Source: http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/law/wsr/2009/02/09-02-008.htm
Timestamp: 2020-01-17 21:38:10
Document Index: 89502033

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250', '§ 250']

WSR 09-02-008
[ Filed December 29, 2008, 10:33 a.m. , effective January 29, 2009 ]
Purpose: Simplify and clarify the regulations; strengthen the requirements for authorization of degree-granting institutions; and update regulations to include changes to chapter 28B.85 RCW.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 250-61-220; and amending WAC 250-61-010 through 250-61-210.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 08-18-060 on September 17 [2], 2008.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 2, Amended 1, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 2, Amended 20, Repealed 1.
Date Adopted: December 21, 2008.
OTS-1772.2
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 95-01-003, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95)
WAC 250-61-010 ((Scope and)) Purpose. The Degree ((Authorization))-Granting Institutions Act, chapter 28B.85 RCW ((establishes a requirement)) requires that degree-granting institutions operating in Washington obtain authorization from the higher education coordinating board, unless specifically exempted from the authorization requirement by the act. This chapter is ((promulgated)) declared by the board as a supplement to the act in order to establish necessary regulations for the authorization of degree-granting institutions. ((The standards set forth in this chapter also supplement the federal regulations governing institutions seeking approval from the appropriate Washington state approving agency (Washington higher education coordinating board or Washington work force training and education coordinating board) to offer degrees to persons eligible to receive benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.))
The purpose of the act is to ((insure)) ensure fair business practices and adequate quality among degree-granting institutions operating in the state of Washington and to protect citizens against substandard, fraudulent, and deceptive practices.
((The act applies to degree programs and academic credit courses offered within the state. The act does not apply to degree programs and academic credit courses offered exclusively from outside the state through individual and private interstate communication.
A degree-granting institution shall not operate, conduct business, grant or offer to grant any courses or degree programs unless the institution has obtained authorization from the board or has been determined by the board to be exempt.
Institutions accredited by any association recognized by the federal government seeking approval to offer degrees to persons eligible to receive benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall first be authorized by the board or exempted under WAC 250-61-060 and shall meet the requirements of the appropriate Washington state approving agency.
Nonaccredited institutions seeking approval to offer degrees to persons eligible to receive benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs shall first be authorized by the board and shall meet the requirements of the appropriate Washington state approving agency.
Institutions seeking approval for their professional education programs from the state board of education first must be accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the federal government and authorized or exempted by the board.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-010, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 93-01-103, § 250-61-010, filed 12/17/92, effective 1/17/93; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-010, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-020 ((Previous regulations repealed.)) Applicability. ((Regulations previously adopted by this agency pursuant to chapter 28B.05 are repealed and superseded by this chapter. Degree-granting institutions authorized under the previous regulations will be governed by the previous rules and are not required to apply for authorization until the expiration date of such authorization. Degree-granting private vocational schools exempted under the previous regulations shall be required to apply for authorization within six months of the effective date of these regulations. Such degree-granting private vocational schools shall also be required to make their proportional initial capitalization contribution into the board's tuition recovery trust fund account at the time of application. Religious institutions exempted under the previous regulations shall be required to apply for religious exemption under these regulations within six months of the effective date of these regulations.)) A degree-granting institution shall not operate, conduct business, grant or offer to grant any academic courses or degree programs unless the institution has obtained authorization from the board, been granted a waiver of the requirements of authorization, or has been determined by the board to be exempt.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-020, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-020, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-030 Delegation and board supervision. (((See RCW 28B.80.430.)
(1))) Unless otherwise indicated, the board delegates authority for administering the act and these rules to the executive director.
(((2) Any)) Actions taken pursuant to these rules by the executive director or designee shall be subject to supervision by the board.
(((3) All)) Such actions ((taken by the executive director pursuant to these rules)) shall be reported periodically to the board for its review.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-030, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-030, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-040 Duties of executive director. In addition to other administrative responsibilities vested in the executive director of the higher education coordinating board under the act and this chapter, the executive director shall carry out the following administrative responsibilities:
(2) Cause the payment of any unsatisfied final judgment against an authorized institution, from the resources available through the institution's surety bond or other security deposit.
(4) In the event of impaired liability of the ((surety upon a bond)) security, notify the institution of suspension until the ((bond)) security liability in the required amount, unimpaired by unsatisfied judgment claims, shall have been furnished.
(5) To the extent that there is a payment ((by a surety)), release the ((bond)) security to the extent of the payment.
(6) ((Maintain and administer a separate account for authorized degree-granting private vocational schools in the tuition recovery trust fund established under RCW 43.84.092.
(7))) Establish and maintain all records called for under the provisions of the act and this chapter.
(((8))) (7) Maintain a current inventory of degree-granting institutions authorized or exempted under this chapter, including student complaints against such institutions.
(((9) The executive director may waive or modify the authorization requirements contained in this chapter for a particular institution if the executive director finds that such waiver or modification will not frustrate the purposes of this chapter and that literal application of this chapter creates a manifestly unreasonable hardship on the institution.))
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-040, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-040, filed 11/20/86.]
(1) "Act" means the Degree ((Authorization))-Granting Institutions Act, chapter 28B.85 RCW.
(4) "Accrediting association" means a national or regional accrediting association that is recognized by the ((federal government)) board and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
(7) "University" means a multiunit institution with varied educational roles including instruction, promotion of scholarship, preservation and discovery of knowledge, research and public service. Such institutions provide a wide range of undergraduate and graduate studies, programs in professional fields, and may also provide programs leading to ((the)) a doctorate.
