The Board of Directors of the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) has voted unanimously to adopt a new name for the standards development membership association. The new name, AIRC: The Association of International Enrollment Management, reflects AIRC’s expanded scope of providing standards, resources and programs that support all aspects of students’ international education journeys from recruitment to enrollment.
Derrick Alex, President of AIRC, explained how the Board viewed the decision. “The great news is that AIRC as an organization has continued to evolve by supporting various aspects of the international student journey, raising industry standards, and serving as a resource for all members. However, for all good reasons, we have also outgrown our former name, The American International Recruitment Council in this exciting phase.”
He added, “While the word “American” may give an impression that all AIRC’s members and stakeholders are U.S.-based, which isn't true because we have members from over 30 countries around the globe, the word “Recruitment” appears limited and does not convey the broader mission of AIRC in supporting the entire international student enrollment experience. The term “Council” doesn’t portray who we are as a diverse, expanding membership community. However, we also realize that the acronym “AIRC” has become widely known and respected in the industry. Hence, the acronym remains part of our new name.”
According to AIRC’s Executive Director Brian Whalen, “This change promotes what AIRC has been doing over the past few years as part of its strategic plan; namely, creating the architecture and support structures for the international enrollment management field (IEM). The creation of the IEM Glossary, the launch of the first State of the International Student Recruitment and Enrollment Field Survey, the development of IEM Standards for Higher Education Institutions, and the issuing of National Recommendations to Improve International Student Recruitment and Enrollment are all examples of how AIRC is advancing this work.”
AIRC will be adopting the new name immediately and will be updating its website, documents and logos over the next few months.
Whalen added, “This is an exciting moment for AIRC. In its relatively short fifteen-year history, it has achieved greater and greater success and influence. Our new name will inspire our member community to even greater heights.”
For more information on the name change, contact: Brian Whalen, Executive Director, AIRC, brian.whalen@airc-education.org
