APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO GRANT DEGREES IN THE STATE OF TEXAS (Effective beginning July 2009) Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Division of Academic Affairs and Research
PURPOSE It is the policy and purpose of the State of Texas to prevent deception of the public resulting from the conferring and use of fraudulent or substandard college and university degrees; it is also the purpose of this subchapter to regulate the use of academic terminology in naming or otherwise designating educational institutions, the advertising, solicitation or representation by educational institutions or their agents, and the maintenance and preservation of essential academic records. Because degrees and equivalent indicators of educational attainment are used by employers in judging the training of prospective employees, by public and private professional groups in determining qualifications for admission to and continuance of practice, and by the general public in assessing the competence of persons engaged in a wide range of activities necessary to the general welfare, regulation by law of the evidences of college and university educational attainment is in the public interest. To the same end the protection of legitimate institutions and of those holding degrees from them is also in the public interest. Texas Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter G
INTRODUCTION TO THE APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLYING (Effective beginning July 2009) This is the application information packet to be used to create an application for a certificate of authority to grant degrees in the state of Texas. It consists of two parts. The first part consists of an application template to be used to create the actual application for a certificate of authority. Five copies of the application must be submitted to the Coordinating Board, along with the application fee, in order for the application to be valid. The copies must be bound, spiral bound, or placed in a ringed binder. In order to be valid, the application must contain complete information on all items and include all requested supplementary documents. Any item which is not applicable to the institution should be listed with its letter of identification and clearly marked NOT APPLICABLE along with the explanation of why it is not applicable. The text used in the application template should be copied into the application and expanded into complete statements by providing the information requested in the [instructions enclosed in brackets]. [Text in italics and bracketed is explanatory and should not be copied into the application.] Each appendix should be identified with consecutive identifying letters. The appendix must be included at the end of the document and tabbed with the correct identifying letters. It may be bound into the document or put in a pocket, if bound in a ringed binder. The certificate of authority to grant degrees is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. Each subsequent application must be complete and not merely an update of a previous application. It should clearly show the improvements made in response to previous evaluations and conditions imposed by the Board as well as progress toward accreditation. An institution may be granted consecutive certificates of authority for no longer than eight (8) years, absent sufficient cause. At the end of the eight (8) years, the institution must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. The second part is a copy of the certification rules (Title 19, Texas Administrative Code, revised April 21, 2005). These rules have been adopted by the Coordinating Board in order to implement the certification law (Texas
Education Code, Chapter 61, Subchapter G). Please read them to see exactly what will be required to receive a certificate of authority. Special attention should be given to 7.5 Standards for Certificates of Authority. The Board has set the application fee, found in 7.7(c) of the certification rules, at $5,000. This fee covers the cost of the on-site review which will be conducted to review your application. It covers the cost of expenses for the review team, usually three members, and a Coordinating Board staff member; consultant fees for the team; and some of the staff s time taken in reviewing the application.
APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY TO OFFER DEGREES IN TEXAS To the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board P. O. Box 12788, Capitol Station Austin, Texas 78711 Date We, the legally constituted officials of [NAME OF INSTITUTION] located at [STREET ADDRESS, CITY, STATE, AND ZIP CODE], [TELEPHONE NUMBER] hereby make application to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Board) for a Certificate of Authority to grant the following degrees: DEGREE DESIGNATION: WITH MAJOR IN: [Bachelor of Arts] [English] --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- [Master of Science] [Biology] --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- [Doctor of Philosophy] [Psychology] --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------- We certify that the information provided in this application, including the attachments, is accurate to the best of our knowledge and belief. (signed) (title) (date) (signed) (title) (date) [The application should be signed by the chair of the governing board of the institution, or authorized board member, and the chief executive officer of the institution.]
GENERAL INFORMATION A. Purpose of the Institution. [Write a complete statement as to the purpose of the institution, including the educational objectives of the institution.] B. The institution was incorporated in [TEXAS (if incorporated in another state, put that state's name here)] on [DATE OF INCORPORATION]. C. The Articles of Incorporation for the institution are included in Appendix [A]. [Include a copy of the articles of incorporation of the controlling entity. Normally, this will be the institution; in cases where the institution is included under another entity's incorporation, that entity's articles of incorporation should be supplied.] D. The current institution bylaws or constitution is included in Appendix [B]. E. The owners or sponsors of the institution are: [NAME, ADDRESS, BUSINESS OR PROFESSIONAL TITLE OF EACH OWNER OR SPONSOR OR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CONTROLLING ENTITY] F. Operations in Texas were begun on [DATE]. G. Documents offered as evidence of this date are included in Appendix [C]. H. Current headcount of students is [NUMBER]. I. Current full time student equivalent is [NUMBER THROUGH FIRST DECIMAL PLACE]. [This is calculated by counting each full time student as one full time equivalent and each part time student as one-third full time equivalent. For determining this calculation, full time is generally considered a load of 16 semester credit hours in undergraduate programs, 12 semester credit hours in masters programs, and 9 semester credit hours in doctoral programs.] Standard 1. LEGAL COMPLIANCE A. [Submit a copy of a certificate of approval or a letter of exemption from the Texas Workforce Commission that demonstrates the institution is in compliance with the Texas Education Code, Chapter 132.] B. [Report and explain if your institution, or any facility or item of equipment of your institution, has ever been cited by a government agency for being out of compliance with any law or for being unsafe, inadequate, or inappropriate.]