(10) "Degree" means any designation, appellation, letters, or words including but not limited to "associate," "bachelor," "master," "doctor," or "fellow" which signify or ((purport to signify)) imply satisfactory completion of the requirements of an academic program of study ((beyond)) at the ((secondary school)) postsecondary level.
(((16))) (17) "Resident-based instruction" means a course or series of courses or degree programs which are taught by faculty at a specific location where students physically attend the course or program.
(((17))) (18) "((Telecommunication instruction)) Distance learning" means a ((course or series of courses or degree programs which have as their primary mode of delivery)) form of educational instruction other than classroom instruction, to include, but not limited to, correspondence, video-conferencing, television, ((video, computer, film)) internet transmission, or other electronic communication((s)).
(((18))) (19) "Credit ((hour))" means the unit by which an institution measures its course work. The number of credit ((hours)) assigned to a course is generally defined by the number of hours per week in class and preparation and the number of weeks in a term. One credit ((hour)) is usually assigned for three hours of student work per week or its equivalent. The three hours of student work per week is usually comprised of a combination of one hour of lecture and two of homework or three hours of laboratory. Semester and quarter credits ((hours)) are the most common systems of measuring course work. A semester credit ((hour)) is generally based on at least a fifteen week calendar or ((its equivalent)) 45 hours of student work. A quarter credit ((hour)) is generally based on at least a ten week calendar or ((its equivalent)) 30 hours of student work.
(((19))) (20) "((Full-time)) Faculty" means personnel who are appointed ((as such and have an employment agreement related to)) by the institution for purposes of teaching, research, mentoring, advisory roles and/or other ((aspects)) activities relating to the development and delivery of the instructional programs of the institution. ((These personnel participate in faculty meetings, staff development activities, and in the design of the curriculum.
(20) "Permanent part-time faculty" means personnel who are appointed as such and have an employment agreement for teaching less than full time. These personnel participate in faculty meetings, staff development activities, and in the design of the curriculum.
(21) "Part-time faculty" means personnel usually assigned to teach one or more specific classes and perform class-related activities.
(22))) (21) "To operate" means but is not limited to the following:
(a) Offering courses ((in person, by correspondence, or electronic media,)) for academic credit at any Washington location ((for degree credit, including electronic courses transmitted into the state of)) or via distance learning from a Washington location.
(c) Maintaining or advertising a Washington location, mailing address, telecommunications number or ((telephone number)) internet server for any purpose or any other function of a degree-granting institution, other than contact with the institution's former students for any legitimate purpose related to their having attended.
(((23) "To offer" includes, in addition to its usual meanings, to advertise or publicize. "To offer" shall also mean to solicit or encourage any person, directly or indirectly, to perform the act described.
(24))) (d) Advertising, promoting, publicizing, soliciting or recruiting for the institution or its offerings that is targeted specifically at Washington citizens, excluding multi-institutional college fairs.
(22) "Suspend" means that ((because of)), due to deficiencies, the board interrupts for a stated time the institution's authority to recruit and enroll new students, but it may continue serving currently enrolled students for the remainder of the term. Authorization or exemption may be reinstated, provided the deficiencies have been resolved to the satisfaction of the board.
(((25))) (24) "((Recognized)) Accrediting ((association)) institution" means an institution that has been accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the ((higher education coordinating)) board ((for purposes of this chapter and recognized by the federal government for purposes of financial aid program eligibility)) and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-050, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-050, filed 11/20/86.]
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-06-022, filed 2/22/99, effective 3/25/99)
WAC 250-61-060 Exemption((s)) criteria. No exemption from the requirements for degree authorization is considered to be permanent. The exemption granted is dependent upon the institution's maintenance of the conditions under which the exemption was granted.
(3) Institutions that have received institutional accreditation from an ((agency)) association recognized by the board and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, Provided:
(c) The institution has been accredited as a degree-granting institution for ten years or more by an accrediting association recognized by the ((federal government)) board and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, and maintains such accreditation status; and
(d) The institution maintains eligibility to participate in Title IV financial aid programs((;)).
(((e))) (4) A branch campus, extension center, or off-campus facility operating within the state of Washington, which is affiliated with an institution domiciled outside this state, Provided:
(b) It has held separate institutional accreditation as a free-standing institution for ten years or more by ((a recognized)) an accrediting association recognized by the board and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, and maintains such accreditation status; and
(((4))) (5) Institutions offering instruction on a federal enclave solely to federal employees and their dependents. If the institution offers or advertises instruction for other persons, the institution shall be subject to authorization.
(((5))) (6) Tribally controlled Native American colleges.
(((6))) (7) Institutions which offer program(s) of study whose sole stated objective is training in the religious beliefs of the controlling religious organization and/or preparation of students for occupations that are primarily church-related ((and)), Provided:
(c) The institution's program(s) of study require a prescribed program of study, which must be successfully completed prior to the granting of a degree; and
(d) The institution's program(s) of study are represented in an accurate manner in institutional catalogs, web sites, and other official ((publications: Provided, That an institution's degree programs in title (e.g., bachelor of religious studies, master of divinity, doctorate of ministry), curriculum content, and objectives reflect the strictly religious nature of the institution. The following procedures shall be employed in the implementation of this subsection:
(a) The chief academic officer shall contact board staff and arrange for a preliminary conference to discuss the religious exemption standards and the application/review procedures.
