Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 008 - Department of Higher Education
Division 09 - Academic Affairs
Rule 008.09.05-001 - Institutional Certification Advisory Committee Rules
Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024
INTRODUCTION
I. Authority
The Arkansas Legislature granted authority to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) to provide for the orderly development of higher education and to protect Arkansas students from fraudulent or inferior programs (ACA § 6-61-301 -302).
The Arkansas Code authorizes AHECB to establish the criteria for certification of non-public institutions and college-level courses/degree programs offered by those institutions, and oversight of other matters related to the operation of non-public and out-of-state postsecondary educational institutions in Arkansas.
Any non-public or out-of-state postsecondary education institution offering courses/degree programs customarily offered in colleges and universities to Arkansas students must obtain AHECB certification prior to offering those courses/degree programs.
An institution without AHECB certification offering a college-level course/degree program to Arkansas students must cease and desist from operating in Arkansas until certified by AHECB. Failure to obtain required AHECB certification will be reported to the Consumer Protection Division of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office. An institution that does not obtain AHECB certification may be subject to a misdemeanor charge and fines (See Appendix B).
To assist AHECB with its certification responsibilities, ACA § 6-61-302 directs AHECB to appoint an advisory committee known as the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC). ICAC is made up of nine (9) members: six chief administrators of postsecondary institutions, a representative of the Department of Workforce Education, and two residents of the state of Arkansas who are not officially affiliated with any postsecondary institution.
The ICAC works with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) to review applications for certification of institutions and college-level courses/degree programs and to make recommendations concerning certification to AHECB.
Appendix A describes the organization and structure of the AHECB and the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC) and Appendix B summarizes Arkansas Code as it relates to certification of college-level courses/degree programs and institutions. Appendix C describes the types of reviews related to certification and oversight activities.
II. Process
The first step in the certification process for institutions and courses/degree programs is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the chief academic officer of the institution. The Letter of Notification must be submitted to (ADHE) prior to submitting a formal application (See Form 1).
Typically, certification for institutions and courses/degree programs is initially granted for two years. Courses/degree program recertification is required at the conclusion of the initial certification period and when subsequent periods of certification expire.
The second step in the certification process for institutions and courses/degree programs is the submission of a formal application that must include information about the institution and the proposed course/degree program.
All institutions must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE) and apply for licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to ADHE. SBPCE information may be found at www. sbpce. org, or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
Out-of-state institutions requesting certification must provide documentation that the institution is certified or licensed to operate as a postsecondary institution in its home state.
Once the requesting institution has submitted an application to ADHE, it will be reviewed by ADHE to determine if the institution has submitted the required application and documentation. If necessary, an independent review team will visit the institution as part of the review process and submit a team report to ADHE staff. Based on the results of the review, the ICAC will either make a recommendation to AHECB in favor of certification, ask for more information regarding the course/degree program application, or deny the application. An institution can elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC; however, the decision of AHECB is final.
AHECB will consider applications at its quarterly meetings. Letters of Notification are due on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Applications are due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. A completed application, including all required documentation, must be submitted on or before the published deadlines. Late applications, applications requiring additional review, or other time constraints may cause AHECB action to be delayed until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Independent institutions of higher education, incorporated in the state of Arkansas on or prior to April 7, 1975, that offer college-level courses/degree programs customarily granted by colleges or universities with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education will not be required to receive certification unless the institution fails to maintain accreditation.
Other categories of higher education institutions that might be eligible for an exemption from certification are identified in Part III. Institutions seeking an exemption from certification must submit a Request for Exemption (Form 12) and provide required documentation. An institution applying for exemption from certification for the first time should not advertise or operate until the Letter of Exemption is issued.
If the institution meets exemption criteria, a Letter of Exemption from Certification will be issued for two years. Upon expiration of the exemption from certification, the institution must request renewal of the exemption.
Institutions which do not meet exemption criteria must obtain institutional and course/degree program certification to continue operating in Arkansas. AHECB may withdraw exemption status for proper cause. Such withdrawal will constitute a denial of exemption and require a subsequent application for certification.
III. Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification and exemption process. These fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team. All fees are non-refundable (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with (1) a Letter of Notification for certification, recertification, or decertification of established institutions to offer college-level courses/degree programs; (2) a Letter of Notification for the certification of a newly established college or university in Arkansas; (3) a Request for Exemption from Certification; and (4) a Letter of Notification regarding changes in the course/degree program or institution.
The processing fee must be submitted with applications for certification or recertification of established institutions to offer college-level courses/degree programs, and with applications for certification of a newly established college or university in Arkansas.
Institutions applying for certification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the certification application. The review team may make an on-site visit to the institution. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
IV. Bonds
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state, postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas will be required to maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas (Appendix F).
V. Forms
For the convenience of institution employees responsible for preparing and submitting information to ADHE, forms have been developed that should be used to provide information for certification activities. The forms, located in Part V, include the following:
* Form 1, Letter of Notification-To be completed and submitted by all institutions planning to submit an application for certification, recertification, and decertification.
* Form 2, Faculty and Administrator Chart-To be completed by institutions submitting an application for certification or recertification to document faculty and administrator credentials.
* Form 3, Consumer Disclosure-To be completed by institutions to document compliance with disclosure and advertisement requirements.
* Form 4, Arkansas Department of Higher Education Certified Institution Bond and Annual Tuition Report - To be completed by the institutions bond company and submitted to ADHE with a copy of the institution's bond and the Annual Tuition Report included with the Surety Bond Form.
* Form 5, Application for Certification of Course/Degree Program (On-Site) - To be submitted by institutions seeking certification of on-site courses/degree programs.
* Form 6, Application for Certification of Course/Degree Program (Distance Delivery) - To be submitted by institutions seeking certification for distance delivery courses/degree programs.
* Form 7, Application for Recertification of Course/Degree Program (On-Site) - To be submitted by institutions seeking recertification for on-site courses/degree programs.
* Form 8, Application for Recertification of Course/Degree Program (Distance Delivery) -To be submitted by institutions seeking recertification for distance delivery courses/degree programs.
* Form 9, Request for Decertification of Course/Degree Program and/or Institution - To be submitted by institutions seeking decertification of courses/degree programs and/or institution.
* Form 10, Application for Certification of New Institution: Planning and Development (On-Site) - To be submitted for certification for the planning and development of a newly established on-site institution in Arkansas.
* Form 11, Application for Certification of New Institution: Planning and Development (Distance Delivery) - To be submitted for certification for the planning and development of a newly established distance delivery institution in Arkansas.
* Form 12, Request for Exemption from Certification -To be submitted by institutions requesting exemption from certification.
* Form 13, Letter of Appeal for Institution-To be submitted by institutions requesting an appeal of a decision made by the ADHE Director, ICAC, and/or AHECB.
* Form 14, Class Hours to Credit Hours Conversion Chart - To be submitted with all applications for new course/degree program certification.
VI. Administrative Procedure Act
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee, and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education will follow the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
VII. Conclusion
The criteria provided in the following sections has been developed to provide a clear, orderly process for the certification of established non-public or out-of-state postsecondary institutions offering courses/degree programs in Arkansas and for the creation of newly established non-public institutions in Arkansas. ADHE staff will recommend needed changes to the rules and regulations to ICAC and AHECB for approval. Submit any questions related to the certification process to:
ICAC Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
114 East Capitol
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 371-2000
PART I - SECTION 1
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES/DEGREE PROGRAMS AT ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS
(Traditional On-Site Delivery)
_______________
Overview
Any non-public or out-of-state postsecondary education institution offering courses/degrees programs customarily offered at college and universities must obtain certification from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) before offering college-level courses/degree programs to Arkansas students delivered on-site (For certification of distance delivery programs, see Part 1, Section 2).
Out-of-state institutions requesting certification must provide documentation that the institution is certified or licensed to operate as a postsecondary institution in its home state.
All institutions must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SPBCE) and apply for licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce.org or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
Typically, certification of courses/degree programs is initially granted for two years. Course/degree program recertification is required at the conclusion of the initial certification period and when subsequent periods of recertification expire.
Should a certified course/degree program be modified with changes exceeding 18 of the total credit hours of program, a Letter of Notification with a description of the changes must be submitted to ADHE for review prior to the change (Form 1). Changes of 18 hours or less to the course/degree program must be included in the recertification application.
Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills has been documented. A degree may not be granted to any student solely for experiential learning or work experience.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for certification four times during the year. Letters of Notification are due January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Applications are due February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications or applications requiring additional review may be held until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification process. These non-refundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for certification. The processing fee must be submitted with applications from established institutions for certification to offer college-level courses/degree programs.
Institutions applying for program certification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the certification application. The team may make an on-site visit to the institution. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
Bonds
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas will be required to maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas (Appendix F).
Certification Process
I. Letter of Notification
The first step in the certification process is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the chief academic officer of the institution (Form 1). The Letter of Notification must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application.
