1 The Swiss Accreditation Council comprises 15-20 independent members; these members represent in particular higher education institutions, professional organisations, students, mid-level faculty as well as professors and lecturers. Teaching and research fields at higher education institutions as well as gender must be adequately represented. A minority of at least five members must be mainly involved in activities abroad.
2 On the basis of the Cooperation Agreement, the Higher Education Council elects Accreditation Council members for a four-year term of office. Each member may only be re-elected once.
3 On the basis of the Cooperation Agreement, the Accreditation Council decides on accreditation in accordance with this Act.
4 It is independent.
5 It organises itself. It issues its own Organisational Regulations; these Organisational Regulations require approval by the Higher Education Council.
6 The Swiss Accreditation Council manages its own budget and the budget of the Swiss Accreditation Agency; each maintain their own accounting records.
7 It may recognise other Swiss or foreign accreditation agencies.
8 At the request of the Director of the Swiss Accreditation Agency, it issues Organisational Regulations for the Swiss Accreditation Agency; these Organisational Regulations require approval by the Higher Education Council.