(b) The chief academic officer shall forward to the board office a copy of the institution's catalog and/or any other official publications that describe the nature of the institution and its programs. This information shall be used by the executive director to verify the religious exempt status of the institution.
(c) A religious institution which is granted an exemption under this regulation shall place the following statement in a prominent position on the front page of any catalog, general bulletins, and course schedules: "The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board has determined that (name of institution) qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree Authorization Act for the following programs: (List). Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the board at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430."
(d) A religious institution which is granted a religious exemption is subject to biennial reporting, and maintenance of the conditions under which exemption is granted. Such institutions are prohibited from publicizing that they are accredited, unless they are accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the federal government.
(e) In the case of a religious institution that offers both religious and secular programs of instruction, the requirements of chapter 28B.85 RCW and this chapter shall pertain only to the secular programs of the institution.
(f) The executive director shall suspend or revoke an institution's religious exemption if it is found that:
(i) Any statement contained in the application for exemption is untrue.
(ii) The institution has failed to maintain the conditions under which the exemption was granted.
(iii) Advertising or representations made on behalf of and sanctioned by the institution are deceptive or misleading.
(iv) The institution has violated any provision of the religious exemption regulations.
(g) Suspension or revocation shall be made only after the institution has been informed in writing of its deficiencies and has been given a reasonable time to regain compliance.
(7))) published materials; and
(9) Institutions not otherwise exempt which offer only workshops and seminars and institutions offering only credit-bearing workshops or seminars lasting no longer than three calendar days ((and for which academic credit is not awarded)).
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28B.85 RCW. 99-06-022, § 250-61-060, filed 2/22/99, effective 3/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-060, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-060, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-063 Exemption requirements. In order to apply for and maintain an exemption from the requirements for degree authorization, an institution must comply with the following:
(1) The chief academic officer of the institution shall contact board staff and arrange for a preliminary conference to discuss the exemption criteria and procedures pertaining to the request for exemption.
(2) Any institution granted exemption from the requirements for degree authorization may be subject to periodic review by the board to ensure that all criteria for the exemption continue to be met. The institution is to provide all information requested by the board to assist in making this determination.
(3) The institution shall inform the board immediately of any proposed changes within the institution and/or its offerings that may affect the exemption granted.
(4) The executive director may suspend or withdraw the exemption granted to an institution that fails to maintain the conditions under which the exemption was granted; engages in false advertising; or allows misleading representations to be made on its behalf. Suspension shall allow the institution a prescribed period of time to address the issues that may have brought the suspension. Withdrawal shall require the institution to cease all degree-granting activities immediately.
(5) In the case of religious exemption, a religious institution shall be required to place the following statement in a prominent position within any catalog, general bulletins, web sites, and course schedules: "The Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board has determined that (name of institution) qualifies for religious exempt status from the Degree-Granting Institutions Act for the following programs: (List). The HECB makes no evaluation of the administration, faculty, business practices, financial condition or quality of the offerings by this institution. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the HECB at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430."
WAC 250-61-065 Waiver of requirements. The executive director or the director's designee may waive or modify the authorization requirements contained in this chapter for a particular institution if the executive director or the director's designee finds that such waiver or modification will not frustrate the purposes of this chapter and that literal application of this chapter creates a manifestly unreasonable hardship on the institution. No waiver granted under this chapter is permanent. The board will periodically review institutions granted waivers and continue the waiver only if the conditions under which the waiver was initially granted remain in effect.
WAC 250-61-070 ((Interagency agreement for degree-granting)) Applicability to private vocational schools. Degree-granting private vocational schools' programs shall be regulated pursuant to the terms of an interagency agreement between the higher education coordinating board and the work force training and education coordinating board. As stipulated in the interagency agreement, degree programs shall be regulated by the higher education coordinating board and nondegree programs shall be regulated by the work force training and education coordinating board. Copies of the agreement are available from either agency upon request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-070, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 93-01-103, § 250-61-070, filed 12/17/92, effective 1/17/93; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-070, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-080 Authorization standards. These standards form the basis for the review of an institution by the board staff and guide the decisions of the executive director and the board. To receive authorization, the institution shall meet ((each of the following)) all of the specific requirements ((for administration, academic programs, and instructional resource and support services in addition to the specific requirements)) of this chapter.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-080, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-080, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-085 Accreditation requirements. An institution seeking initial degree authorization shall:
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-06-021, filed 2/22/99, effective 3/25/99)
WAC 250-61-090 Administrative requirements. (1) Name. The official name of the institution shall be consistent with and appropriate to the program(s) of study offered.
(a) Administrators shall normally be graduates of ((recognized)) accredited institutions and ((possess)) have academic credentials and prior higher education administrative experience for their area of responsibility.
(b) The main campus of the institution shall have, as a minimum, personnel to adequately staff the following roles: A chief executive officer, ((an)) academic officer, ((a)) registrar, ((a)) business officer, ((a)) student services officer, ((a)) library director, and, if financial aid services are offered, ((a)) financial aid officer. These officers shall be accessible to students, faculty, and other personnel located at the main campus and at educational sites or centers in Washington. In the event that the proposed Washington site is a branch campus of an out-of-state institution, the branch campus shall also have sufficient personnel to adequately serve the students at that location.
(i) The chief executive and academic officers shall ((possess)) have at least the master's degree and experience in college-level management, teaching, and academic administration, unless the institution can demonstrate that these are not the normally accepted standards for an institution offering the same level of instruction.
