Code of Maine Rules
05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL
Chapter 149 - PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING AUTHORIZATION FOR INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION TO CONFER ACADEMIC DEGREES OR TO OFFER DEGREE COURSES/PROGRAMS IN THE STATE OF MAINE
Section 071-149-2 - Procedures for Obtaining Authorization and Approval
Universal Citation: 05 ME Code Rules § 071-149-2
Current through 2025-13, March 26, 2025
A. Initial Degree Authorization - From Within the State of Maine
(1)
Application. Officials of the applicant institution of higher
education shall notify the Commissioner, in writing, of their intent to obtain
legislative authorization to confer a degree at the Associate level or higher.
An application must be received at least six (6) months prior to the start of a
legislative session.
(2)
Notification to Presidents. The Commissioner will notify the
Presidents of all Maine institutions of higher education indicating receipt of
the initial request
(3)
Provide Materials. The Commissioner will provide to the officials
of the applicant institution of higher education such materials as are
necessary to the conduct and finalizing of the authorization process. Such
materials shall include a copy of the procedures to be followed and standards
to be met and other items as are pertinent.
(4)
Preparing Report; Content.
Officials of the applicant institution of higher education shall prepare a
report and forward it to the Commissioner. The report must provide in-depth
information about the institution by giving attention to the following topics:
A.
Organization and Governance
1. The institution has a current written
document detailing administrative responsibilities of the governing board,
administrators, the faculty, the staff, and the students (if staff and students
participate in institutional governance).
2. The institution has an organizational
chart that clearly shows lines of authority and the relationship among
component units and personnel.
B.
Institutional Objectives
1. The institution has defined its
educational mission and general purposes or goals, and has included within its
statement of purpose such uniqueness of programming and educational
philosophy as may be inherent in the proposed degree offerings.
2. The institution's
statement of purpose is readily identifiable through its course and
program offerings.
C.
Degree Requirements
1. The
institution awards degrees, only upon successful completion of the courses or
programs of study, and degree requirements to be met are specified in
writing.
2. The institution's
semester hour* requirements for degree completion meet the
following minimums:
Associate Degree - An Associate degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. The Associate of Arts degree shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours in general education courses.** The Associate of Science degree shall include a minimum of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours in general education courses.
Baccalaureate Degree - A Baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours or 180*** quarter hours
Master's Degree - A Master's degree shall require a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate.
Doctoral Degree - A Doctoral degree shall require a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate in addition to the dissertation.
Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis for institutions using a non-traditional approach instead of semester hours or quarter hours to determine degree completion
D.
Admission Requirements
1. The institution has a written policy
defining the minimum requirements for admission and for acceptance at the
specific degree level or into the specific degree program proposed by the
institution, consistent with criteria established by the appropriate regional
or nationally recognized specialized accrediting agency.
2. The admission policies include detailed
attention to the standards for academic credit given for experience, and the
criteria for transfer credit.
3.
The institution has a written policy detailing the criteria and procedure to be
followed in providing for a refund of tuition and fees.
E.
Academic Programs
1. The educational program and curriculum
reflects the philosophy, purposes, and objectives of the institution.
2. The institution has a written policy
describing its system for evaluating student performance, the minimum
performance considered satisfactory, the criteria for academic probation and
conditions for dismissal for unsatisfactory performance.
3. Procedures for the evaluation of the
quality of programs of instruction and specific courses are clearly stated in
writing.
4. The institution's
programs of study consist of planned educational experiences to meet the stated
objectives and include attention to the necessary prerequisites, required
courses, and appropriate progression.
F.
Faculty
1. The preponderance of faculty members
provide instruction and possess academic, scholarly, and teaching
qualifications appropriate to their respective positions and teaching
assignments and are distributed in such a way that all students benefit from
these qualifications.
2. The
faculty is involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum
for all degree programs to assure quality learning experiences are provided for
all students.
3. The faculty
participates in the governance of the institution and the academic programs as
well as in short-term institutional planning activities.
