CIIS AND ACTCM Sign Letter of Intent to Merge

Merger Expands Opportunities for Mind, Body, Spirit Education and Research     

SAN FRANCISCO, June 20, 2014 — California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) today jointly announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to merge.
CIIS, based in San Francisco’s South Central Market area, is an accredited institution of higher education that offers bachelor of arts, masters’, and doctoral degrees; and operates six counseling centers citywide.
ACTCM, located on top of Potrero Hill, is a leader in the education of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. The college offers master’s and doctoral level degrees as well as clinical services to the community both on and off campus.
“I am delighted that after a thorough due diligence process, ACTCM and CIIS, which share common roots and a commitment to healing, have enthusiastically decided to merge to the mutual benefit of their students and communities,” said Joseph L. Subbiondo, President of CIIS.
Under the proposed merger, CIIS becomes a more comprehensive institution while retaining its overall mission and remaining true to the spirit of its founding. ACTCM becomes part of a larger entity where it has a natural mission fit, at the same time that its gains a robust infrastructure of resources and regional accreditation. ACTCM would also become the fourth school in CIIS.
“ACTCM is truly excited about the potential collaborations to rise from this new partnership. The strong focus on mind, body, and spirit at both colleges will provide many opportunities for new educational and clinical endeavors,” said ACTCM President Lixin Huang.
Both institutions have completed their due diligence work. The LOI was signed on June 16, 2014. The definitive legal agreement is expected to be signed and provided to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) by Aug. 15, 2014.
Implementation of the merger will begin as soon as necessary approvals are granted. CIIS has held WASC accreditation since 1981. The process will take place over an extended period with the combined financials in place at the start of CIIS’s fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015.
About CIIS CIIS is an internationally recognized leader in integral education. CIIS has an enrollment of 1,400 students pursuing degrees in a variety of academic programs in its schools of Consciousness and Transformation, Professional Psychology and Health, and Undergraduate Studies. In addition, CIIS hosts a vibrant art exhibition program through The Arts at CIIS, as well as offering a dynamic array of events through its Public Programs & Performances division, including workshops, concerts, and conferences. The Institute provides low-cost mental health services to the San Francisco Bay Area through its six award-winning counseling centers.
About ACTCM Founded in 1980 in San Francisco, The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) is one of the oldest acupuncture and Chinese medicine colleges in the country. Distinguished faculty and a rigorous curriculum have established ACTCM as a truly exceptional program that brings in students from all over the world. ACTCM offers master’s and doctoral degrees in acupuncture and Chinese medicine as well as a broad selection of certificate programs, public classes, and continuing education courses. Recognized as “Best of the Bay,” the ACTCM Acupuncture and Herbal Clinic, and off-site clinics serve as a training ground for students while providing affordable health care services to the community. The college has also been honored for its strong leadership role in promoting sustainable health care, particularly through protecting endangered species with WWF, AAF, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Save the Tiger Fund.

Contact Information

James David Martin CIIS 415.575.6165 jmartin@ciis.edu

Crystal Erlendson ACTCM 415.229.9735 crystalerlendson@actcm.edu


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About American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) has provided affordable, quality health care to the public and trained professionals in acupuncture, massage and Chinese medicine since 1980. In addition to its graduate curriculum, ACTCM offers continuing education, public education, community outreach and clinical services in acupuncture and herbal medicine. ACTCM has been the recipient of many awards for its curriculum, faculty and clinic, and has been voted “Best of the Bay” by both the San Francisco Weekly and the San Francisco Bay Guardian. ACTCM is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.