(ii) The registrar((,)) shall have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and college-level experience in admissions and student records, unless the institution can demonstrate that these are not the normally accepted standards for an institution offering the same level of instruction.
(iii) The business, ((and)) student services, and financial aid officers and library director shall ((possess)) have at least the baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and ((college-level)) experience in ((admissions/student records, accounting/managerial services, and student services respectively)) their assigned areas, unless the institution can demonstrate that these are not the normally accepted standards for an institution offering the same level of instruction.
(((iii) The financial aid officer and library director shall possess at least the baccalaureate degree and experience in their assigned areas, unless the institution can demonstrate that these are not the normally accepted standards for an institution offering the same level of instruction.))
(c) The institution shall specify an individual who will serve as the principal contact person for each educational site or academic center in Washington. ((This institutional representative shall be responsible for instructional program coordination and student services.))
(e) The institution also shall have policies and provisions for faculty selection, orientation, teaching load, supervision, evaluation, and professional development.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28B.85 RCW. 99-06-021, § 250-61-090, filed 2/22/99, effective 3/25/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-090, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-090, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-100 Academic ((program)) requirements. (1) Educational programs. Each program shall require the completion of a prescribed program of study leading to the attainment of competence in an interdisciplinary area or specific field of study. Programs shall generally meet the guidelines or standards of ((the)) an accrediting association(((s) to which the institution would apply for institutional or program accreditation)) recognized by the board and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education that accredits similar programs of study.
(A) An associate degree intended for occupational preparation shall require, as a minimum, general education requirements ((consistent with the standards established by the Washington state board for community and technical colleges)) that comprise a recognizable body of instruction in three program-related areas:
(((b))) (ii) The following associate degree designations shall be acceptable:
(((i))) (A) The associate ((in)) of arts (A.A.), and associate ((in)) of sciences (A.S.) ((and associate in arts and sciences (A.A.S.))) for programs which emphasize the liberal arts and sciences. These programs generally satisfy the general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree and are transfer oriented.
(((ii))) (B) The associate in applied technology (A.A.T.), associate in ((technical arts (A.T.A.), associate in technology (A.T.))) applied science (A.A.S.), associate of occupational science (A.O.S.) and other such applied or technology-related degree designations for programs which emphasize preparation for occupations at the technical level. These programs generally do not satisfy the general education requirements for a baccalaureate degree and are not transfer-oriented.
(((c) The)) (b) Baccalaureate degrees: A baccalaureate degree shall require at least one hundred eighty quarter credits((,)) or one hundred twenty semester credits((, or four full academic years of postsecondary study)). The degree shall require ((approximately two academic years of study in)) a distinct major ((and related subjects)) and, as a minimum, twenty-five percent of the program shall be in general education curricula.
(((d))) (c) Master's degrees:
(i) A master's degree program((s)) shall require at least thirty-six quarter credits((,)) or twenty-four semester credits, ((or one full academic year of postgraduate study,)) specialization in an academic or professional area, and a demonstration of mastery.
(((e))) (ii) The following master's degree designations shall be acceptable:
(((i))) (A) The master of arts (M.A.) and master of science (M.S.) for programs which advance study and exploration in the discipline. The majority of credit for M.A. and M.S. degrees shall be at the graduate level in the major field.
(((ii))) (B) The master of business administration (M.B.A.), master of fine arts (M.F.A.), master of education (M.Ed.), etc., for programs which emphasize professional preparation. ((For students with disparate academic backgrounds, it may be appropriate to require a limited number of introductory courses in the field.
(f))) (d) Doctoral degrees:
(((g))) (ii) The following doctoral degree designations shall be acceptable:
(((i))) (A) The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree for programs which are oriented toward original research and require a dissertation.
(((ii))) (B) A professional doctoral degree (Ed.D., etc.) for programs which emphasize technical knowledge and professional competence and require either a research thesis or a project involving the solution of a substantial problem of professional interest.
(((h) Home study, correspondence, and electronic media)) (e) Distance learning program(s) of study must be comparable in content, faculty, and resources to those offered in ((residency)) residence, and include regular student-faculty interaction by computer, telephone, mail, or face-to-face meetings.
(((i))) (f) Noncollegiate learning.
(((j) No credit shall be awarded for noncollegiate learning at the graduate level.)) (ii) Credit awarded for noncollegiate learning at the graduate level must be consistent with the minimum standards as published by the school's accrediting association.
(((5))) (2) Faculty.
(a) Faculty shall be professionally prepared((, with background, degree levels, college-level teaching experience demonstrably higher than the instructional activities for which they are responsible. Faculty shall be)) and graduates of accredited institutions and, as a group, the institutions from which they earned their degrees shall be diverse. ((The composition and qualifications of faculty shall generally meet the standards of the accrediting association(s) to which the institution would apply for institutional or program accreditation.
(a))) (b) Faculty shall be sufficient in number and kind and in the proportion of full-time and part-time positions to sustain rigorous courses, programs, and services.
(c) Faculty teaching academic courses at the undergraduate degree level shall ((possess)) have a master's degree in the assigned or related program area from an accredited institution. Faculty assigned to teach in vocational-technical ((program areas)) subjects shall ((possess)) have educational credentials and experience compatible with their teaching assignment. Faculty assigned to teach general education courses within any undergraduate program shall have a master's degree in a related area from an accredited institution.
(((b))) (d) Faculty teaching at the master's degree level in programs which emphasize advanced study and exploration in a discipline shall ((possess)) have an earned doctorate in a related field from an accredited institution and experience in directing independent study and research. Faculty teaching in master's programs which emphasize professional preparation shall ((possess)) have, as a minimum, a master's degree from an accredited institution and documented achievement in a related field.