G.
Student Services
1. Students are provided with, and have
access to, a system of educational, career and personal advising
services.
H.
Library and Learning Resources
1.
The institution maintains and provides ready access to library and learning
resources, virtual and/or physical, that are adequate and appropriate for
student achievement of stated program goals and objectives.
[Other areas to be addressed, should be added by institution officials in an effort to give as clear a picture as possible of the institution's library and learning resources - (°see Appendix B)].
I.
Facilities
1. The institution
provides and maintains an appropriate learning environment with the necessary
supports and technologies sufficient for student achievement of educational
objectives. In doing so, industry standards for health, safety, and maintenance
are followed
J.
Financial Resources
1. The
application for establishment of a new degree-granting program documents a
complete and realistic plan for implementing and financing the proposed
academic program during the first five-year cycle of operation. The
Five-Year Financial Plan° is based on reasonably projected
enrollment levels; the nature and extent of instructional services required;
the availability of existing resources to support the program; additional
resource requirements; and projected/committed sources of funding (°see
Appendix C for details to be addressed in the five-Year Financial
Plan).
2. The application from an
existing degree-granting institution clearly documents that it has the
financial resources necessary to support its purposes, implement its program
and maintain its continuity for a minimum of five years by providing its most
recent audited financial statement, and that evidence exists of long range
financial planning and viability.
(5)
Form Review Committee. After
information requested in #4 is received, the Commissioner will form a Review
Committee authorized to review and evaluate the submitted material and to
conduct on-site visits when applicable. The membership of the Committee will be
determined by the Commissioner after consultation with officials of the
applicant institution subject to the final approval of the State Board of
Education. The committee will consist of at least five (5) individuals who will
be representative of Maine's institutions of higher education. Other members
may be added by the State Board of Education. One of the members will be a
member of the Maine Higher Education Council who will serve as Chair of the
Committee. Expenses incurred by the Committee will be the responsibility of the
applicant institution of higher education.
(6)
Review Committee Prepares
Report. The Review Committee will prepare a report detailing the facts
based upon a review of the submitted materials, the application of standards
for evaluating requests as adopted by the State Board of Education, and
information obtained from the on-site visit, if one was conducted, and include
a recommendation as to whether the request for degree granting authority should
be authorized. Prior to completion of the final report, the Review Committee
will prepare an initial draft copy, without recommendation, and submit this to
officials of de applicant institution for their review of the accuracy of the
facts presented.
(7)
Review
Committee Forward Report. The final report and recommendation shall be
forwarded to the Commissioner within four weeks following the Committee's visit
or by the last Friday in November. A copy of the report, and recommendation,
shall also be forwarded to the President of the applicant institution. At this
time, officials of the applicant institution will be notified concerning their
responsibility to obtain a bill sponsor and to take the necessary steps to get
a bill drafted and filed in preparation for legislative action.
(8)
Commissioner Transmits
Report. The Commissioner will transmit the report of the Review
Committee to the State Board of Education. The Board will receive the report
and recommendation at its December meeting with final action to be taken at the
next regular meeting at which time the Commissioner will make a recommendation
for action.
If the officials of the applicant institution wish to make any comments, reaction, or rebuttal relative to the contents of the final report of the Review Committee, this shall be in writing to the Board and shall be available for receipt by the Board not later than at its December meeting. Concurrently, this material shall be made available to the Chair of the Review Committee and if the Committee wishes to respond to is content, this shall be done in writing and submitted to the State Board of Education at least ten days prior to the date of its meeting at which time final action is scheduled.
(9)
State
Board Action. The State Board of Education will make a recommendation on
the request and transmit this to the Joint Legislative Committee on Education,
and officials of the applicant institution will be notified of this
action.
B. Additional Degree Approval
(1)
Application. Officials of the applicant institution of higher
education shall notify the Commissioner in writing of their intent to obtain
additional degree approval at the Associate level or higher from the State
Board of Education.