II. Application Requirements
The second step in the certification process is the submission of a formal application that must include the following:
College-level course/degree programs should follow standard acceptable higher education curriculum structure for the discipline and for the degree level. See Appendix G for a complete description of degree levels.
AHECB has established a general education core curriculum that must be successfully completed in order to receive a degree at the associate or baccalaureate level. General education criteria for Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and baccalaureate degrees are provided in Appendix I.
Document that general education requirements for the proposed degree program have been met.
State the number and percentage of minority students currently enrolled in the institution.
Document work with other groups in the planning and/or implementation of the proposed course/degree program (i. e., consultants, advisory committee, accrediting agencies, business and industry representatives).
Administrators must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
All institutions must possess accreditation from an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education. Recognized agencies can be found at www.aju.edu/usdoe.faqs.htm.
Requirements for courses/degree programs such as teacher education, nursing, psychology, and counseling, and licensure for the State Board of Private Career Education are explained in Appendix D. It is the responsibility of the applying institution to obtain the approval or licensure of the appropriate agency prior to submitting an application for the course/degree program certification to ADHE.
Provide documentation that required approval or licensure by other agencies has been obtained as described in Appendix D.
It is the responsibility of ADHE to assure that full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the nature of higher education is provided to Arkansas students. Form 3 provides the required statements for consumer disclosure and transfer of credit to be included in catalogs and enrollment agreements. Advertisements or promotional materials for the institution and courses/degree programs may not be used until AHECB certification is received. Submit Form 3 signed by the chief academic officer of the institution.
Provide a copy of the institution's procedure for receiving and resolving grievances from students. Information on student grievances can be found in Appendix J.
III. Submission of Application for Established Institution and Course/Degree Program Certification
The application for course/degree program certification must include all information referenced in these rules and regulations, including narrative information and supporting documentation. Use Form 5 to submit information required for the certification of a new course/degree program.
Submit the application/documentation in a Word file with an electronic link to the institution's current catalog to: icacsubmissions@adhe.arknet.edu.
IV. Application Review
An ad hoc panel of individuals who are knowledgeable of similar course/degree programs may be assembled as a review team by ADHE staff to review the certification application. ADHE will schedule a mutually convenient time for an on-site review of the course/degree program and the institution by the team. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call. For information on the review team and team visit, refer to Appendix K.
The ICAC meets prior to the quarterly AHECB meeting and interested parties will be notified. A representative of the institution applying for course/degree program certification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, the ICAC will either make a recommendation in favor of certification to the AHECB, ask for more information regarding the course/degree program application, or deny the application for certification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph D below.
The AHECB meets four times annually and will consider the ICAC recommendations for certification at each meeting. A representative of the institution requesting certification must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented. AHECB will act on recommendations presented by the ICAC and make the final decision on certification applications. See paragraph D below for information on the appeal process.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Higher Education Department, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with ADHE within 30 days of the decision. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
PART I - SECTION 2 APPLICATION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES/DEGREE PROGRAMS AT ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS
(Distance Delivery)
_______________
Overview
Any non-public or out-of-state postsecondary education institution offering course/degree programs customarily offered at college and universities must obtain certification from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) before offering distance delivery college-level courses/degree programs to Arkansas students (For certification of programs with instruction delivered on-site, see Part 1, Section 1).
Distance delivery includes all forms of Internet, electronic, digital, online, or any other technology driven delivery systems. Institutions desiring to offer courses/degree programs via distance technology must provide evidence of institutional readiness; instructional quality; student, faculty and instructional support; assessment processes; and adequate resources.
Out-of-state institutions requesting certification must provide documentation that the institution is certified or licensed to operate as a postsecondary institution in its home state.
All institutions must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SPBCE) and apply for licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce.org or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
Typically, course/degree program certification is initially granted for two years. Recertification is required at the conclusion of the initial certification period.
Should a certified course/degree program be modified with changes exceeding 18 of the total credit hours of the course/degree program, a Letter of Notification with a description of the changes must be submitted to ADHE for review prior to the change (Form 1). Changes of 18 hours or less to the total credit hours of the course/degree program must be included in the recertification application.
Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of skills and knowledge have been documented. A degree may not be granted to any student solely for experiential learning or work experience.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for certification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due January 1, April 1, June 1 or October 1. Applications are due February 1, May 1, July 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications or applications requiring additional review may be held until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification process. These nonrefundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for certification of college-level course/degree programs. The processing fee must be submitted with applications from established institutions for certification of college-level course/degree programs.
Institutions applying for program certification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the certification application. The team may make an on-site visit to the institution. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
Bonds
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level course/degree programs in Arkansas will be required to maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas (Appendix F).
Certification Process
I. Letter of Notification
The first step in the certification process is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the chief academic officer of the institution (Form 1). The letter must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application.
II. Application Requirements
The second step in the certification process is the submission of a formal application that must include the following:
College-level courses/degree programs should follow standard acceptable higher education curriculum structure for the discipline and for the course/degree level. See Appendix G for a complete description of course/degree levels.
AHECB has established a general education core curriculum that must be successfully completed in order to receive a degree at the associate or baccalaureate level. General education requirements for Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and baccalaureate degrees are provided in Appendix I.
Document that general education requirements for the proposed course/degree programs have been met.
State the number and percentage of minority students currently enrolled in the institution if the information is available.
Document work with other groups in the planning and/or implementation of the proposed course/degree program (i. e., consultants, advisory committee, accrediting agencies, business and industry representatives).
Administrators must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
All institutions must possess accreditation from an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. Recognized agencies can be found at www.aju.edu/usdoe_faqs.htm.
For college-level courses/degree programs which require licensure or approval, the requirements for programs in teacher education, nursing, psychology, and counseling, and licensure for the State Board of Private Career Education are explained in Appendix D. It is the responsibility of the applying institution to obtain the approval or licensure of the appropriate agency prior to submitting an application for the course/degree program certification to ADHE.
Provide documentation that required licensure or approval by the other agencies has been obtained as described in Appendix D.
It is the responsibility of ADHE to assure that full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the nature of higher education is provided to Arkansas students. Form 3 provides the required statements for consumer disclosure and transfer of credit to be included in catalogs and enrollment agreements. Advertisements or promotional materials for the institution and course/degree program may not be used until AHECB certification is received. Submit Form 3 signed by the chief academic officer of the institution.
Provide a copy of the institution's procedure for receiving and resolving grievances from students. Information on student grievance procedure can be found in Appendix J.
III. Submission of Application for Established Institution and Course/Degree Program Certification
IV. Application Review
An ad hoc panel of individuals who are knowledgeable of similar course/degree programs may be assembled by ADHE staff to review the certification application. ADHE will schedule a mutually convenient time for an on-site review of the course/degree program and the institution by the team. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call. For information on the review team and team visit, refer to Appendix K.
The ICAC meets prior to the quarterly AHECB meeting and interested parties will be notified. A representative of the institution applying for course/degree program certification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, the ICAC will either make a recommendation in favor of certification to the AHECB, ask for more information regarding the course/degree program application, or deny the application for certification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph D below.
The AHECB meets four times annually and will consider the ICAC recommendations for certification at each meeting. A representative of the institution requesting certification must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented. The AHECB will act on recommendations presented by the ICAC and make the final decision on certification applications. See paragraph D below for information on the appeal process.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Higher Education Department, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with ADHE within 30 days of the decision. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
PART I - SECTION 3
APPLICATION FOR THE RECERTIFICATION OF COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES/DEGREE PROGRAMS AT ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS
(Traditional On-Site Delivery)
_______________
Overview
At the end of the initial certification period, the institution must apply for course/degree program recertification. (For recertification of distance delivery programs, see Part 1, Section 4).
Recertification of the course/degree program may be granted for two to five years. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) will maintain a master certification schedule and notify institutions when course/degree program recertification is required.
Out-of-state institutions requesting recertification must provide documentation that the institution is certified or licensed to operate as a postsecondary institution in the home state.
Should a certified course/degree program be modified with changes exceeding 18 credit hours of the total credit hours of the approved program, a Letter of Notification with a description of the changes must be submitted to ADHE for review prior to the change (Form 1). Changes of 18 credit hours or less to the course/degree program must be included in the recertification application.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for recertification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Applications are due February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications or applications requiring additional review may be held until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the recertification process. These nonrefundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for course/degree program recertification. The processing fee must be submitted with applications for recertification of a college-level course/degree program.
Institutions applying for program recertification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the certification application. The team may make an on-site visit to the institution. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
Recertification Process
I. Letter of Notification
The first step in the recertification process is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the chief academic officer of the institution (See Form 1). The letter must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application.
II. Application Requirements
The second step in the recertification process is the submission of a formal application. The application for recertification must include the following:
Document work with other groups in the planning and/or implementation of the course/degree program (i. e., consultants, advisory committee, accrediting agencies, business and industry representatives, etc.).
Administrators must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
Submit a current affiliation status record or letter(s) from the accrediting agency, which reflects any institutional updates and/or action regarding courses/degree programs involved in the recertification.