(((c))) (e) Faculty teaching at the doctoral level shall ((possess)) have an earned doctorate in a related field from an accredited institution and experience in teaching and directing independent study and research.
(((d) Faculty shall be sufficient in number and kind and in the proportion of full-time and part-time positions to sustain rigorous courses, programs, and services. As a minimum, 20 percent of the curriculum, defined in terms of the number of courses or credit hours necessary for program completion, shall be taught by full-time faculty.
(6))) (3) Admissions. Admission requirements shall be based on the institution's objectives and consistently applied to each program of study. Through preenrollment assessments, testing and advising (((based on the characteristics of the institution))), the institution shall determine the readiness and ability of each student to succeed in his/her degree program. Institutions shall use only those tests reviewed and approved by the ((United States)) U.S. Department of Education.
(((7))) (4) Enrollment contract. If an enrollment contract is utilized, the institution shall discuss all terms and provisions of the ((enrollment)) contract with the student prior to the student's execution of the ((enrollment)) contract. The ((enrollment)) contract shall contain an acknowledgement section directly above the student's signature blank for the student to acknowledge that the institution discussed all terms and provisions of the contract with the student and that the student understands all financial obligations and responsibilities.
(((8))) (5) Evaluation. The institution shall provide ((provisions for continual)) evidence that it has procedures for continuing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, ((improvement)) quality of instruction, and overall operations of the institution.
(b) ((All areas of the institution and its employees and authorized programs shall be evaluated periodically by)) The institution's chief academic officer or designee shall periodically evaluate all areas of the institution to determine their effectiveness in fulfilling institutional objectives and meeting the standards set forth in these regulations or implied in the statute. ((At a minimum, every four years)) The results of those evaluations shall be submitted to board staff upon request.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-100, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-100, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-110 Student services and instructional resources ((and support services)) requirements. (1) Student services. The institution shall provide adequate services for students in addition to formal instruction. These services shall normally ((shall)) include admissions, advising and guidance, financial assistance, student records, and ((job placement)) disability accommodation.
(b) Financial aid administration and distribution, if provided, shall be performed according to institutional, state, and federal policies.
(c) Student records shall be maintained in accordance with the guidelines established by the ((United States)) U.S. Department of Education.
(((b))) (d) Students with disabilities shall have access to, and reasonable accommodations in, all programs for which they are qualified consistent with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
(((c))) (e) Placement services and employment opportunities, if provided, shall be accurately described.
(((d) Financial aid administration and distribution shall be performed according to institutional, state, and federal policies.
(e) Advising and guidance services shall be readily available to students to assist them in program planning, course selection, and other academic activities.))
(2) Facilities ((and academic support resources)) for site-based instruction.
(((a))) (b) The institution shall comply with all applicable ordinances, laws, codes, and regulations concerning the safety, health, and access of all persons on its premises.
(((b))) (3) Disability accommodations. The institution shall provide reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities. The institution shall inform students and employees of local, state, and federal laws regarding discrimination against people with disabilities.
(((3))) (4) Library. The institution shall provide adequate and accessible library resources and facilities to support the educational needs of students and faculty. (((a))) If the institution, educational site, or academic center does not maintain its own library on site, it must demonstrate that it can provide sufficient library resources to meet the needs of the program(s) through a written agreement with another institution or organization, or through other mechanisms.
(((b) The institution shall provide a biennial library operating budget which appropriates sufficient financial support to sustain library holdings, facilities, and services for the needs of the program(s) of study.
(4) Finances.)) (5) Financial resources.
(a) The institution shall ((possess and maintain)) have adequate financial resources necessary to sustain its purpose and commitment to students.
(6) Financial records.
(((5))) (c) Such records shall be made available to the board upon request.
(7) Recruitment and publications. All publications relating to the institution, including advertisements, catalogs, and other communications shall be accurate and not misleading. Any catalog and/or web site that is made available to students describing the educational services offered shall include the statement of authorization as provided by the board upon the granting of authorization.
(((a) The institution shall provide disclosure statements in its catalog regarding its authorization and accreditation status.
(b))) Authorized institutions shall not advertise or publicize that they are approved, recommended, accredited, or otherwise endorsed by the board. Such institutions may only state that they are authorized by the board.
(((6) Educational)) (8) Transcripts and academic credentials. The institution shall provide accurate and appropriate transcripts of credit for enrolled students and diplomas for graduates.
(a) For each student, the institution shall maintain and make available a transcript that specifies the name of the institution, the name of the student, all courses completed, and an explanation of the institution's evaluation system. Each course entry shall include a title, the number of credits awarded, and a grade or written evaluation. The transcript shall distinguish credits awarded by transfer, for prior learning experience, ((correspondence,)) and credit by examination.
(c) In addition to transcripts, the institution shall maintain records to document the performance and progress of each student, including, but not limited to: Financial transactions, admissions records, and records of interruption for unsatisfactory progress or conduct. Transcripts((, records, and accounts)) shall be kept permanently after a student has discontinued enrollment. All other records and accounts shall be kept for a minimum of six years after a student has discontinued enrollment.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-110, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-110, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-120 Catalog requirements. (((1) An institution shall publish a catalog supplemented as necessary by other published materials (a draft copy may be provided for initial application) which shall include at least the following information:
(a) Official name, address, and telephone number of institution.
