote accepted accounting practices and regular audits. Ensure that school funds are used for their intended educational purposes.
In Teaching
Ensure clarity in authority structures, decision-making procedures, position descriptions, and grievance policies. Model accountability in the highest organizational levels.
In Institutional Organization
Ensure compliance with school standards and expectations, including regular reports.
Grievances
Brought Before the School
Member institutions are responsible for receiving and resolving student grievances related to personal concerns, academic matters, classroom issues, interpersonal conflicts, or general dissatisfaction. Schools must maintain fair and accessible grievance procedures that provide students with a safe, respectful pathway to raise concerns. These internal processes are the primary avenue for addressing issues that do not involve standards-level or policy-level violations.
Complaint Eligibility
Brought Before AICCS
AICCS accepts grievances only when an allegation indicates that a member institution is not complying with the AICCS Standards of Excellence or with the policies provided during the annual review or reaccreditation process. Complaints must relate directly to noncompliance at the standards or policy level. AICCS does not mediate personal disputes, academic disagreements, or general dissatisfaction concerns. Click here to read more.