Provide documentation that required licensure or approval by other agencies has been obtained as described in Appendix D.
It is the responsibility of ADHE to assure that full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the nature of higher education is provided to Arkansas students. Form 3 provides the required consumer disclosure statements to be included in catalogs and enrollment agreements.
Submit Form 3 signed by the chief academic officer of the institution.
Provide a copy of the institution's procedure for receiving and resolving grievances from students. Student Grievances can be found in Appendix J.
III. Submission of Application for Course/Degree Program Recertification
The application for course/degree program recertification must include all information referenced in these rules and regulations, including narrative information and supporting documentation. Use Form 7 to submit the required information to recertify a course/degree program. Submit the application/documentation in a Word file and supply an electronic link to the institution's current catalog to: icacsubmissions@adhe.arknet.edu.
IV. Application Review
An ad hoc panel of individuals who are knowledgeable of similar course/degree programs may be assembled by ADHE staff to review the recertification application. ADHE will schedule a mutually convenient time for an on-site review of the course/degree program and the institution by the team. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call. For information on the review team and team visit, refer to Appendix K.
The ICAC meets prior to the quarterly AHECB meeting and interested parties will be notified. A representative of the institution applying for course/degree program recertification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, the ICAC will either make a recommendation in favor of certification to the AHECB, ask for more information regarding the course/degree program application, or deny the application for recertification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph D below.
The AHECB meets four times annually and will consider the ICAC recommendations for recertification at each meeting. A representative of the institution requesting recertification must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented. The AHECB will act on recommendations presented by the ICAC and make the final decision on recertification applications. See paragraph D below for information on the appeal process.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Higher Education Department, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a letter of appeal must be filed with ADHE within 30 days of the decision. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
PART I - SECTION 4
APPLICATION FOR THE RECERTIFICATION OF COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSES/DEGREE PROGRAMS AT ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS
(Distance Delivery)
_______________
Overview
At the end of the initial certification period, the institution must apply for course/degree program recertification. (See Part 1, Section 3, for recertification of programs delivered on-site).
Recertification of course/degree program may be granted for two to five years. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) will maintain a master certification schedule and notify institutions when course/degree program recertification is required.
Out-of-state institutions requesting program recertification must provide documentation that the institution is certified or licensed to operate as a postsecondary institution in its home state.
Should a certified course/degree program be modified with changes exceeding 18 of the total credit hours of the initially approved program, a Letter of Notification (Form 1) with a description of the changes must be submitted to ADHE at the time of the change. Changes of 18 credit hours or less to the course/degree program must be included in the recertification application.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for recertification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Applications are due on February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications, applications requiring additional review, or other time restraints might cause AHECB action to be delayed until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the recertification process. These nonrefundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for recertification for college-level course/degree programs. The processing fee must be submitted with applications for recertification of college-level course/degree programs.
Institutions applying for program recertification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the certification application. The team may make an on-site visit to the institution. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
Recertification Process
I. Letter of Notification
The first step in the recertification process is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the chief academic officer of the institution (See Form 1). The letter must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application.
II. Application Requirements
The second step in the recertification process is the submission of a formal application that must include the following:
College-level course/degree programs should follow standard acceptable higher education curriculum structure for the discipline and for the program level. See Appendix G for a complete description of course/degree levels.
Administrator must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
Faculty Credentials:
Submit a current affiliation status record or letter(s) from the accrediting agency, which reflects any institutional updates and/or action regarding course/degree programs involved in the recertification.
Provide documentation that required licensure or approval by other agencies has been obtained as described in Appendix D.
It is the responsibility of ADHE to assure that full disclosure of all relevant information regarding the nature of higher education is provided to Arkansas students. Form 3 provides the required consumer disclosure statements to be included in catalogs and enrollment agreements.
Submit Form 3 signed by the chief academic officer of the institution.
Provide a copy of the institution's procedure for receiving and resolving grievances from students. Information on Student Grievances can be found in Appendix J.
III. Submission of Application for Course/Degree Program Recertification
IV. Application Review
An ad hoc panel of indviduals who are knowledgeable of similar course/degree programs may be assembled by ADHE staff to review the recertification application. ADHE will schedule a mutually convenient time for an on-site review of the course/degree program and the institution by the team. Representatives of out-of- state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call. For information on the review team and team visit, refer to Appendix K.
The ICAC meets prior to the quarterly AHECB meeting and interested parties will be notified. A representative of the institution applying for course/degree program recertification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, the ICAC will either make a recommendation in favor of certification to the AHECB, ask for more information regarding the course/degree program application, or deny the application for certification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph D below.
The AHECB meets four times annually and will consider the ICAC recommendations for recertification at each meeting. A representative of the institution requesting recertification must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented. The AHECB will act on recommendations presented by the ICAC and make the final decision on recertification applications. See paragraph D below for information on the appeal process.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Higher Education Department, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with ADHE within 30 days of the decision. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
PART I - SECTION 5
APPLICATION FOR DECERTIFICATION OF COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE/DEGREE PROGRAMS and DECERTIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONS
(Traditional On-site Delivery)
(Distance Delivery)
_______________
Overview
Decertification is action taken when a course/degree program will no longer be offered to Arkansas students. Prior to terminating a course/degree program, a certified institution must submit a teach-out plan and request decertification. No new students may be enrolled in a decertified program.
Decertification applies to all course/degree programs whether delivered traditionally from an on-site location or via distance delivery. Institutions requesting decertification must provide an opportunity for the student to complete the course/degree program.
Decertification may be (1) at the request of the certified institution, (2) upon the recommendation of Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) staff as a result of failure by the institution to provide sufficient information for recertification or to meet certification requirements, or (3) as a result of bankruptcy (Appendix C).
Closure of an institution requires AHECB decertification of the institution in addition to the decertification of course/degree programs. Criteria for the two types of decertification require the same information; therefore, ADHE will accept one application for decertification if the institution is closing.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for decertification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due January 1, April 1, July 1 or October 1. Applications are due February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A request for decertification, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover non-refundable administrative fees related to the decertification process. These fees include a notification fee that must be included when the Letter of Notification for decertification is submitted (Appendix F).
Decertification Process
I. Letter of Notification
The first step in the decertification process is the submission of a Letter of Notification signed by the president of the institution (Form 1). The letter must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal request for decertification.
II. Decertification Request Requirements
The second step in the decertification process is the submission of a formal request for decertification that must contain the following information:
Decertification of a course/degree program or an institution will not be approved until an opportunity is provided for currently enrolled students to complete their course of study. This arrangement is commonly referred to as a teach-out plan and must include the following information:
III. Submission of Request for Decertification
IV. Decertification Review
ADHE staff will review the decertification information and report findings to the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC).
The ICAC meets prior to the quarterly AHECB meeting and interested parties will be notified. A representative of the institution requesting course/degree program or institutional decertification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, the ICAC will either make a recommendation in favor of decertification to the AHECB or ask for more information regarding the request for decertification of a course/degree program. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of the ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph D below.
The AHECB meets four times annually and will consider the ICAC recommendations for decertification at each meeting.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with ADHE within 30 days of the decision. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
PART II - SECTION 1
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF NEW INSTITUTIONS
(Traditional On-Site Delivery)
_______________
Overview
ACA § 6-61-301 requires that individuals desiring to establish a postsecondary education institution in the state of Arkansas to incorporate under the applicable laws of the state and receive certification for offering educational programs from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB). For the purpose of these rules and regulations, a newly established institution is one that is not incorporated in any state or country to offer courses leading to a course/degree that is customarily granted by colleges and universities. Individuals involved in the planning and development of the proposed institution must apply for certification, prior to establishing a new postsecondary institution offering college-level course/degree programs in Arkansas.
Individuals involved in the creation of a new institution must not begin to operate, advertise, enroll students, or confer degrees until certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. This certification applies to all institutions whether the coursework is delivered traditionally from an on-site location or delivered through the use of technology.
Individuals involved in the creation of the proposed institution must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE) to obtain licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce. org or by calling (501) 683-8000. (Appendix D).
A proposed institution desiring to offer only associate, baccalaureate or occupational degree programs will be certified as a college. A proposed institution offering both undergraduate and graduate programs may be certified as a college or university. The proposed name of the new institution may not be the same as that of any other Arkansas educational institution.
Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills has been documented. A degree may not be awarded solely for experiential learning or work experience.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for certification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due on January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. Applications are due on February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications or applications requiring additional review may be held until the next review cycle. (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification process. These non-refundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for certification to establish a new college or university in Arkansas. The processing fee must be submitted with the application for certification of the proposed college or university.
Individuals applying for certification to establish a new institution will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the application. The team will make an on-site visit to the proposed institutional location.
Bonds
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state, postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level course/degree programs in Arkansas will be required to maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas. (Appendix F).