(b) Identifying data, such as volume number, date of publication, and year(s) for which the catalog is effective.
(c) A statement of purpose, objectives, and educational program of the institution.
(d) A listing of the names of all faculty, showing earned degrees and the institution conferring them; names of administrative officers, owner(s) and/or board.
(e) Specific programs of study, listing the degrees and majors offered, a brief description of each course offering, and the requirements for successful completion of each program.
(f) Admission, retention, and degree completion requirements.
(g) A detailed schedule of fees, charges for tuition, books, supplies, tools, student activities, laboratory fees, deposits, and all other student charges necessary for the completion of each program of study.
(h) Cancellation and refund policies.
(i) Policies and procedures relative to the granting of credit for experience, along with the maximum amount of credit which can be obtained in this manner.
(j) A statement of the institution's policy on acceptance of transfer credits and credit by examination.
(k) A statement explaining the transferability of the institution's credits to other institutions and the process by which a student may determine whether the institution's credits are transferable to another institution.
(l) Policies and procedures for the development of individualized courses and programs.
(m) A description of the types of financial aid assistance available to students enrolled in the institution.
(n) A description of student support services and auxiliary services available to students enrolled in the institution.
(o) A description of the institution's library facilities, and equipment.
(p) A table of contents.
(q) An institutional calendar showing legal holidays, beginning and ending dates of each term, and other important dates.
(r) Policies outlining students' academic responsibilities, standards of academic progress, grading, grievance and appeal process, and reentrance after dismissal for unsatisfactory progress.
(s) Regulations of conduct and disciplinary procedures.
(t) Name, title, and address/office location of personnel responsible for handling student complaints.
(u) An authorization statement on the cover or front page of the catalog which reads: The (name of institution) is authorized by the Washington higher education coordinating board and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree Authorization Act. This authorization is valid until (expiration date) and authorizes (name of institution) to offer the following degree programs: (List). Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the board office at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.
(2) An institutional catalog and other official publications shall not include accreditation statements unless the institution is accredited by an association recognized by the federal government.
(3) An institutional catalog shall be published at least once every two years and be provided to students at the time of their enrollment.)) (1) An institution granted authorization shall publish a catalog supplemented as necessary by other published materials, providing sufficient information for students to obtain an adequate understanding of the institution, its programs, policies and procedures. Institutional catalogs shall be published at least once every two years and be provided to students at the time of their enrollment. Electronic catalogs must be archived and students must have access to the archived information.
(2) An institution granted authorization shall print a statement in a prominent position in the catalog and on its web site that reads: "The (name of institution) is authorized by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes (name of institution) to offer the following degree programs: (List). Authorization by the HECB does not carry with it an endorsement by the board of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the HECB at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430."
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-120, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 93-01-103, § 250-61-120, filed 12/17/92, effective 1/17/93; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-120, filed 11/20/86.]
(2) The refund policy ((for nonaccredited institutions)) shall comply with the federal guidelines established by the ((United States)) U.S. Department of Education((.
(3) The refund policy for accredited institutions shall comply with the federal guidelines established by the United States Department of Education)) and the standards established by ((the institution's accrediting association)) the accrediting association which accredits the institutions or from which the institution is seeking accreditation.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-130, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-130, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-140 ((Surety bond)) Security requirements. The institution is required to have on file with the board an original surety bond or other security acceptable to the board in lieu of the bond.
(1) For institutions seeking initial authorization, the surety bond or security amount for the initial period of authorization shall be twenty-five thousand dollars.
(2) For institutions seeking renewal authorization, the ((amount of the)) surety bond or ((other)) security amount shall be ten percent of the preceding fiscal year's total tuition and fee ((charges)) revenue received for educational services in Washington, but not less than twenty-five thousand dollars nor more than two hundred fifty thousand dollars. For private vocational schools that offer nondegree programs as well as degree programs, the amount required shall be based only on the degree program portion of its revenue from tuition and fees.
(((2) In the case of new institutions, the bond or security amount for the first year shall be twenty-five thousand dollars.))
(3) Release of surety bonds and other securities shall be made in compliance with chapter 28B.85 RCW.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-140, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 93-01-103, § 250-61-140, filed 12/17/92, effective 1/17/93; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-140, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-160 Discontinuance or closure requirements. (1) In the event an institution chooses to discontinue a program and/or site currently available to Washington residents, but maintain other operations, it shall notify the board well in advance of any such proposed action and provide information to the board pertaining to accommodations to be made for any currently enrolled students to ensure they are provided the opportunity to complete their studies.
(2) In the event an institution proposes to discontinue all its operation, the chief administrative officer of the institution shall:
(a) Notify the executive director immediately by certified mail((.)); and
(b) Furnish enrolled students with a written notice explaining the reasons for closure and what procedures they are to follow to secure refunds and their official records, and what arrangements have been made for providing continuing instruction at other institutions((.)); and
(c) The institution shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that current students are provided with alternative opportunities to complete their studies; and
(((2))) (d) Provide for the permanent maintenance of official records in a manner acceptable to the executive director.
(((3))) In the event it appears to the executive director that the official records of an institution discontinuing its operation are in danger of being destroyed, secreted, mislaid, or otherwise made unavailable to the students and the board, the executive director may seek a court order to take possession of the records and provide for their permanent maintenance.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-160, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-160, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-170 Application requirements. (1) Initial application ((requirements)):
(a) ((To apply for authorization an institution based outside of Washington shall be authorized to do business in the state in which it is primarily located, and shall furnish evidence that the institution is in good standing with its accrediting association and that the association has either approved or been notified of the proposed Washington operation(s). An institution based in Washington shall also furnish evidence that it is in good standing with its accrediting association.
