Short answer
Yes. Accredited institutions must promptly notify ITAA of any significant change in ownership, control, governance or legal identity so ITAA can assess the impact on accreditation and public information.
Why notification is required
Changes of ownership or control can affect governance, academic oversight, quality assurance systems, financial stability and the authority that issues awards.
ITAA accreditation is an institutional assessment of governance and quality systems; material changes may affect an institution's compliance with ITAA standards and the validity of previous assessments.
What to report and when
Report promptly — as soon as a change is agreed or legally effected — and provide clear documentation, such as legal transfer documents, amended governance instruments, board minutes, and any revised quality-assurance or awarding policies.
- Ownership transfers or sale of the institution
- Change of legal entity or institutional name
- Major changes to the board, trustees or executive leadership
- Transfer of award-issuing authority
What ITAA will do after notification
ITAA will review submitted documents, assess whether standards remain met, and determine if an interim action is needed (for example, conditions, monitoring, suspension or a full reassessment). ITAA may require governance or QA adjustments to maintain accreditation.
Legal and jurisdictional responsibilities
Institutions remain solely responsible for complying with all applicable national, state/provincial and local laws governing operation and award issuance. ITAA accreditation does not replace or override any governmental registration, licensing or statutory requirements.
Practical tips for institutions
- Notify ITAA immediately using the official contact/verification channels.
- Provide full legal documents and an implementation plan for governance and QA continuity.
- Update public information and prospectuses to reflect the change.
- Keep students and staff informed about any change that affects awards or programme delivery.
ITAA’s Role
ITAA is an independent theological accreditation body and not a government authority. ITAA evaluates whether institutional systems continue to meet its standards after a change. ITAA may impose monitoring, conditions, or other accreditation actions but does not grant or substitute governmental recognition or award powers.
For full legal wording and obligations, see the Important Accreditation Information page.
Frequently asked questions
Notification to ITAA replaces legal obligations with the government.
Notification to ITAA does not replace or discharge any governmental registration, licencing or statutory obligations; institutions remain fully responsible for legal compliance.
Ownership change automatically voids accreditation.
Ownership change does not automatically void accreditation, but it may trigger review and possible conditions or sanctions if standards are no longer met.
ITAA position on ownership changes
The International Theological Accreditation Association requires prompt notification of significant ownership, control or governance changes. ITAA will assess the effect on accreditation, require evidence of continued compliance with standards, and take appropriate accreditation actions where necessary.
Important Accreditation Information