Standards Task Force

Refreshing the AACSB Business and Accounting Accreditation Standards

Working in collaboration with members and stakeholders, the STF is leading a thorough and inclusive process to examine how the standards can more effectively support business education worldwide. This work includes gathering input from the field, analyzing current and emerging trends, and identifying opportunities to improve clarity, relevance, and global applicability.

The AACSB Standards Task Force (STF) is comprised of global business education leaders, entrusted with guiding the review and refresh of AACSB’s accreditation standards to ensure their continued relevance and alignment with the future of business education.

Standards Task Force Members

Business Standards Chair

Ian O. Williamson, Dean, The Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine

Accounting Standards Chair

Frank Buckless, Dean, Poole College of Management, North Carolina State University

Anne-Marie Croteau, Dean, John Molson School of Business, Concordia University
Anthony Devine, Assistant Head of School and Director of Learning and Teaching, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
Yvonne Hinson, Chief Executive Officer, American Accounting Association
James Ross, Dean, UC Business School, University of Canterbury
Sherif Kamel, Dean, Onsi Sawiris School of Business, The American University in Cairo
Khongphu Nimanandh, Dean, Chiang Mai University Business School (CMUBS), Chiang Mai University
Delphine Manceau, Dean & Director General, NEOMA Business School
Barry O’Mahoney, Dean, College of Business Administration, Abu Dhabi University
Hanna-Leena Pesonen, Dean, Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics, University of Jyväskylä
Barbara Ritter, Dean, John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation, The University of Toledo
Fan Wang, Professor & Vice President of University, Sun Yat-sen University

Project Timeline

Member and Stakeholder Discovery Sessions: April-November 2025

Key Changes Identification and Consensus: December 2025

Exposure Draft Issued: January 2026, open for feedback January-February 2026

Finalize Standards: March 2026

Standards Voted on by Accreditation Council: April 2026

Adoption of Standards: July 2026

Click here to download the full PDF timeline.

How will the introduction of the Global Standards for Business Education impact my school’s timeline?

After the adoption of the Global Standards for Business Education in July 2026, there will be a one-year transition period.

School Visit Year: 2026-2027

Schools have the option for review under the current standards or the updated Global Standards for Business Education

School Visit Year: 2027-2028 and beyond

Review will be under the updated Global Standards for Business Education

Submit Your Feedback on the Global Standards for Business Education and Accounting Accreditation Standards Exposure Drafts

In 2025, AACSB Board of Directors initiated a review and revision of its business and accounting standards leveraging the new Global Standard-Setting Framework. Scheduled for a member vote at ICAM 2026, the proposed standards are open for feedback and will be released as the inaugural Global Standards for Business Education™ and the 2026 Accounting Accreditation Standards.

AACSB Approves Global Standard-Setting Framework, Paving the Way for the Next Era of Business Education Standards.

AACSB International has approved the AACSB Global Standard-Setting Framework. This framework formalizes the process for revising business education standards and establishes a structured five-year review cycle.

Learn more about how this initiative reaffirms AACSB’s position as the global authority on business education quality and impact.