(2)
Notification to Presidents. The Commissioner will notify the
Presidents of all Maine institutions of higher education indicating receipt of
the initial request.
(3)
Provide Materials. The Commissioner will provide to the officials
of the applicant institution such materials as are necessary to the conduct and
finalizing of the approval process. Such materials shall include a copy of the
procedures to be followed and standards to be met and other items as are
pertinent.
(4)
Preparing
Report; Content. Officials of the applicant institution shall prepare a
report and forward it to the Commissioner. The report must provide in depth
information about the institution by giving attention to the following topics:
A.
Organization and Governance
1. The institution has a current written
document detailing administrative responsibilities of the governing board,
administrators, the faculty, the staff, and the students (if staff and students
participate in institutional governance).
2. The institution has an organizational
chart that clearly shows lines of authority and the relationship among
component units and personnel.
B.
Institutional Objectives
1. The institution has defined its
educational mission and general purposes or goals, and has included within its
statement of purpose such uniqueness of programming and educational
philosophy as may be inherent in the proposed degree offerings.
2. The institution's
statement of purpose is readily identifiable through its course and
program offerings.
C.
Degree Requirements
1. The
institution awards degrees, only upon successful completion of the courses or
programs of study, and degree requirements to be met are specified in
writing.
2. The institution's
semester hour* requirements for degree completion meet the following minimums:
Associate Degree - An Associate degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. The Associate of Arts degree shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours in general education courses.** The Associate of Science degree shall include a minimum of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours in general education courses.
Baccalaureate Degree - A Baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours or 180*** quarter hours
Master's Degree - A Master's degree shall require a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate.
Doctoral Degree - A Doctoral degree shall require a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate in addition to the dissertation.
Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis for institutions using a non-traditional approach instead of semester hours or quarter hours to determine degree completion
D.
Admission Requirements
1. The institution has a written policy
defining the minimum requirements for admission and for acceptance at the
specific degree level or into the specific degree program proposed by the
institution, consistent with criteria established by the appropriate regional
or nationally recognized specialized accrediting agency.
2. The admission policies include detailed
attention to the standards for academic credit given for experience, and the
criteria for transfer credit.
3.
The institution has a written policy detailing the criteria and procedure to be
followed in providing for a refund of tuition and fees.
E.
Academic Programs
1. The educational program and curriculum
reflects the philosophy, purposes, and objectives of the institution.
2. The institution has a written policy
describing its system for evaluating student performance, the minimum
performance considered satisfactory, the criteria for academic probation and
conditions for dismissal for unsatisfactory performance.
3. Procedures for the evaluation of the
quality of programs of instruction and specific courses are clearly stated in
writing.
4. The institution's
programs of study consist of planned educational experiences to meet the stated
objectives and include attention to the necessary prerequisites, required
courses, and appropriate progression.
F.
Faculty
1. The preponderance of faculty members
provide instruction and possess academic, scholarly, and teaching
qualifications appropriate to their respective positions and teaching
assignments and are distributed in such a way that all students benefit from
these qualifications.
2. The
faculty is involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum
for all degree programs to assure quality learning experiences are provided for
all students.
3. The faculty
participates in the governance of the institution and the academic programs as
well as in short-term institutional planning activities.
G.
Student Services
1. Students are provided with, and have
access to, a system of educational, career and personal advising
services.
H.
Library and Learning Resources
1.
The institution maintains and provides ready access to library and learning
resources, virtual and/or physical, that are adequate and appropriate for
student achievement of stated program goals and objectives.
[Other areas to be addressed, should be added by institution officials in an effort to give as clear a picture as possible of the institution's library and learning resources - (°see Appendix B)].
I.
Facilities
1. The institution
provides and maintains an appropriate learning environment with the necessary
supports and technologies sufficient for student achievement of educational
objectives. In doing so, industry standards for health, safety, and maintenance
are followed.
J.