Certification Process to Establish a New Postsecondary Institution
I. Institutional Certification - Planning and Development
The planning and development phase is the period of time prior to the opening of the proposed institution during which the individuals involved in creating the proposed institution are involved in securing financial resources, filing the proposed charter with the Arkansas Secretary of State, planning and developing curricula, and developing a plan for attaining institutional accreditation.
The planning and development period is for two to four years. Proposed institutions not fully operational within the two-year period will be decertified, or may be granted a two-year extension upon submission of evidence that the proposed institution can meet certification criteria within the extension period; otherwise, the proposed institution must reapply for certification.
The proposed institution may not offer course/degree programs or award degrees until both the institutional certification and the course/degree program certification processes have been completed.
A Letter of Notification (Form 1), signed by the individuals involved in creating the proposed institution must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application for Institutional Certification for Planning and Development.
II. Application Requirements
Form 10 should be used to submit information required for the application for planning and development certification of a new institution.
The proposed institution must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDOE) before offering courses/degree programs and conferring degrees. The planning and development period should be used to obtain accreditation. The proposed institution must:
Identify the facilities planned for the proposed institution that are appropriate for the institution's stage of development. Include evidence that the facilities will be adequate to meet the needs of the proposed courses/degree programs.
Describe any work with other groups in the planning and establishment of the proposed institution (i. e., consultants, advisory committee, accrediting agencies, business and industry representatives).
Administrators for the proposed institution must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
Faculty must hold degrees from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education or from institutions with comparable status, certification or recognition in other countries.
Describe proposed student services (academic advising, financial aid, tuition refund policy, tutoring, career counseling and placement, etc.).
III. Submission of Application for New Institution Planning and Development Certification
IV. Application Review
The ICAC meets prior to AHECB quarterly meetings to consider applications for new institutional certification. Interested parties will be notified of the meetings. A representative of the entity applying for institutional certification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, ICAC will recommend in favor of certification to AHECB, ask for more information regarding the institution's application, or deny the application for certification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph E.
AHECB meets quarterly and will consider ICAC recommendations for certification of new institutions. A representative of the proposed institution must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee, or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education within 30 days of the decision in question. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
V. Course/Degree Program Certification
At least six months before the institutional planning and development certification period has expired, an application for course/degree program certification must be submitted to ADHE (See Part I, Section 1).
Institutions certified by AHECB to incorporate as colleges or universities in Arkansas will have legal authority to confer college-level degrees. Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills has been documented. A degree may not be granted to any student solely for experiential learning or work experience.
PART II - SECTION 2 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF NEW INSTITUTIONS
(Distance Delivery)
_______________
Overview
ACA § 6-61-301 requires that individuals desiring to establish a postsecondary education institution in the state of Arkansas to incorporate under the applicable laws of the state and receive certification for offering educational programs from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board. For the purpose of these rules and regulations, a newly established institution is one that is not incorporated in any state or country to offer courses leading to a college-level course/degree program that is customarily granted by colleges and universities. Individuals involved in the planning and development of the proposed institution must apply for certification, prior to establishing a new postsecondary institution offering college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas.
Distance delivery is defined as offering more than 50% of the total courses/degree programs via distance technology. Distance delivery includes all forms of Internet, electronic, digital, online, or any other technology driven delivery system. Institutions desiring to offer courses/degree programs via distance technology must provide evidence of institutional readiness, instructional quality, student, faculty and instructional support, assessment process, and adequate resources.
Individuals involved in the creation of a new institution must not begin to operate, advertise, enroll students, or confer degrees until certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB). This certification applies to all institutions whether the coursework is delivered traditionally from an on-site location or delivered through the use of technology.
Individuals involved in the creation of the proposed institution must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE) to obtain licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce.org or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
A proposed institution desiring to offer only associate, baccalaureate or occupational degree programs will be certified as a college. A proposed institution offering both undergraduate and graduate programs may be certified as a college or university. The proposed name of the new institution may not be the same as that of any other Arkansas educational institution.
Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills has been documented. A degree may not be granted to any student solely for experiential learning or work experience.
Deadlines
ADHE considers applications for certification four times per year. Letters of Notification are due on January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. Applications are due on February 1, May 1, August 1, or November 1. A completed application, including all documentation as described in this section, must be submitted according to the published deadlines. Late applications or applications requiring additional review may be held until the next review cycle (Appendix E).
Fees
ADHE is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification process. These non-refundable fees include a notification fee, a processing fee, and travel expenses for the review team (Appendix F).
The notification fee must be submitted with a Letter of Notification for certification to establish a new college or university in Arkansas. The processing fee must be submitted with the application for certification of the proposed college or university.
Individuals applying for certification to establish a new institution will be responsible for the travel expenses of the team assigned to review the application. The team will make an on-site visit to the proposed institutional location.
Bonds
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state, postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas will be required to maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas (Appendix F).
Certification Process to Establish a New Postsecondary Institution
I. Institutional Certification - Planning and Development
The planning and development phase is the period of time prior to the opening of the proposed institution during which the individuals involved in creating the proposed institution are involved in securing financial resources, filing the proposed charter with the Arkansas Secretary of State, planning and developing curricula, and developing a plan for attaining institutional accreditation.
The planning and development period is for two to four years. Proposed institutions not fully operational within the two-year period will be decertified or may be granted a two-year extension upon submission of evidence that the proposed institution can meet certification criteria within the extension period; otherwise, the proposed institution must reapply for certification.
The proposed institution may not offer courses/degree programs or award degrees until both the institutional certification and the course/degree program certification processes have been completed.
A Letter of Notification (Form 1), signed by the individuals involved in creating the proposed institution must be submitted to ADHE prior to submitting a formal application for Institutional Certification for Planning and Development.
II. Application Requirements
Form 11 should be used to submit information required for the application for certification of a new institution.
The proposed institution must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDOE) before offering courses/degree programs and conferring degrees. The planning and development period should be used to obtain accreditation. The proposed institution must:
Identify the facilities planned for the proposed institution that are appropriate for the institution's stage of development. Include evidence that the facilities will be adequate to meet the needs of the proposed courses/degree programs.
Describe any work with other groups in the planning and establishment of the proposed institution (i. e., consultants, advisory committee, accrediting agencies, business and industry representatives).
Administrators for the proposed institution must hold credentials from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education.
Faculty must hold degrees from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education or from institutions with comparable status, certification or recognition in other countries.
Describe proposed student services (academic advising, financial aid, tuition refund policy, tutoring, career counseling and placement, etc.).
III. Submission of Application for New Institution Planning and Development Certification
IV. Application Review
The ICAC meets prior to AHECB quarterly meetings to consider applications for new institutional certification. Interested parties will be notified of the meetings. A representative of the entity applying for institutional certification must attend the ICAC meeting at which the application will be considered. At this meeting, ICAC will recommend in favor of certification to AHECB, ask for more information regarding the institution's application, or deny the application for certification. Should the institution elect to appeal the decision of ICAC, the appeal process is described in paragraph E.
AHECB meets quarterly and will consider ICAC recommendations for certification of new institutions. A representative of the proposed institution must attend the AHECB meeting at which the application will be presented.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee, or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be filed with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education within 30 days of the decision in question. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
V. Course/Degree Program Certification
At least six months before the institutional planning and development certification period has expired, an application for course/degree program certification must be submitted to ADHE. (See Part I, Section 1).
Institutions certified by AHECB to incorporate as colleges or universities in Arkansas will have legal authority to confer college-level degrees. Institutions may not award a degree to any student unless demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills has been documented. A degree may not be granted to any student solely for experiential learning or work experience.
PART III EXEMPTION FROM CERTIFICATION
Overview
ACA § 6-61-301 requires that any nonpublic or out-of-state postsecondary education institution must obtain certification from the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) before offering college-level degree programs to Arkansas students. This certification applies to all college-level degree programs whether they are delivered traditionally from an on-site location or delivered through distance technology.
Arkansas public colleges and universities, and independent Arkansas institutions incorporated in Arkansas on or prior to April 7, 1975 are not subject to institutional certification rules and regulations unless the institution fails to maintain accreditation.
In addition, other educational institutions may be eligible for an exemption from certification. Institutions requesting an exemption from certification must submit an exemption request (Form 12) and the required documentation to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). ADHE staff will review the request. An institution applying for an exemption from certification for the first time should not advertise or operate in Arkansas until the letter of exemption is issued.
Institutions must request renewal of exemption from certification every two years. Exempt institutions must notify ADHE of changes in program offerings and/or institutional operations during the exemption period.
The AHECB may withdraw an exemption status for proper cause; such withdrawal would constitute a denial of exemption and require a subsequent application for AHECB certification and/or Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education licensure. If the institution does not seek subsequent certification or licensure, there will be an immediate end of institutional operations.
Any non-public or out-of-state institution requesting a Letter of Exemption must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE) to obtain licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce.org or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
I. Types of Institutions Not Requiring Certification
Arkansas public colleges and universities are coordinated by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board and are not subject to institutional certification rules and regulations. A list of public institutions can be found in Appendix N.
