The Pulse

‍Effective Date: January 1st 2026

This Program Review and Probation Policy (the “Policy”) describes the standards, processes, and consequences applicable to AYC-accredited Programs based on competency-based feedback provided by Teachers and other information reasonably available to American Yoga Council, Inc. (“AYC”). This Policy is incorporated by reference into, and governed by, the AYC Terms of Service.

1. Purpose and Principles

AYC is committed to maintaining the integrity, credibility, and transparency of its Credentials and Accreditation framework. This Policy is designed to:

• Promote high-quality instruction aligned with AYC’s published core Competencies;
• Provide a structured and fair mechanism for identifying and addressing recurring quality concerns;
• Protect Teachers, Schools, and the public by ensuring Programs continue to meet AYC standards;
• Preserve AYC’s discretion to act in the best interests of the AYC community.

2. Key Definitions

Capitalized terms not defined in this Policy have the meanings set forth in the AYC Terms of Service.

“Competency” means a defined area of knowledge, skill, methodology, or instructional outcome identified by AYC as part of the core requirements for a particular Program Credential level, as published by AYC from time to time, and that a School represents is taught, supported, or evaluated as part of its Program.

“Program” means a yoga teacher training or continuing education course that has been accredited by AYC and is eligible for Credential Verification.

“School” means the entity or individual Professional Member responsible for operating and administering a Program.

3. Teacher Competency Reviews

3.1 Review Requirement

As part of the Credential Verification process, AYC may require a Teacher applying to verify completion of an accredited Program to submit a structured review of that Program.

3.2 Review Content

Program reviews may include:

• A numerical rating for each Competency identified by the School as part of the Program, using a standardized scale established by AYC (currently one (1) to five (5) stars);
• Optional qualitative feedback describing the Teacher’s experience with respect to instruction, curriculum, and learning outcomes;
• Any additional information reasonably requested by AYC in connection with Program evaluation.

Teachers acknowledge that reviews are submitted in good faith and based on their individual experience.

4. Threshold for Internal Program Review

AYC may initiate an internal review of a Program if:

• The Program has received at least five (5) completed Teacher reviews; and
• More than fifty percent (50%) of those reviews assign a rating of one (1) or two (2) stars for any single Competency.

Meeting this threshold does not obligate AYC to take action but authorizes AYC, in its sole discretion, to conduct further review.

5. Internal Review Process

5.1 Scope of Review

An internal review may include, without limitation:

• Written questions issued by AYC requesting explanation of how identified Competencies are taught, supported, or evaluated;
• Review of Program descriptions, syllabi, curricula, instructional materials, assessment methods, or instructor qualifications;
• Requests for clarification, remediation plans, or additional documentation;
• Any other reasonable inquiry AYC deems appropriate to assess alignment with AYC standards.

5.2 Cooperation Obligation

Schools are expected to cooperate in good faith with the review process and respond within reasonable timeframes specified by AYC.

6. Notice to School

AYC will provide written notice to the applicable School or Professional Member stating that:

• The Program is under review;
• The review has been triggered by recurring low Competency ratings;
• AYC is requesting specific information or responses as part of its evaluation.

7. Outcomes of Review

Following completion of its internal review, AYC may, in its sole discretion:

• Determine that the Program remains in good standing with no further action required;
• Require corrective actions or clarifications while allowing continued Accreditation;
• Place the Program on probation pursuant to Section 8;
• Suspend or revoke Accreditation in accordance with Section 9.

8. Probation

8.1 Probation Status

If AYC determines that concerns raised by Teacher reviews have not been adequately addressed, AYC may place the Program on probation for a period determined by AYC.

8.2 Public Notice

During probation, AYC may display a public notice on the AYC website or within the Directory indicating that the Program is under review or subject to probationary status.

8.3 Effect of Probation

While on probation:

• The Program may remain eligible for Credential Verification, subject to conditions imposed by AYC;
• AYC may impose limitations, monitoring requirements, or remediation obligations;
• Continued failure to address deficiencies may result in further action.

9. Suspension or Revocation of Accreditation

If deficiencies persist beyond a period determined by AYC, or if a School fails to engage constructively with the review or probation process, AYC may:

• Suspend Accreditation of the Program; or
• Revoke Accreditation of the Program and remove associated Credentials from eligibility for Verification.

Such action may be accompanied by public notice, as determined appropriate by AYC.

10. Discretion and No Guarantee of Accreditation

Accreditation and continued eligibility for Credential Verification are privileges, not rights. Nothing in this Policy limits AYC’s discretion to interpret and apply its standards or to protect the integrity of its Credentials and community.

11. Relationship to Other Policies

This Policy operates in conjunction with the AYC Terms of Service, Accreditation standards, Acceptable Use policies, and any other applicable AYC policies. In the event of a conflict, the Terms of Service shall control.

12. Modifications

AYC reserves the right to amend this Policy at any time in its sole discretion. Material changes will be communicated in accordance with the AYC Terms of Service.

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