Financial Resources
1. The
application for establishment of a new degree-granting program documents a
complete and realistic plan for implementing and financing the proposed
academic program during the first five-year cycle of operation. The
Five-Year Financial Plan° is based on reasonably projected
enrollment levels; the nature and extent of instructional services required;
the availability of existing resources to support the program; additional
resource requirements; and projected/committed sources of funding (°see
Appendix C for details to be addressed in the five-Year Financial
Plan).
2. The application from an
existing degree-granting institution clearly documents that it has the
financial resources necessary to support its purposes, implement its program
and maintain its continuity for a minimum of five years by providing its most
recent audited financial statement, and that evidence exists of long range
financial planning and viability.
(5)
Form Review Committee. After
information requested in #4 is received, the Commissioner will form a Review
Committee authorized to review and evaluate the submitted material and to
conduct on-site visits when applicable. The membership of the Committee will be
determined by the Commissioner after consultation with officials of the
applicant institution subject to the final approval of the State Board of
Education. The committee will consist of at least five (5) individuals who will
be representative of Maine's institutions of higher education. Other members
may be added by the State Board of Education. One of the members will be a
member of the Maine Higher Education Council who will serve as Chair of the
Committee. Expenses incurred by the Committee will be the responsibility of the
applicant institution.
(6)
Review Committee Prepares Report. The Review Committee will
prepare a report detailing the facts based upon a review of the submitted
materials, the application of standards for evaluating request as adopted by
the State Board of Education, and information obtained from the on-site visit
if one was conducted, and include a recommendation as to whether the request
for additional degree approval should be granted. Prior to completion of the
final report, the Review Committee will prepare an initial draft copy, without
recommendation, and submit this to officials of the applicant institution for
their review of the accuracy of the facts presented.
(7)
Review Committee Forwards
Report. The final report and recommendation shall be forwarded to the
Commissioner within four weeks following the Committee's visit. A copy of the
report and recommendation, shall also be forwarded to the President of the
applicant institution.
(8)
Commissioner Transmits Report. The Commissioner will transmit the report
of the Review Committee to the State Board of Education. The Board will receive
the report and recommendation at one of its regular meetings with final action
to grant or deny approval to confer an additional degree or degrees to be taken
at its next regular meeting at which time the Commissioner will make a
recommendation for action.
If the officials of the applicant institution wish to make any comments, reaction, or rebuttal relative to the contents of the final report of the Review Committee, this shall be made in writing to the Board and such shall be available for receipt by the Board not later than three weeks prior to the date that final action is scheduled. Concurrently, this material shall be made available to the Chair of the Review Committee and if the Committee wishes to respond to its content, this shall be done in writing and submitted to the Board at least ten days prior to the date of its meeting at which time final action is scheduled.
(9)
Notification to Officials.
Officials of the applicant institution will be notified in writing of the
action of the State Board of Education.
C. Course/Program Offerings by Out-of-State Institutions
(1)
Applications. Officials of the applicant institution of higher
education shall notify the Commissioner, in writing, of their intent to obtain
State Board approval to offer an academic credit course or program in
Maine.
(2)
Notification to
Presidents. The Commissioner will notify the President of all Maine
institutions of higher education indicating receipt of the initial
request.
(3)
Provide
Materials. The Commissioner will provide to the officials of the
applicant institution such materials as are necessary to the conduct and
finalizing of the approval process. Such materials shall include a copy of the
procedures to be followed and standards to be met and other items as are
pertinent.
(4)
Preparing
Report; Content. Officials of the applicant institution shall prepare a
report and forward it to the Commissioner. The report must provide in depth
information about the institution by giving attention to the following topics:
A.
Organization and Governance
1. The institution has a current written
document detailing administrative responsibilities of the governing board,
administrators, the faculty, the staff, and the students (if staff and students
participate in institutional governance).
2. The institution has an organizational
chart that clearly shows lines of authority and the relationship among
component units and personnel.
B.
Institutional Objectives
1. The institution has defined its
educational mission and general purposes or goals, and has included within its
statement of purpose such uniqueness of programming and educational
philosophy as may be inherent in the proposed degree offerings.