Independent institutions of higher education, incorporated in the state of Arkansas on or prior to April 7, 1975, that offer degrees customarily granted by colleges or universities and hold accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education are not subject to institutional certification rules and regulations.
If an independent institution fails to maintain accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education, it must obtain AHECB certification and/or SPBCE licensure.
Independent institutions (see Appendix N) must contact ADHE prior to any change in the institution's charter or level of degree program. AHECB will consider all requests for changes in the name of the institution, institutional charter, or level of degree program offered (See Form 1).
II. Types of Institutions and Training Programs Eligible for Exemption from Certification
Institutions offering degree programs on military installations may request an exemption from certification. The majority (51% of total annual enrollment) of students enrolled at the institution located on the military installation must be active or retired military personnel or their dependents.
ADHE defines non-academic, credit and non-credit programs as those programs offered for the specific purpose of a vocational training and professional preparation. If the institution offers any college-level degree programs, AHECB certification may be required.
Short programs offering instruction in areas typically considered to be avocational in nature in which college credit is not typically awarded and individuals are not prepared for a career are exempt from certification.
Programs designed for the purpose of professional preparation for obtaining or renewing occupational licenses/certifications are exempt from institutional certification. Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to non-credit real estate programs offered by a Real Estate company, tax preparation classes, and other programs awarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professional development.
Institutions operated solely to provide programs of study in church-related training may be eligible for exemption from certification. Programs offered by such institutions would specifically prepare students to assume leadership positions in the church and/or religious organization. Church-related training must be clearly labeled so that both the recipients of the training and persons evaluating that training are able to identify the nature and purpose of the program.
Each degree title must include a religious modifier. The religious modifier must be placed on the title line of the degree, on the transcript, and whenever the title of the degree appears in official school documents or publications.
Degree titles that have been approved by AHECB that cannot be used by institutions seeking an exemption include, but are not limited to the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education. Religious modifiers cannot be added to these degree titles. For an updated list of non-exempt degree titles see the current list of AHECB approved academic degree programs at www.arkansashighered.com.
III. Exemption Request Process
To request an exemption under one of the categories identified in the previous section, the following information must be submitted to the ADHE:
IV. Review of Request for Exemption for Certification
ADHE staff will review the request for exemption from certification and make a recommendation to the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has authorized the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to issue a letter of exemption from certification under Arkansas Code § 6-61-301. An exemption from certification may be issued for two years and upon its expiration, a request to renew the exemption must be submitted to ADHE. ADHE will notify the institution of the renewal date.
Institutions receiving a letter of exemption from certification must include the following statement in the institution's catalog and publications:
The Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education has determined that (Name of institution) does not offer degree programs customarily offered at colleges and universities and has issued an Exemption from Certification.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has authorized the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to issue a denial of exemption if the institution does not meet the criteria for exemption from certification.
To continue operations, institutions identified as not eligible for exemption from certification must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career (SBPCE) and apply for licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification and application for AHECB certification to ADHE.
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board will make the final determination on any exemption from certification should a question arise. See Appendix E for a schedule of AHECB meetings.
The AHECB may withdraw exemption status for proper cause. Such withdrawal would constitute a denial of exemption and require a subsequent application for AHECB certification and/or Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education licensure. If the institution does not seek subsequent certification or licensure, there will be an immediate end of institutional operations.
Any non-public or out-of-state institution requesting a Letter of Exemption must contact the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE) to obtain licensure, if required, prior to submitting a Letter of Notification to Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE). SBPCE information may be found at www.sbpce.org or by calling (501) 683-8000 (Appendix D).
Letters of Notification to request an exemption from certification and required documentation are due on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. The letter of Notification and required documentation must be submitted according to published deadlines in order to be considered.
Should the institution elect to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a letter of appeal must be filed with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education within 30 days of the decision in question. The appeal process may be found in Appendix L.
Institutions receiving a Letter of Exemption from Certification will be required to request renewal of the exemption every two years. ADHE will maintain a master exemption renewal schedule and notify institutions when exemption renewal is required.
The request for exemption renewal (Form 12) and the notification fee (Appendix F) must be submitted to the ICAC Coordinator at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the exemption. A current catalog listing all degree programs offered should be submitted with the completed Notification Request for Exemption from Certification (Form 12). The completed form and the institution's catalog should be submitted electronically or by U. S. mail.
Non-public and out-of-state institutions offering college-level degree programs on a military installation must submit an annual enrollment report identifying the status of each student as active or retired military personnel, dependent of active or retired military personnel, or civilian employee. This requirement does not apply to public institutions offering degree programs on a military installation.
APPENDIX A ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE
ACA § 6-61-301, § 6-2-107, and § 6-2-111 empower the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) with the authority to provide for the orderly development of higher education and to protect its citizenry from fraudulent or inferior programs. The cited code is provided in Appendix B.
Institutions that Require Certification
Certification by AHECB is required to offer a college-level course/degree program that is customarily granted by colleges or universities accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. Institutions which must have AHECB certification prior to offering any coursework include:
* Non-public postsecondary education institutions and out-of-state postsecondary education institutions offering college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas. This certification requirement also applies to institutions offering college-level courses or degrees by correspondence or distance delivery.
* A newly chartered and established postsecondary college or university in the state of Arkansas which proposes to offer college-level courses/degree programs. This does not include a school covered by Arkansas Code § 6-51-601 -617, or a school that is regulated by the State Cosmetology Board.
Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board
The AHECB is empowered to establish the criteria required for certification and to promulgate rules and regulations for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of Arkansas Code § 6-61-301. It is charged with the final responsibility for decisions regarding course/degree program and institutional certification and other matters involving Arkansas non-public and out-of-state postsecondary education institutions.
The AHECB will appoint individuals to the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC) to assist AHECB in its responsibility regarding certification.
The AHECB will make the final determination in all instances. Hearings and actions will take place at scheduled meetings of AHECB unless a special meeting is called for those purposes.
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
The Director of the Department of Higher Education (ADHE) or designee serves as presiding officer of ICAC and ensures that staff services for the ICAC are provided.
ADHE staff serves as the staff of AHECB and ICAC regarding all letters of Notification and applications for certification under ACA § 6-61-301, § 6-2-107 and § 6-2-111. All formal communications should be addressed to or signed by the Director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education or designee.
Institutional Certification Advisory Committee
The Institutional Certification Advisory Committee meets four times a year, prior to the AHECB meetings. ICAC will assist in the development of rules, regulations, and criteria related to certification. Requests for certification will be reviewed by ICAC, which in turn will make recommendations to AHECB.
ICAC meetings are held quarterly at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in Little Rock, Arkansas or via conference call.
The Institutional Certification Advisory Committee consists of nine voting members, each with a nine-year term. Members include:
* Two (2) non-public postsecondary education institution chief administrators or designee.
* Two (2) public postsecondary education institution chief administrators (one representing two-year community colleges; one representing four-year colleges and universities) or designee.
* Two (2) chief administrators of proprietary schools which are licensed by the State Board of Private Career Education, or designee.
* The Director of the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education (ADWE), or designee.
* Two (2) legal residents of the state of Arkansas who are not officially affiliated with any postsecondary institution in any state as an employee, board member, or in any other capacity.
ICAC membership and guidelines
* A quorum shall be one more than half of the current voting ICAC positions filled at the time of the ICAC meeting.
* One nine-year term will expire annually, on the date of appointment.
* The designee for a chief administrator must be a senior administrator.
* An appointment to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term will be made by AHECB; the new member will complete the unexpired term.
* A member will be replaced after three consecutive, unexplained absences.
* Under special circumstances, a member can designate a representative to attend ICAC meetings.
Administrative Procedure Act
The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee, and the Arkansas Department of Higher Education will follow the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
APPENDIX B ARKANSAS CODE
ACA § 6-61-301. Incorporation generally.
History. Acts 1911, No. 375, § 9; 1975, No. 903, §§ 1-6; 1977, No. 560, § 5; A. S. A. 1947, § 80-4905.
6-61-302. Incorporation and certification - Advisory committee.
History. Acts 1975, No. 903, § 4; 1977, No. 560, § 5; A. S. A. 1947, § 80-4905; Acts 1997, No. 250, § 26 ; 2003, No. 1473, § 6.
6-2-107. Change of name or provisions.
History. Acts 1911, No. 375 §§ 11, 12; C&M Dig. §§ 1774, 1775; A. S. A 1947, §§ 64-1411, 64-1412.
APPENDIX C TYPES OF REVIEWS
The rules governing the certification of non-public and out-of-state postsecondary education institutions were originally written in 1975 and were revised in 1987, 1995, and 2005. The rules detail the types of institutional and program reviews conducted by the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC) in order to insure institutions are operating within the boundaries established by ACA § 6-61-301 -302.
