Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1540 - Higher Education Commission
Chapter 1540-01-02 - Authorization and Regulation Of Regularly Authorized Postsecondary Educational Institutions
Section 1540-01-02-.06 - MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR AUTHORIZATION

(1) Institutions authorized to operate or seeking authorization in Tennessee must meet the minimum standards for authorization stated in the Act and these rules. Commission staff shall verify that an institution meets minimum standards for authorization through review of applications, registration requests, and certifications.

(2) No out-of-state institution will be considered for authorization if it is not authorized or exempt from authorization in the state where it is primarily located.

(3) In relation to the size and scope of the institution, it shall furnish adequate student services and resources to fulfill the mission and claims of the institution. Such services must have staff available to students with the knowledge and skills in areas such as: academic standing and satisfactory progress, admissions, employment opportunities or placement, intern/externships, library, and financial aid.

(4) Administrative capability must be demonstrated in the daily operational standards at the institution. Administrative capability is the ongoing effective operation of the institution such that the institution is able to comply with and, as applicable, coordinate federal, state and accreditation requirements in a positive and educationally enriching environment to the benefit of students. Indicators of a lack of administrative capability include: reoccurring violations in the same area, numerous student complaints during the year, failure to correct compliance issues, frequent or sudden turnover in faculty or staff, instances where a principal party has been or is involved with a postsecondary educational institution that ceased or ceases operation resulting in a loss of time or money for enrollees or prospective students or that had or has its institutional authorization to operate in a state revoked, or multiple findings in several different areas.

(5) Institution Name:

(6) In the event that an institution seeks authorization and Commission staff is aware of an outstanding complaint against the institution, the institution must resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of Commission staff before an Initial Authorization Application will be reviewed.