2. The institution's
statement of purpose is readily identifiable through its course and
program offerings.
C.
Degree Requirements
1. The
institution awards degrees, only upon successful completion of the courses or
programs of study, and degree requirements to be met are specified in
writing.
2. The institution's
semester hour* requirements for degree completion meet the following minimums:
Associate Degree - An Associate degree requires a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours. The Associate of Arts degree shall include a minimum of 36 semester hours or 54 quarter hours in general education courses.** The Associate of Science degree shall include a minimum of 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours in general education courses.
Baccalaureate Degree - A Baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 semester hours or 180*** quarter hours
Master's Degree - A Master's degree shall require a minimum of 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate.
Doctoral Degree - A Doctoral degree shall require a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours beyond the Baccalaureate in addition to the dissertation.
Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis for institutions using a non-traditional approach instead of semester hours or quarter hours to determine degree completion
D.
Admission Requirements
1. The institution has a written policy
defining the minimum requirements for admission and for acceptance at the
specific degree level or into the specific degree program proposed by the
institution, consistent with criteria established by the appropriate regional
or nationally recognized specialized accrediting agency.
2. The admission policies include detailed
attention to the standards for academic credit given for experience, and the
criteria for transfer credit.
3.
The institution has a written policy detailing the criteria and procedure to be
followed in providing for a refund of tuition and fees.
E.
Academic Programs
1. The educational program and curriculum
reflects the philosophy, purposes, and objectives of the institution.
2. The institution has a written policy
describing its system for evaluating student performance, the minimum
performance considered satisfactory, the criteria for academic probation and
conditions for dismissal for unsatisfactory performance.
3. Procedures for the evaluation of the
quality of programs of instruction and specific courses are clearly stated in
writing.
4. The institution's
programs of study consist of planned educational experiences to meet the stated
objectives and include attention to the necessary prerequisites, required
courses, and appropriate progression.
F.
Faculty
1. The preponderance of faculty members
provide instruction and possess academic, scholarly, and teaching
qualifications appropriate to their respective positions and teaching
assignments and are distributed in such a way that all students benefit from
these qualifications.
2. The
faculty is involved in developing, implementing, and evaluating the curriculum
for all degree programs to assure quality learning experiences are provided for
all students.
3. The faculty
participates in the governance of the institution and the academic programs as
well as in short-term institutional planning activities.
G.
Student Services
1. Students are provided with, and have
access to, a system of educational, career and personal advising
services.
H.
Library and Learning Resources
1.
The institution maintains and provides ready access to library and learning
resources, virtual and/or physical, that are adequate and appropriate for
student achievement of stated program goals and objectives.
[Other areas to be addressed, should be added by institution officials in an effort to give as clear a picture as possible of the institution's library and learning resources - (°see Appendix B)].
I.
Facilities
1. The institution
provides and maintains an appropriate learning environment with the necessary
supports and technologies sufficient for student achievement of educational
objectives. In doing so, industry standards for health, safety, and maintenance
are followed
J.
Financial Resources
1. The
application for establishment of a new degree-granting program documents a
complete and realistic plan for implementing and financing the proposed
academic program during the first five-year cycle of operation. The
Five-Year Financial Plan is based on reasonably projected
enrollment levels; the nature and extent of instructional services required;
the availability of existing resources to support the program; additional
resource requirements; and projected/committed sources of funding (°see
Appendix C for details to be addressed in the Five-Year Financial
Plan).
2. The application from an
existing degree-granting institution clearly documents that it has the
financial resources necessary to support its purposes, implement its program
and maintain its continuity for a minimum of five years by providing its most
recent audited financial statement, and that evidence exists of long range
financial planning and viability.