Types of reviews include the regular review, special review, and staff review. The regular review is for applications for certification, recertification, and decertification of established institutions to offer college-level courses/degree programs, and for the certification of a newly established college or university in the state of Arkansas. Regular reviews are described in detailed in Section I of this appendix.
Institutions operating under AHECB certification are subject to a special review when institutional changes occur that might affect the institution's ability to meet AHECB certification criteria. Institutional changes are explained in Section II of this appendix.
A staff review may be scheduled when it is believed that a course/degree program, or institution has ceased conforming to the requirements for AHECB certification. staff Reviews are explained in Section III of this appendix.
I. Regular Reviews
Regular reviews for certification, recertification, and decertification are described below.
Establishment of a New Institution
Prior to establishing a new postsecondary institution in Arkansas to offer college-level courses/degree programs in Arkansas, the institution's charter and an application for institutional planning and development must be filed with Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) to request institutional certification and to provide information about the proposed institution.
Program Certification
Prior to offering courses/degree programs resulting in a college degree, institutions must apply for certification of the proposed course/degree program.
Program Recertification
To insure the continued quality of course/degree programs offered to Arkansas students certified institutions are required to apply for program recertification upon expiration of its current certification.
Program Decertification
When an institution decides to no longer offer a certified course/degree program to its students, the institution must file a Letter of Notification and request program decertification detailing their plans for ending the program without causing major interruption to students and the institution.
Institutional Decertification and Closure
Institutions planning to no longer offer certified courses/degree programs and/or cease operations in Arkansas must file a Letter of Notification and application for institutional decertification and closure detailing their plans for ending operations including an opportunity for students to complete the course/degree program.
Exemptions
Due to their unique nature, some educational institutions may be eligible for exemption from certification. A request for exemption from certification and the required documentation must be submitted to the ADHE for review.
II. Special Review
Institutional changes subject to a special review of certification are listed below. A Letter of Notification must be submitted to ADHE prior to any changes in location, charter, level or programs offered, or institutional name.
Change of Location (Address)
Upon the relocation of an institution, ADHE must be immediately notified in writing of the change with the new address included.
Change in Charter
Any change to the charter of a postsecondary institution incorporated in the state of Arkansas to offer college-level degrees must be certified by the AHECB. Proposed changes in the charter must be submitted to ADHE within five working days prior to any changes being filed with the Secretary of State's office. The changes will not be effective until certified by AHECB.
Change of Level of Program Offerings
Institution certification must be obtained from the AHECB approval prior to an institution's offering degree programs beyond the degree level (associate to bachelor, bachelor to master, or master to doctoral) established in the institution's charter.
Any non-public institution of higher education incorporated in the state of Arkansas on or prior to April 7, 1975, desiring to offer degrees at a higher level than it offers currently must submit a copy of the institution's articles of incorporation to the ADHE to receive a determination on whether AHECB approval is required.
Name Change
Any institution incorporated in the state of Arkansas desiring a change of name must submit a letter of notification to ADHE that provides documentation that the proposed name change has been approved by the institution's governing body. The AHECB approval will be transferred from the existing institution to the newly named institution.
III. staff Review
Bankruptcy
Institutions that file bankruptcy shall notify the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in writing within twenty-four (24) hours of the filing. The notification must include the name of the attorney, case number, where the action was filed (state/county and court), total number and names of students currently enrolled, a teach-out plan to assist current students in the completion of the course/degree program, and any other applicable information such as reorganization plans.
Conferring Degrees Without Sufficient Work
The AHECB has the power, after giving the institution thirty (30) days written notice to show cause why such action should not be taken, to revoke any certification issued by the AHECB whenever the ADHE staff finds, after proper investigation, that an institution is conferring degrees without requiring sufficient work or is in violation of any of the provisions of the laws of the State of Arkansas or the AHECB certification regulations.
Sale of Institution or Program
The institution must provide information regarding its sale, including the terms of the sale and the name and the address of the purchaser. Institutional and program certification will not be transferred to another institution. Upon the sale of an institution or program, an application for certification, prepared by the purchaser, must be submitted to ADHE requesting AHECB certification.
APPENDIX D
LICENSURE AND APPROVAL BY OTHER AGENCIES
Prior to submitting an application for course/degree program certification in Arkansas, institutions must contact the following agencies for their regulations.
Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE)
All institutions applying for AHECB certification of course/degree programs in Arkansas must contact SBPCE and apply for licensure, if required, prior to submitting an application. The institution must provide documentation of (1) licensure or (2) exemption by the SBPCE. An institution receiving an exemption from SBPCE, but also desiring to offer college-level courses/degree programs, must be certified by AHECB.
Telephone: (501) 683-8000
Address: 612 South Summit #102
Little Rock, AR 72701 Web address: www.sbpce.org
Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling
Curriculum standards for master's degree in counseling are set by the Arkansas State Board of Examiners in Counseling.
Telephone: (870) 901-7055
Address: 124 South Jackson, Suite 312
Magnolia, AR 71753 Web address:
Government Agencies
If licensure or certification by other government agencies or entities is required for legal operation, the institution must document that approval. Out-of-state institutions must submit documentation that the institution is licensed or certified to operate in its home state.
Teacher Education Courses/Degree Programs
Prior to ADHE consideration, institutions applying to offer education course/degrees requiring teacher licensure or certification must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) Teacher Certification Department. The applying institution must submit ADE documentation of program approval.
Telephone: (501) 682-4342
Address: #4 Capitol Mall
Little Rock, AR 72201 Web address:
Applicants for teaching licensure in Arkansas must complete education course/degrees at National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accredited institutions. The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification requires NCATE for any teacher education program. The applying institution must submit documentation of NCATE accreditation.
Nursing Courses/Degree Programs that Lead to Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse Licensure
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) must approve nursing programs that lead to licensure for the Practical Nurse and the Registered Nurse. The applying institution must submit documentation that it has received ASBN approval.
Telephone: (501) 686-2700
Address: 1123 South University
Little Rock, AR 72204-1619 Web address:
Psychology Courses/Degree Programs
The Arkansas State Board of Psychology (ASBP) is responsible for the licensure of psychologists in Arkansas. The applying institution must submit documentation that it has received ASBP approval.
Telephone: (501) 682-6167
Address: 101 East Capitol, Suite 415,
Little Rock, AR 72201 Web address:
Other Professional Programs
If licensure or certification by other government agencies or entities is required for practice of the profession, the institution must provide documentation of external reviews of the program, and approval by the licensure/certification agency.
APPENDIX E
TIMELINE
ICAC meetings are held quarterly at the Arkansas Department of Higher Education in Little Rock, Arkansas, or via conference call. Meeting locations for the Arkansas Higher Education Board include various college and university campuses in the state. Dates and locations for the quarterly ICAC and AHECB meetings are listed on the ADHE web site, www.arkansashighered.com.
|
Letter of Notification |
January 1 |
April 1 |
July 1 |
October 1 |
|
Application Deadline |
February 1 |
May 1 |
August 1 |
November 1 |
|
ICAC Meeting |
March |
June |
September |
January |
|
Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board Meeting |
April |
July |
October |
February |
APPENDIX F
FEES and SURETY BONDS
I. Fees
The fees identified in this section are used to offset the cost involved with the processing and review of applications for certification, recertification, decertification, and requests for exemption. All fees will be effective January 1, 2006, and are non-refundable.
Payment of fees does not guarantee certification or exemption, but is considered to be a part of the cost for processing.
A notification fee ($250) will be assessed for each Letter of Notification submitted for certification, recertification, decertification, new institution, request for exemption, or other change. The notification fee must be submitted with the Letter of Notification. Checks should be made payable to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and submitted to:
ICAC Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
114 East Capitol
Little Rock, AR 72201
|
Notification Fee (Submit fee with Letter of Notification). |
Amount |
|
Letter of Notification for: |
|
|
* Certification of established institution to offer college-level courses/degree programs. |
$250 |
|
* Recertification of established institution to offer college-level courses/degree programs. |
$250 |
|
* Decertification of established institution to offer college-level courses/degree programs. |
$250 |
|
* Request for exemption from certification |
$250 |
|
* Request for renewal of exemption from certification |
$250 |
|
* Establishment of new institution |
$250 |
|
* Other changes (change of address, change of charter, change of level of degree offered, other special reviews) |
$250 |
A processing fee based on the number of course/degree programs submitted will be required with each application submitted for certification, recertification, decertification, and certification of a new institution. The processing fee must be submitted with the application. Checks
should be made payable to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and submitted to:
ICAC Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
114 East Capitol
Little Rock, AR 72201
|
Processing Fee (Based on number of college-level course/degree programs submitted. Submit fee with application.) |
Amount Per Certification Period |
|
Institutional Certification - Planning and Development Fee |
$3,000 |
|
New Institution - Initial Course/Degree Program Certification for one but not more than five (5) degree programs. |
$2,500 |
|
Certification Fee for each course/degree program over 5. |
$500 |
|
Certification Fee for one but not more than five (5) course/degree programs. |
$2500 |
|
Certification Fee for each course/program over 5. |
$500 |
|
Recertification Fee for one but not more than ten (10) course/degree programs. Recertification Fee for each course/degree program over 10. |
$2,000 $200 |
|
Certification or Recertification Fee for one but not more than five (5) college-level courses. |
$500 |
|
Certification or Recertification Fee for each course over five (5). |
$100 |
Review Team Expenses
Travel and other associated per diem expenses for the review team members associated with a team visit must be paid by the institution applying for certification, recertification, or decertification of an institution or college-level course/degree program.
