The accreditation advisor plays a key "bridging" role between the school and AACSB International. On the one hand, the advisor represents AACSB International to the school. To clarify accreditation philosophy and intent to the school, the advisor must be fully informed about accreditation standards and their interpretation process and be prepared to guide the school toward completion of the self-evaluation and peer review.

On the other hand, the advisor must understand the school's mission and how it approaches its mission. The advisor serves a consultative role as the school prepares its self-evaluation report and prepares for the visit. It is the school's responsibility to prepare for the peer review, and the advisor is a resource to assist the school to make its best case. The advisor is not the school's advocate in any stage of the review.

During the peer review and visit the advisor must become a fully participating objective member of the peer review team.