(5)
Form Review Committee. After
information requested in #4 is received, the Commissioner will form a Review
Committee authorized to review and evaluate the submitted material. This
committee will conduct any on-site visit as is appropriate at Maine locations
where the course/program will be offered or meet in Maine with institution
officials to discuss the details of the proposed offerings. A meeting with
officials of the applicant in is required as part of the approval process. The
membership of the Committee will be determined by the Commissioner and will
consist of at least three individuals representative of Maine's institutions of
higher education.
(6)
Review
Committee Report and Recommendation. The Review Committee will prepare a
report based upon a review of the submitted materials, the application of
standards for evaluating requests as adopted by the State Board of Education,
information obtained from the on-site visit, if one was made, and the meeting
with institution officials. The Committee's report will also include a
recommendation as to whether approval should be granted or denied. The Review
Committee will forward this to the Commissioner and State Board of
Education.
(7)
Final Action
by State Board of Education. Upon receipt of the Review Committee's
report and recommendation, and upon recommendation by the Commissioner, the
Board will either grant or deny the approval request. If approval is granted it
shall be valid for a four year period unless a special situation requires a
shorter period.
(8)
Program
Changes. Any future changes that the applicant institution desires to
make in the courses or programs previously approved by the Board shall be
submitted to the Commissioner at least three months in advance of the planned
implementation date. The need for the implications of these changes shall be
explained. Materials as submitted will be reviewed by the Review Committee with
written comments made to the Commissioner who shall prepare a report and
recommendation for the Board. The Board shall either grant or deny the request
for changes.
(9)
Renewal. A request previously approved by the Board may be
renewed. This renewal shall be for a specified time period which will be
dependent upon the nature of the course or program offerings. Officials of the
applicant institution shall notify the Commissioner of their desire to renew
the approval and indicate any significant changes that would be made in the
previously approved offerings. The Commissioner will notify the President of
all Maine postsecondary institutions indicating receipt of the renewal request.
The submitted materials will be reviewed by a Review Committee which will make
written comments to the Commissioner. This Review Committee shall consist of
all or at least three (3) members of the committee that evaluated the initial
request. If there are less than three (3) members of the original group still
available a new committee shall be constituted. The Commissioner shall,
concurrently, cause an evaluation to be done of the previously approved
offerings.
Following review of the comments received and the completed evaluation, the Commissioner will prepare a report and recommendation for the Board.
Following review of the report and upon recommendation from the Commissioner, the Board will either grant or deny the renewal request.
D. Coordinated Courses or Programs
(1)
Application. Officials of
the applicant institution of higher education shall notify the Commissioner, in
writing, of their intent to obtain State approval for a coordinated program and
include the name of the degree granting Maine institution of higher education
with which the program will be coordinated as well as information detailing the
results of contacts between the applicant institution and the coordinating
Maine institution.
(2)
Notification to Presidents. The Commissioner will notify the
Presidents of all Maine institutions of higher education indicating receipt of
the applicant's request.
(3)
Provide materials. The Commissioner will provide to the officials
of the applicant institution such materials as are necessary for the conduct
and finalizing of the approval process. Such materials shall include a copy of
the procedures to be followed and standards to be met and other items as are
pertinent.
(4)
Information
Submitted to Commissioner. At least three months prior to the planned
date of the commencement of the proposed coordinated program, all necessary
information will be submitted to the Commissioner. This information should
include, but not be limited to, the following:
A. Responsibilities of the degree granting
Maine institution of higher education
B. Responsibilities of the applicant
institution
C. Details of the
coordinated arrangement
D. Content
of the program
E. Program
goals/objectives
F. Administrative
responsibility
G. Indication of
support from the president of the degree-granting Maine institution of higher
education.
(5)
Commissioner's Report and Recommendation. The Commissioner shall
review the information as submitted under paragraph (4) and transmit a report
and recommendation to the State Board of Education.
(6)
State Board Action.
Following review of the report and upon recommendation of the Commissioner, the
State Board of Education will make the final decision on the applicant's
request. Approval will only be in effect so as long as the coordinated program
operates on a continuous basis.