(b))) Institutions seeking initial authorization shall contact the board staff ((and)) to arrange for a preliminary conference to discuss the authorization ((standards)) criteria, application procedures and ((application/)) the review ((procedures)) process.
(((c) At least one year prior to operation, an institution shall apply to the board for authorization by completing application forms provided by the executive director.
(d) Within six months of the effective date of these regulations, degree-granting private vocational schools exempted under the previous regulations shall apply to the board for authorization by completing an application form and making their proportional initial capitalization contribution into the board's tuition recovery trust fund account at the time of application.
(e) As a minimum, the application shall include:
(i) Name and address of institution.
(ii) Purpose of institution.
(iii) Names and addresses of the owner(s) of the institution and shareholders holding more than a ten percent interest, and, if applicable, members of the institution's board.
(iv) Name and address of the chief administrative officer and representatives of the institution in Washington.
(v) Bylaws and regulations established for the governance and operation of the institution.
(vi) Bank or other financial institution that may be consulted as a financial reference.
(vii) Resumes for administrators and faculty and their respective duties, course assignments, and full-time/part-time employment status.
(viii) A description of the degrees and programs of study offered, including course syllabi as requested that specify course title and description, required text(s), sequence of instruction, instructional methodology, method of evaluation, and expected student learning outcomes.
(ix) A description of the facilities and equipment utilized.
(x) A signed written statement from the chief administrative officer attesting to the truth and accuracy of the information provided and pledging that the institution will comply with the requirements of the act and this chapter.
(xi) Projected enrollments.
(f) Each application shall be accompanied by the following:
(i) An initial application fee payable to the Washington state treasurer for two thousand dollars.
(ii) A surety bond or other form of security as specified in chapter 28B.85 RCW and this chapter.
(iii) A financial statement, prepared by an independent certified public accountant, conforming to generally accepted accounting principles, and a two-year budget for the proposed Washington operation.
(iv) A copy of enrollment agreements or student contracts utilized by the institution.
(v) A copy of the institution's articles of incorporation on record with the Washington state office of the secretary of state.
(vi) A copy of the institution's catalog.
(vii) Documentation verifying the institution's accreditation status and authorization status in primary location.
(viii) Documentation that fire, safety, and health codes are met by the institutional facility in Washington.
(g) If additional program(s) of study or new locations for existing programs are proposed during the current authorization period, the institution shall submit to the board a supplemental application at least ninety days before the program is to be offered. The program(s) of study and location(s) shall be authorized prior to operation, which includes advertising and recruitment.)) (b) An institution shall submit a fully completed application packet using forms provided by board staff. The application packet will not be considered complete until all required elements have been received by the board.
(2) ((Biennial)) Renewal application ((for authorization)).
(a) ((At least six months prior to the expiration date of the institution's current authorization, an institution based outside of Washington shall provide evidence that it continues to be authorized to do business in the state in which it is primarily located and it continues to be in good standing with its accrediting association and that association continues to approve the Washington operation(s). An institution based in Washington shall also furnish evidence that it continues to be in good standing with its accrediting association. Additionally, such institutions shall:
(i) Submit a renewal application fee payable to the Washington state treasurer for one thousand dollars.
(ii) Provide evidence of continued compliance with the surety bond or security requirement.
(iii) Submit financial statement, prepared by an independent certified public accountant, conforming to generally accepted accounting principles, and a two-year budget for the continuing Washington operation.
(iv) File a renewal application on a form developed by the executive director, together with a signed, written statement from the chief administrative officer, attesting to the truth and accuracy of the information provided in the renewal application and pledging continued compliance with all the requirements of the act and this chapter.)) Authorized institutions must submit an application for renewal of authorization on a biennial basis when requested by board staff.
(((b))) (5) Change of ownership or control. A significant change of ownership or control of an institution shall nullify any previous authorization((, and)). The chief administrator, representing the new owner(s), shall ((comply with all the application requirements applicable to the initial application for authorization outlined in this section)) notify the board as soon as the change is known. If the chief administrator ((furnishes)) asserts in a written statement ((asserting)) that all conditions set forth in the act and these rules are being met or will be met before offering instruction, the executive director may issue a temporary certificate of authorization for a maximum of ((ninety)) one hundred eighty days. The new ownership shall complete an application for initial authorization and submit the application to the board no later than sixty days prior to the expiration of the temporary certificate of authorization.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-170, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-170, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-180 Application review procedures. (1) Staff analysis. Following receipt of a ((complete)) fully completed application, board staff shall review and analyze the ((application and documentation)) material submitted.
(2) ((Site visit and)) Additional documentation and site visit. ((In the case of an application where the)) If board staff determines it is necessary to verify or supplement the information provided in the application, the staff may require additional written documentation and/or arrange for a site visit. The expense for any site visits shall be paid by the institution applying for authorization.
(3) ((Outside)) External consultants. At the discretion of the executive director ((and the executive director's designee, at their discretion, may utilize)), the expertise of other higher education experts may be used to assist in the evaluation of the documentation submitted. The cost for the services of the evaluation expert(s) shall be paid by the institution applying for authorization. The ((institution applying for authorization shall reimburse a maximum of three outside consultants five hundred dollars each for their external reviews)) fee for such services is five hundred dollars per program per consultant, to be submitted by the institution upon request by the board during the review process. The check is to be made payable to the higher education coordinating board.
