US institute recognises Massey’s creative arts college

The United States accreditation body for creative arts has renewed its recognition of Massey’s Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts (CoCA) as one of the best outside the US. 

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) granted CoCA renewal of its substantial equivalency certification. 

NASAD offers “substantial equivalency” to institutions outside of the US as an alternative to “accreditation”. It is not possible for institutions outside the US to receive accreditation according to Professor Claire Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of CoCA, who is delighted to have the College’s standing confirmed once again. 

“We are one of only a small number to achieve this status and the only Art and Design School in New Zealand to do so. Gaining ‘substantial equivalency’ means our art and design degrees are certified as on a par with qualifications from some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, including Rhode Island School of Design and CalArts,” Professor Robinson said.  

According to NASAD, only nine institutions worldwide have obtained substantial equivalency for their courses. 

NASAD’s comments included with the commendation had praise for the “deliberate, thoughtful, and compelling” considerations of curricular programs and the support for students. 

“The Commission commends the institution for its discussions ‘of the potential impact of creative work on audiences’ and its effort to intertwine this issue with its community’s ‘creative, cultural, and socio-political’ histories,” they said.