(7)
Program Changes. Any future changes contemplated in the program
which would significantly alter the conduct of the coordinated activity as
previously approved, must be submitted to the Commissioner at least three
months in advance of the planned implementation date in the same manner as set
forth in paragraph (4). The Commissioner will review changes and transmit a
report and recommendation to the State Board of Education which shall make a
final decision on the request.
E. Telecommunications Instruction
(1)
Physical
presence. Any higher education institution located outside the State of
Maine and seeking to provide from an out-of-state source telecommunication
instruction in Maine which involves physical presence in this state by the
out-of-state institution must obtain approval from the State Board of
Education. Physical presence shall be evident when support services for
telecommunications offerings include institutional representatives serving as
tutors, counselors, instructors or monitors at the Maine receiving
site.
(2)
Application.
Officials of the out-of-state higher education institution shall notify the
Commissioner in writing of their intent to seek approval to make academic
credit telecommunication offerings in Maine under provisions specified in (1)
above.
(3)
Notification to
Presidents. The Commissioner win notify the Presidents of all Maine
institutions of higher education indicating receipt of the initial
request.
(4)
Provide
Materials. The Commissioner will provide to the officials of the
applicant institution an application and other materials necessary to the
finalizing of the approval process.
(5)
Form Review Committee. After
the completed application is received, the Commissioner will form a Review
Committee authorized to review and evaluate the submitted material. The
membership of the committee will be determined by the Commissioner and will
consist of at least five (5) individuals who will include but not be limited to
personnel from Maine's institutions of higher education and individuals
knowledgeable about telecommunication instruction from public and private
institutions and agencies. The committee will meet in Maine with officials of
the applicant institution to obtain further details.
(6)
Review Committee Prepares
Report. The Review Committee will prepare a final report based upon a
review of the submitted material and the meeting with institution officials and
include a recommendation as to whether the request should be
approved.
(7)
Review
Committee Forwards Report. The final report and recommendation shall be
forwarded to the Commissioner who shall in turn forward these to the State
Board of Education with a recommendation for action.
(8)
Final Action by State Board of
Education. Upon receipt of the Review Committee's report and
recommendation and upon recommendation by the Commissioner the Board will
either grant or deny the request. If approval is granted it shall be valid for
a four year period unless a special situation requires a shorter
period.
F. Temporary Approval
(1)
Application. Officials of the applicant institution shall notify
the Commissioner, in writing of their intent to obtain temporary
approval.
(2)
Notification to
Presidents. The Commissioner will notify the Presidents of all Maine
institutions of higher education indicating receipt of the request.
(3)
Provide Materials. The
Commissioner will provide material to the officials of the applicant
institution, including a copy of the procedures to be followed and standards to
be met and other items as may be necessary to conduct and finalize the approval
process.
(4)
Report
Content. Officials of the applicant institution shall prepare a report
and forward it to the Commissioner. This report must provide in-depth
information about the institution (see Part 2, Sections A, B, or C for guidance
as to the necessary details when responding to the following topics):
A. Organization and Governance
B. Institutional Objectives
C. Degree Requirements
D. Admission Requirements
E. Academic Programs
F Faculty
G. Student Services
H. Library and Learning Resources
I. Facilities
J. Financial Resources
[Additional information may have to be submitted when officials seek initial legislative authorization].
(5)
Commissioner Review and
Report. After information requested in paragraph(4) is received, the
Commissioner will review and evaluate the submitted material and prepare a
report for submission to the State Board of Education.
(6)
State Board Action, 2 Year
Limit. Following review of the report and upon recommendation from the
Commissioner, the State Board of Education will take final action on the
applicant's request. Temporary approval may be granted for a period not in
excess of two years, in accordance with the provisions of
20-A
MRSA §10703.
G. Resubmission of Application Previously Denied.
No application previously denied by the Board under Part 2, C or D, shall be accepted for resubmission unless evidence is provided to the Commissioner that substantive changes or conditions have occurred that would warrant a resubmission. If the Commissioner determines that such changes or conditions are evident, a resubmission, application shall be processed according to established procedures.
Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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