Code of Maine Rules
05 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
071 - EDUCATION - GENERAL
Chapter 170 - STANDARDS FOR EVALUATING REQUESTS FOR DEGREE-GRANTING AUTHORIZATIONS AND FOR OUT-OF-STATE POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTIONS SEEKING TO OFFER ACADEMIC CREDIT COURSES/PROGRAMS IN MAINE
Section 071-170-1 - DEGREE AUTHORIZATION - MAINE BASED INSTITUTIONS

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.

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.

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 degreerequires 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

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.

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.

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.

1. Students are provided with, and have access to, a system of educational, career and personal advising services.

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.

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 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.

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.