SAN FRANCISCO, November 14, 2014 — California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ACTCM) jointly announce the approval of their proposal to merge by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (“WSCUC”).
In its letter, WSCUC confirmed that its Structural Change Committee has endorsed the findings of the Substantive Change Committee and its respective site visit report. WSCUC, in recommending approval, cited the deep collaboration among CIIS and ACTCM leadership, staff, faculty, and students and their grasp of the importance and complexity of the merger.
The merger, set to be implemented on July 1, 2015, integrates ACTCM into CIIS as a distinct and fourth college of CIIS.
“The approval by WSCUC of the merger of our two institutions acknowledges the commendable work of both academic communities,” said CIIS President Joseph L. Subbiondo. “I am grateful to everyone at ACTCM and CIIS for making this possible and a soon-to-be reality.”
WSCUC further said that the two institutions successfully addressed all areas of review by the site visitors with an in-depth and transparent analysis—particularly those issues related to governance, strategic planning, financial stability, enrollment management, student support services, and faculty.
“With the official approval from WASC, we can move forward with the merger with CIIS as planned,” said ACTCM President Lixin Huang. “What a great accomplishment for both CIIS and ACTCM.”
With the 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, and at the same time gains a robust infrastructure of resources and regional accreditation. The union of the two institutions expands opportunities for mind, body, and spirit education and research.
CIIS and ACTCM signed a letter of intent in June 2014.
About CIIS
CIIS is an internationally recognized leader in integral education. CIIS has an enrollment of 1,300 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.
Contact Information
James David Martin
CIIS
415.575.6165
jmartin@ciis.edu
Crystal Erlendson
ACTCM
415.229.9735
crystalerlendson@actcm.edu
Click here to view upcoming ACTCM events.
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.