(4) Comment period. Upon completion of a preliminary review, the board shall post a notification of the request for authorization on its web site for a set period of time. Any persons having knowledge as to why the institution or its program(s) may not meet the requirements for degree authorization may provide comment to the board on the proposal.
(((4))) (5) Staff ((report)) recommendations. ((Following the staff analysis)) After the final review has been completed, board staff shall summarize its findings and develop a recommendation to the executive director regarding the application. This recommendation ((shall be shared with the applicant as follows)) will take one of the following forms:
(b) That the institution be granted conditional authorization, subject to ((annual reporting)) additional conditions as established by the board, and maintenance of the conditions under which authorization has been granted.
(((5))) (6) Notification. Following the executive director's decision to authorize or deny the institution's request, a letter signifying the action shall be sent from the executive director to the chief administrative officer of the institution.
(a) The letter of authorization will serve as official authorization for the institution to operate in Washington ((and offer the stated program(s) of study at stated location(s))) for the specific programs and locations designated in the letter.
(((6))) (b) An institution denied authorization shall ((file)) be provided with an explanation as to how the institution and/or its programs failed to meet the criteria for authorization. Any institution denied authorization that wishes to reapply within one year of the denial date may submit a new fully completed initial application packet and pay a reapplication fee of one thousand dollars ((reapplication fee in order to have the new application considered for authorization)). The check is to be made payable to the Washington state treasurer.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-180, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-180, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-190 Complaints. A student with a complaint against an authorized institution concerning loss of tuition and/or fees due to unfair or deceptive business practices by the institution shall make a reasonable effort to resolve the complaint directly with the institution. If a mutually satisfactory solution cannot be reached, the following procedure shall be pursued:
(1) Upon ((written)) receipt of a written complaint that an institution has failed or is failing to comply with the provisions of the act or this chapter, and documentation that the student has made a reasonable effort ((was made)) to resolve the complaint directly with the institution, the executive director shall notify the institution by mail of the nature of the complaint and shall conduct an investigation.
(2) If preliminary findings indicate that a violation(s) may have occurred or are occurring, the executive director shall attempt, through mediation and conciliation, to effect compliance and bring about a settlement.
(3) If no agreement is reached, the executive director shall file a formal complaint with the board and notify the institution of the conduct which warrants the complaint. Final resolution of the complaint shall be subject to hearing procedures provided for in this chapter and the institution may be subject to a summary suspension of its authorization, pending further proceedings for ((revocation,)) suspension, withdrawal or other actions deemed proper after the hearing.
(4) ((To be considered by the board, a complaint shall)) Any complaints must be filed within one year after the student's last recorded date of attendance in order to be considered by the board. Only the student or the student's legal guardian may file a complaint on behalf of the student.
(5) Complaints may also be filed with the board by an authorized staff member of the board or by the attorney general.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-190, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95; 86-24-003 (Order 7/86, Resolution No. 87-34), § 250-61-190, filed 11/20/86.]
WAC 250-61-200 Suspension ((and revocation)) or withdrawal of authorization. (1) The executive director may suspend or ((revoke)) withdraw an institution's authorization if it finds that:
(a) Any statement contained in the application for authorization is untrue((.)); or
(b) The institution has failed to maintain ((faculty, facilities, equipment, and programs of study on the basis of which the authorization was granted.)) the standards for authorization as detailed in the act and this chapter; or
(c) Advertising or representations made on behalf of, and sanctioned by, the institution is deceptive or misleading((.)); or
(d) The institution has violated any provision of this chapter.
(2) ((Suspension or revocation shall be made only after the institution has been informed in writing of its deficiencies and has been given reasonable time to restore itself to the level of the required standards. The executive director shall grant an institution a period of suspension if in the executive director's judgment any unsatisfactory condition can reasonably be corrected within such time.
(3))) The executive director may suspend the institution's authorization for a period of time if, in the executive director's judgment, the deficiencies can be corrected within the given time period. Upon suspension, the institution must immediately cease the recruitment and/or enrollment of new students. The institution may continue serving currently enrolled students for the remainder of the term. Authorization may be reinstated after any deficiencies have been resolved to the satisfaction of the board.
(3) Authorization shall be withdrawn only after the institution has been informed in writing of its deficiencies and been given reasonable time to meet the required standards. Upon withdrawal, the institution must immediately cease all degree-granting operations. To seek reinstatement of authorization, the institution must apply for initial authorization.
(4) The executive director's and board's actions are subject to due process hearing procedures of the Washington Administrative Procedure Act.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-200, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95.]
WAC 250-61-210 ((Request for adjudicative proceeding.)) Hearing process. (1) A party subject to the following actions may request a hearing ((as provided in WAC 250-61-220)):
(a) A denial of exemption from the Degree ((Authorization))-Granting Institutions Act;
(b) A denial of authorization under the Degree ((Authorization))-Granting Institutions Act;
(d) Other final action as defined in chapter 34.05 RCW, by the executive director that adversely affects the institution or student and which is contrary to the intent and purpose of the Degree ((Authorization))-Granting Institutions Act or this chapter.
(3) Any hearing called for under the act shall be conducted in accordance with the Washington Administrative Procedure Act, chapter 34.05 RCW as follows:
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.80.370. 95-01-003, § 250-61-210, filed 12/8/94, effective 1/8/95.]
WAC 250-61-225 Issuance of false academic credentials. (1) It is unlawful for a person or entity to:
WAC 250-61-220 Hearings.