If it is determined that a review team is needed for a special review of the institution, or program(s), the institution must pay the travel and associated per diem expenses for the review team members associated with the review.
Out-of-state institutions and distance delivery institutions may be required to pay the expenses for a review team meeting at ADHE and a representative of the institution to attend the team meeting at ADHE. The review may include a conference call between the team and institution representatives. Expenses for this meeting and telephone conferences are the responsibility of the applying institution.
II. Surety Bonds for Certified Institutions
In an effort to protect Arkansas students from financial hardship and loss due to the unexpected closure of an institution certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB), non-public and out-of-state, postsecondary institutions certified to offer college-level course/degree programs in Arkansas will maintain a surety bond during operations in Arkansas.
A surety bond is a contract between an institution, the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE), and a surety insurer (bond company) to provide protection for the enrolled student in the case of a financial loss due to the closure of the institution. The required bond will be maintained to protect only Arkansas residents who are students at the time of closure of a certified institution and only for the amount of prepaid and unused tuition.
AHECB certified institutions are required to maintain a bond equal to the gross tuition collected from Arkansas students during the previous fiscal year, with a minimum bond amount of $20,000. Institutions with more than one campus in Arkansas may choose to maintain one bond for each Arkansas campus or have one bond equal to the amount of tuition collected during the previous year at all Arkansas campuses. For AHECB certified institutions not yet collecting tuition from Arkansas residents, the minimum bond amount is $20,000. If an institution is located outside the state of Arkansas, the institution will be required to maintain a bond equal to the gross tuition collected from Arkansas students during the previous fiscal year.
An admitted bond company authorized and approved to do business in Arkansas must issue the institution's bond. A list of admitted bond companies can be obtained from the Arkansas Insurance Commission.
Institutions are required to submit an annual report of gross tuition collected during the previous year, along with proof of bond equal to the gross tuition collected. The minimum bond amount for an institution is $20,000. Proof of bond must be submitted to ADHE by July 1st of each year. The institution's report of gross tuition and proof of bond should be submitted on Form 4 to:
ICAC Coordinator
Arkansas Department of Higher Education
114 East Capitol
Little Rock, AR 72201
The signature, or stamp and seal, of the bond company's attorney-in-fact must be included on the surety bond form. If the bond company uses an officer or director as the attorney-in-fact for the bond power, that official must be listed in the company's Arkansas Department of Insurance file as an approved signatory.
A student will be eligible for restitution of unused tuition from the institution's bond when:
Unused tuition will be defined as payment for classes in which the student was enrolled, but were not completed because of the closure of the institution.
Within 30 days of closure, the institution will submit a list to ADHE of students owed unused tuition. The list must include a current address for the student and the amount of tuition owed to the student. ADHE will forward the list to the institution's bonding company. The Bonding Company will be responsible for payment under the terms of the bond.
An institution's certification will be revoked if the institution fails to maintain a surety bond equal to the previous year's gross tuition receipts, with a minimum bond amount of $20,000. If a surety bond is cancelled, a cease and desist notice will be issued for the institution and decertification/closure procedures will be started by ADHE.
If a bond company chooses to cancel an institution's bond, the bond company may not be relieved of liability of the bond unless it gives the institution and ADHE 30 days written notice of the company's intent to cancel the bond. If the institution does not file a new bond within 30 days of receiving the suspension/bond cancellation notice, a cease and desist notice will be issued for the institution and decertification/closure procedures will be started by ADHE.
APPENDIX G DESCRIPTION OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Certification by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) is required to offer college-level courses leading to a degree that is customarily granted by colleges or universities accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. The following degree requirements are required of certified institutions.
* - Institutions must be NCATE certified prior to offering this program.
Completion of 30 to 42 semester hours or 45 to 63 quarter hours) beyond the master's degree, but does not meet the academic requirements of a doctor's degree.
APPENDIX H
CREDIT HOUR VALUE AND LENGTH OF TERM
Credit Hour Value
The credit hour is a unit by which an institution may measure its course work. The credit hour value for a course is determined primarily by the amount of time, the intensity of the educational experience, and the amount of outside preparation required by the student. For example, a lecture course with extensive reading or other out-of-class preparation would result in one credit for each hour per week; a laboratory experience with moderate out-of-the class preparation may equal one credit for two hours per week; a laboratory experience with little out-of-class preparation may equal one credit for three hours per week.
The traditional credit hour values assigned to a course for class time are the semester hour and the quarter credit hour. They convert as follows: quarter hours multiplied by two-thirds (2/3) equal semester hours; semester hours multiplied by one and one-half (1 1/2) equal quarter hours.
The following are generally accepted standards in Arkansas:
1 semester credit for each 12. 5 class hours of lecture
1 semester credit for each 25 class hours of laboratory
1 semester credit for 37. 5 hours of clinical, practicum, internship, shop instruction.
Credit hour for non-traditional delivery of courses or programs generally do not use the above lecture/laboratory/practicum formulas for credit calculation. Therefore, an institution must demonstrate that the clock or credit hours awarded are appropriate for the courses/degree programs and credentials. The institution may accomplish this by demonstrating that students completing these programs or courses have acquired equivalent levels of knowledge, skills, or competencies to those acquired in traditional formats.
Length of Term
The three common systems used to measure the length of a term are semester, quarter and trimester. The semester is generally composed of 15 to 17 weeks of classes including final examinations. The quarter system is generally 10 to 12 weeks of classes including final examinations. Summer quarters are sometimes subdivided into terms of shorter length. A trimester is 15-week terms including final examinations.
Under the semester system, a minimum of fifteen (15) fifty-minute class sessions, excluding labs, is required to award one semester hour of credit. A minimum of ten (10) fifty-minute class sessions excluding labs are required to award one quarter hour of credit.
Exceptions
There may be exceptions regarding lengths of terms and amounts of credit awarded for specific circumstances such as self-paced instruction, independent study, workshops, seminars, and distance delivery where the instructional content and activities are selected appropriately. Furthermore, some institutions have adopted a course-based system, rather than a credit-hour system. Institutions that do not use the semester or quarter length as a measure to award credit must demonstrate that the amounts of credit awarded have been adjusted appropriately. This information will be provided for each application for new program certification on Form 14, Class Hours to Credit Hours Conversion Chart.
APPENDIX I
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ARKANSAS
I. General Education Requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree and Associate of General Studies/Liberal Arts Degree and Associate of Applied Science in General Technology Degree
Minimum of 15 semester hours (22. 5 quarter hours) required. Three (3) semester hours equal 4. 5 quarter hours. Courses must meet or exceed the following criteria
II. General Education Core Requirements for Associate of Arts Degree, Associate of Science Degree, and Baccalaureate Degree Program
Minimum 35 semester credit hours or 53 quarter hours. Three (3) semester credit hours equal 4. 5 quarter credit hours. Courses must meet or exceed the following criteria.
APPENDIX J STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
All Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) certified institutions must publish, post, and adhere to a procedure for handling a student grievance. Out-of-state and distance delivery institutions must furnish a toll-free telephone number or e-mail address for quick access in filing a student grievance.
Student Grievance Procedure
ADHE requires the certified institution to make a decision on the student grievance following the institution's public policy.
Inquiries into student grievances must be limited to AHECB certified (under Arkansas Code § 6-61-301) courses/degree programs and institutions and to matters related to the criteria for certification.
Within 20 days of completing the institution's grievance procedures, the student may file the complaint in writing with the ICAC Coordinator, Arkansas Department of Higher Education, 114 East Capitol, Little Rock, AR 72201.
The grievant must provide a statement from the institution verifying that the institution's appeal process has been followed. ADHE will notify the institution of the grievance within 15 days of the filing. Within 10 days after ADHE notification, the institution must submit a written response to ADHE. Other action may be taken by ADHE as needed.
APPENDIX K REVIEW TEAM AND REVIEW TEAM VISIT
Review Team
An ad hoc panel of individuals who are knowledgeable of similar courses/degree programs may be assembled by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) staff to review applications for certification or recertification. ADHE will schedule a mutually convenient time for an on-site review of the course/degree program and the institution by the team. Representatives of out-of-state or distance delivery institutions may be required to meet with the review team at ADHE unless the staff determines that the review can be conducted by conference call.
A review team may include members of the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee (ICAC) and staff of the State Board of Private Career Education (SBPCE). The size of the team is determined by the level of courses/degree programs and the number of courses/degree programs proposed. All team members will be provided a copy of the institution's application. Expenses associated with the review team will be covered by the institution.
