Photo by David Lipnowski
Asper School of Business earns extended accreditation from AACSB International
Accreditation a hallmark of business school excellence, held by Asper School for 25 years
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has officially announced the University of Manitoba’s and Asper School of Business’ continued accreditation.
Accreditation from AACSB is one of the highest standards of achievement for business schools, achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide, and the Asper School has been accredited since 1999. With this latest extension, the Asper School of Business will remain accredited until 2029.
“This announcement is exceptional news for the Asper School of Business,” says Dean Bruno Silvestre. “AACSB accreditation reflects our commitment to offering exceptional business education to students in Manitoba with a focus on pursuing continuous improvement and making a positive societal impact. It is an achievement shared by every member of the Asper School of Business community, and it empowers us to continue generating cutting-edge research in business and training the leaders of tomorrow.”
AACSB assesses school progress across nine guiding principles and standards for business accreditation, emphasizing engagement, innovation and impact. Every five to six years, accredited schools compile a continuous improvement review reporting their progress in strategic management, learner success, and thought leadership, engagement, and societal impact.
Schools are then assessed by a peer-review team (PRT) of fellow business school deans. When the PRT visited the Drake Centre in March, faculty and staff at the Asper School of Business showed up proudly.
The PRT commended the various and diverse experiential learning opportunities available at the Asper School of Business, highlighting the hundreds of students who participated in case and pitch competitions during the year of record. They also cited the impressive 25% of undergraduates who participate in the Asper Co-op Program, mentioning the School’s high placement and employment rates.
Above all, the PRT praised the Asper School of Business’ connection to the business community, emphasizing the role of The Associates of the Asper School of Business, a network of over 550 business leaders dedicated to advancing business education in Manitoba.
In their final report, the PRT wrote, “Through the Associates program, the support of entrepreneurship, and many partnerships with industry, Asper is serving as the premiere talent pipeline to industry in the Winnipeg area. In so doing, they are contributing to critical workforce needs throughout the province.”
For Silvestre, this feedback represents far more than a successful months-long review process.
“The wonderful feedback we received from the PRT is indicative of the energy, passion and pride that every Asper School of Business staff and faculty member puts into their work, every single day. Our people are fiercely dedicated to supporting student success, and this achievement reflects years of their dedication and service. I am so grateful for the incredible work done by all our staff, faculty, students, alumni and supporters, with a special thank you to The Associates.” says Silvestre.
This extended accreditation from AACSB will kick off the Asper School of Business’ strategic planning process, as the newest AACSB standard (societal impact) will be formalized since its introduction in 2020. The School will focus its commitment to making a positive societal impact on Indigenous Reconciliation, EDI and sustainability.
Says Silvestre, “the Asper School of Business has been working meaningfully to advance these three areas of focus for societal impact—Indigenous Reconciliation, EDI and sustainability—in multiple ways through curriculum development, research advancements and engagement. These topics are interconnected and inseparable from our mission to provide business education for a better world and to train leaders who will make a difference.”
As an AACSB-accredited school, the Asper School of Business is part of a prestigious global community of business educators. Read AACSB’s official announcement here.
—
Each year, the Asper School of Business tracks key metrics for success across units and departments. Readers are welcome to learn more in this year’s Business Case Competitions Impact Report and Employment Report.