Code of Massachusetts Regulations
610 CMR - BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Title 610 CMR 2.00 - Degree-granting Regulations For Independent Institutions Of Higher Education
Section 2.04 - Definitions

For the purpose of 610 CMR 2.00, the following terms will mean:

Accreditation Formal recognition or acceptance of the institution or of programs or portions of the institution by a regional or professional accrediting agency recognized as such by the United States Secretary of Education, which first requires degree approval prior to accreditation.

Articles of Amendment Amendments to a higher education corporation's certificate of organization filed with the Secretary of State's office in accordance with the Secretary of State's policies and procedures, and referred to the Board of Higher Education under M.G.L. c. 69, § 30.

Certificate of Organization Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State's office in accordance with the Secretary of State's policies and procedures, and referred to the Board of Higher Education under M.G.L. c. 69, §30.

College or University Any institution of higher education maintained or conducted by any person, association, partnership, corporation or trust which offers courses leading to an academic degree. Colleges may be either two-year or junior colleges, or four-year or senior colleges. A two-year or junior college must provide programs of study leading to the award of the associate's degree, and may provide programs of study that lead to transfer into a four-year or senior college or university. A four-year or senior college must provide a wide range of programs leading to the baccalaureate degree, and may also include some programs leading to the master's degree. A university must meet the requirements of a four-year or senior college, must provide graduate programs in two or more professional fields, and must provide programs leading to the doctoral degree in two or more fields of study. A university must clearly identify graduate studies as a distinct element within its organization, and must provide the additional faculty, facilities, and resources necessary to support sound graduate programs.

Degree Any academic or honorary title or designation, such as, but not limited to, associate's, bachelor's, master's, certificate of advanced graduate study, or doctorate, awarded in recognition of college-level academic work.

Degree-Granting Authority The authority to grant degrees, vested in institutions of higher education by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Foreign Corporation A corporation established, organized or chartered under laws other than those of the Commonwealth as defined in M.G.L. c. 181, § 1.

Foreign Corporation Certificate As filed with the Secretary of State and defined in M.G.L. c. 181, § 4.

Board of Higher Education The agency established pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. c. 15A, § 4, referred to hereafter as the Board.

Independent Institutions of Higher Education (Institution) Any institution, other than institutions within the public system of higher education as set forth in M.G.L. c. 15A, § 5, that offers or seeks to offer courses for credit or courses leading to an academic degree in Massachusetts.

New England Association of Schools and Colleges A regional accrediting association recognized by the United States Secretary of Education.

Proprietary Institution An institution of higher education incorporated for profit-making purposes under the provisions of M.G.L. c. 156B or similar statutes in the case of a foreign corporation.

Regionally Accredited Institution An institution of higher education accredited without sanction by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Student Records All official records of a student's enrollment in, attendance at, and performance in an institution of higher education.

Veterans Approval Agency The agency that approves institutions to participate in programs that enable certain veteran enrollees to request financial benefits from the Veterans' Administration under Title 38 of the United States Code.

Visiting Committee A committee of competent individuals in relevant fields appointed by the Board to evaluate an institution and/or to evaluate particular programs within an institution.