The review team will prepare a report and present its findings to ADHE. ADHE staff will use the report as the basis for a recommendation to ICAC concerning Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) certification or recertification.
Review Team Visit
The following are general guidelines for the team visit; however, the requirements of the visit may vary depending on the type of review and the method of delivery for the course/degree program.
APPENDIX L APPEAL PROCESS FOR INSTITUTIONS
Letter of Appeal
If an institution elects to appeal any decision of the Director of the Arkansas Higher Education Department, the Institutional Certification Advisory Committee, or the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a Letter of Appeal must be submitted to ADHE (Use Form 13).
The letter should provide the reason for the appeal and documentation or additional information that might affect the decision. The Letter of Appeal (Form 13) must be signed by the institution's chief executive officer and must be submitted within 30 days of the decision in question to ADHE.
Appeal Hearing
Appeals will be considered at the next regular AHECB meeting following the receipt of the written Letter of Appeal.
Hearings will be conducted in accordance with AHECB approved policy and will be held in conjunction with regularly scheduled AHECB meetings unless an emergency exists that requires immediate action.
Oral proceedings will be recorded by a certified court reporter and the institution will be responsible for all associated costs, including transcripts of the oral proceedings.
AHECB meets quarterly. AHECB meeting dates and locations can be found at www.arkansashighered.com.
APPENDIX M DEFINITIONS
|
ACCREDITATION |
The process whereby a non-governmental association recognizes an educational institution or program of study as having voluntarily met established standards as determined through initial and periodic evaluations. Non-public and out-of-state institutions seeking certification to offer college-level courses/degree programs customarily offered by colleges and universities must be accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. |
|
ASSESSMENT |
Data-gathering strategies, analyses, and reporting processes that provide information that can be used to determine the achievement of student learning outcomes. |
|
CHURCH-RELATED TRAINING |
Degree programs designed for the primary purpose of preparing individuals for positions of leadership and responsibility in a church or other religious institution (i. e., ministry, music ministry, youth ministry, etc.). |
|
CLASSCONTACT HOUR |
A unit of measure that represents an hour of scheduled instruction. Also referred to as class or clock hour. |
|
COLLEGE-LEVEL DEGREE |
An authorized award conferred by an approved educational institution acknowledging the satisfactory completion of a program of study. College-level degrees are those customarily awarded by colleges and universities accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. Degrees include: but not limited to, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, Master of Education, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Philosophy. |
|
COLLEGE-LEVEL COURSE |
A unit of learning activities. College-level courses are those customarily offered by colleges and universities accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education. |
|
CURRICULUM |
A program of instruction or an overall set of courses or programs offered by an institution that comprises a specific area of study. |
|
DECERTIFICATION |
An action taken when a course/degree program will no longer be offered to Arkansas residents, or an institution closes. Decertification occurs (1) at the request of the certified institution, which is either closing a course/degree program or closing the institution; (2) as a result of failure by the institution to provide sufficient information for recertification; or (3) as a result of failure to meet certification requirements. No new students may be enrolled. A teach-out plan must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education and offered to the students for an opportunity to complete the course/degree program. |
|
DISTANCE INSTRUCTION |
Part of the distance education process in which the majority of the instruction occurs while educator and learner are at a distance from one another. |
|
DISTANCE LEARNING |
Part of the distance education process that connects learners with providers via distance technology. All distance learning is characterized by (1) separation of place and/or time between instructor and learner, among learners, and/or between learners and learning resources; and (2) interaction between the learner and the instructor and/or interaction among learners conducted through one or more media. |
|
EXEMPTION (LETTER OF) |
Some educational institutions might not require AHECB certification and may be eligible for a Letter of exemption. Part III identifies those institutions that may be exempt and the documentation that must be submitted to ADHE. A letter of exemption is valid for two years and must be renewed biannually. |
|
FACULTY |
Individuals who present instruction, prepare instructional material, evaluate assignments, and counsel students in academic selection and progress. |
|
FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBER |
One who occupies a full-time faculty position and whose primary employment is directly related to teaching, research, and/or other aspects of the educational programs of institutions. |
|
GENERAL EDUCATION CORE OF STUDY |
College-level courses which apply toward the general general education core curriculum requirements for baccalaureate degrees that are transferable between Arkansas public institutions. Courses are in English/Communications, Math, Science, Fine Arts/Humanities, Social Sciences and total 35 credit hours. |
|
NEW PROGRAM |
Identified as (a) a program of study that has not been offered previously or has been offered and then discontinued; (b) an existing program in which the program objective has been revised and provides preparation for a different job title; (c) an existing program in which the content, total hours in the program of study, or number of hours of content have decreased or increased by more than 18 hours. |
|
NON-CREDIT COURSES |
Courses, seminars, workshops and other instructional activities or experiences offered by an education institution which do not result in college credit and may not be applied to meet requirements of the institution's formal degree/diploma/certificate programs. |
|
REMEDIAL/DEV ELOPMENTAL I NSTRUCTI ON |
Special instruction designed and delivered to alleviate deficiencies in basic skills (usually verbal and computational) needed to complete a course. |
|
RECERTI FICATION |
A renewal of certification which occurs two years after the initial certification of college-level course/degree programs. Recertification is granted for two to five years. |
|
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME |
A particular/specified level of knowledge, skill, and ability that a student has achieved as a result of engagement in a particular/specific instructional experience or set of instructional experiences. |
APPENDIX N
ARKANSAS PUBLIC AND INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Public Institutions
Arkansas public colleges and universities are coordinated by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and are not subject to the institutional certification rules and regulations.
|
Arkansas Northeastern College |
Arkansas State University |
|
Arkansas State University - Beebe |
Arkansas State University - Mountain Home |
|
Arkansas State University - Newport |
Arkansas Tech University |
|
Black River Technical College |
Cossatot Community College of UA |
|
East Arkansas Community College |
Henderson State University |
|
Mid-South Community College |
National Park Community College |
|
North Arkansas College |
Northwest Arkansas Community College |
|
Ouachita Technical College |
Ozarka College |
|
Phillips Community College |
Pulaski Technical College |
|
Rich Mountain Community College |
South Arkansas Community College |
|
Southeast Arkansas College |
Southern Arkansas University |
|
Southern Arkansas University Tech |
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville (UA) |
|
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith |
University of Arkansas at Little Rock |
|
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences |
University of Arkansas at Monticello |
|
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff |
UA Community College at Batesville |
|
UA Community College at Hope |
UA Community College at Morrilton |
|
University of Central Arkansas |
Independent Institutions
The following independent institutions of higher education incorporated in the state of Arkansas on or prior to April 7, 1975, and offering degrees customarily granted by colleges or universities with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U. S. Department of Education will be exempt from certification unless the institution fails to maintain accreditation.
|
Arkansas Baptist College |
Central Baptist College |
|
Crowley's Ridge College |
Harding University |
|
Hendrix College |
John Brown University |
|
Lyon College |
Ouachita Baptist University |
|
Philander Smith College |
University of the Ozarks |
|
Williams Baptist College |
FORM 1 LETTER OF NOTIFICATION
FORM 2 - FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATOR CHART
FORM 3 CONSUMER DISCLOSURE
FORM 4
ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION CERTIFIED INSTITUTION BOND
FORM 5
APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF COURSE/DEGREE PROGRAM ON-SITE DELIVERY
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 1, Section 1-certification of course/degree program.
ADHE STAFF AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 6 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATION OF COURSE/DEGREE PROGRAM DISTANCE DELIVERY
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 1, Section 2-certification of distance delivery course/degree program
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 7
APPLICATION FOR RECERTIFICATION OF COURSE/DEGREE PROGRAM ON-SITE DELIVERY
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 1, Section 3-recertification of course/degree program.
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 8 APPLICATION FOR RECERTIFICATION OF COURSE/DEGREE PROGRAM DISTANCE DELIVERY
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 1, Section 4-recertification of distance delivery course/degree program.
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 9 REQUEST FOR DECERTIFICATION
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 1, Section 5-decertification of courses/degree programs and/or institution.
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 10
APPLICATION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF A NEW INSTITUTION: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
On-Site Delivery)
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 2, Section 1-certification of a new institution: planning and development.
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 11
APPLICATION FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF A NEW INSTITUTION: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
(Distance Delivery)
Use this form to provide the information required in Part 2, Section 2-certification of a new distance delivery institution: planning and development.
ADHE staff AND ICAC MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
FORM 12
REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION FROM CERTIFICATION
FORM 13 LETTER OF APPEAL FOR INSTITUTION
FORM 14 CLASS HOURS TO CREDIT HOURS CONVERSION SHEET
This form is to be completed and submitted with all applications for new course/degree program certification. Each course in the proposed program should be included.
|
Course Name |
Type of Course: Lab/Theory/Distance Education/Other (please explain) |
Contact Hours |
Credit Hours Value |
