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Dear Colleagues and Friends, As we begin a new fiscal year, I want to thank you for your continued support of AAC's work. As many of you know, the Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (the Commission or AAC) has been working for years to build something meaningful for the future of Ayurvedic education in the United States. We remain steadfast in our mission to support our candidate programs through the accreditation process and maintain high standards of quality in Ayurvedic education. In the coming year, we are excited to embark on the first steps towards seeking federal recognition as an accrediting body. Though it is not a short process, achieving national recognition will further enhance the credibility of the programs we accredit and expand opportunities for students and institutions through access to federal support. For those unfamiliar with our history, The Commission was originally established under the working name National Ayurvedic Medical Accreditation Council (NAMAC). That was a formative title, used in the early development of the Commission. In 2022, we formally adopted the name Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC) and we updated all state and federal filings, bylaws, and documentation to reflect that change. AAC remains the same legally recognized, independent nonprofit entity we’ve always been, and we are making steady progress toward long-term sustainability. Aligning accreditation and certification standards is standard practice in every licensed healthcare profession and AAC maintains a cooperative relationship with the NAMA Certification Board. This kind of alignment helps ensure quality education, protects the public, and strengthens the profession long term. In the same spirit of collaboration, we deeply value the support and partnerships we share with state organizations. This network of associations is essential—not only for upholding high standards, but also for fostering a thriving professional community. Like any strong and sustainable system, it takes many dedicated contributors working together to build something that serves the public good and supports the growth of Ayurvedic professionals across the country. AAC currently represents 14 institutions offering 27 programs in candidacy and two accredited programs. We’re conducting site visits, overseeing thorough self-study reviews, and we continue to expand our team of trained Review Commissioners. Our administrative team has helped us reach a high level of professionalism and consistency. We’re also continuing our efforts to help incubate an independent Consortium of Ayurvedic Schools, led by the schools themselves. This initiative has the potential to strengthen the profession in a powerful way, giving educators a collective voice, encouraging collaboration across institutions, and helping shape curriculum standards from the ground up. An engaged, self-organizing Consortium of Schools is something every maturing profession needs, and we’re proud to support its emergence. If you’re someone who cares about the future of Ayurveda in this country and wants to be part of building something lasting, we’d love to hear from you. We’re always looking for committed individuals to serve as review commissioners, directors, or advisors, and if you’re interested in getting involved you can learn more on our website. Every bit of support helps strengthen the foundation we’re building together and ensures legitimacy, protects the public, and upholds the credibility of the field. With appreciation,
Jim
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