Standard 2. QUALIFICATION OF INSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS A. The chief executive officer of the institution is [List the name, title, educational achievement (including name of institution granting degree, degree awarded, and major area of study), and a description of experience in educational administration.] B. The chief academic officer of the institution is [List the name, title, educational achievement (including name of institution granting degree, degree awarded, and major area of study), and a description of experience in educational administration.] C. The remaining institutional officers are [List the name, title, and description of qualifications to do the task assigned (either educational achievement including name of institution granting degree, degree awarded, and major area of study, or experience, or both of each officer.] Standard 3. GOVERNANCE A. The governing board is comprised of the following people: [List the name, address, business or professional title, and relationship to the owners or sponsors of the institution, if any, of each governing board member. State which board members, if any, receive financial gain from the institution and what is the nature of the gain.] B. [Describe how the particular mix of the board represents the interests of the institution's constituencies of faculty, students, and supporters.] Standard 4. DISTINCTION OF ROLES [Describe the relationships, responsibilities, and chain of command among the governing board, administration, and faculty. Include a description of the process for choosing new governing board members, the hiring of the chief executive officer, and the hiring of faculty.] Standard 5. FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND STABILITY A. The financial reserves of the institution are $[AMOUNT]. B. The current budget for the institution is included in Appendix [G].
Standard 6. FINANCIAL RECORDS A. The financial records of the institution [ARE OR ARE NOT (supply correct answer)] kept in accordance with the guidelines in the current edition of College and University Business Administration. [If not, explain why not and when the institution will be in compliance.] B. The independent audit for the last fiscal year of the institution, performed by a certified public accountant, is included in Appendix [H]. Standard 7. INSTITUTIONAL ASSESSMENT [Describe the program and procedures for assessing, planning, and evaluating the effectiveness of the various aspects of the institution, including, but not limited to, the academic program of teaching, research, and public service; administration; financial planning and control; student services; facilities and equipment, and auxiliary enterprises.] Standard 8. INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATION [Describe the institutions procedures for planning and evaluation. Define in measureable terms the expected educational results and describe how those results will be achieved.] A. For applied associate degree programs, include mission, labor market need, curriculum, enrollment, graduates, student placement, follow-up results, ability to finance each program of study, facilities and equipment, instructional practices, student services, public and private linkages, qualification of faculty and administrative personnel, and success of its students. B. For applied associate degree programs relating to occupations where state or national licensure is required, graduates must pass the licensing examination at a rate acceptable to the related licensing agency. Standard 9. ADMINISTRATIVE RESOURCES [Describe the institutions administrative capacity and resources used to meet the daily needs of the administration, faculty and students, including facilities, laboratories, equipment, technology and learning resources] Standard 10. STUDENT ADMISSION AND REMEDIATION A. [If applying for an undergraduate program, describe the program and procedures for documenting that the students have graduated from high school or have completed the GED at or above the passing score as determined by the Texas Education Agency.] B. [Describe the assessment program for determining student preparedness, including assessment instruments used, what constitutes passing these instruments, and when testing is conducted.] C. [Describe the program for remediating students who are not prepared to do college level work.]
D. [Describe the process for assessing the effectiveness of the remediation program.] E. [If applying for a graduate program, describe the program and procedures for documenting that the students hold an appropriate undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the Coordinating Board.] F. [Describe the methods used by the institution to determine that a degree from a foreign institution is equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the United States.] Standard 11. FACULTY QUALIFICATIONS A. Full time faculty at the institution are: [List each full time faculty member and supply the following information (do not list as an appendix): name; rank; educational achievement, including name of institution granting degree, degree awarded, and major area of study; area of teaching assignment, including specific courses assigned, (if the teaching assignment is in an area outside the faculty's major, include the number of graduate hours the faculty has earned in this area and the name of the institution from which hours were granted); percent of work responsibilities devoted to teaching (If a faculty member is teaching less than a full load due to administrative or research assignments, list the actual teaching load); years of experience in teaching at the institution; years of experience in teaching at other institutions (list the institutions); membership in relevant professional associations; major scholarly research. Explain the rationale for employing any faculty member who does not meet the minimum educational requirements.] B. Part time faculty at the institution are: [List each part time faculty member and supply the following information (do not list as an appendix): name; rank; educational achievement, including name of institution granting degree, degree awarded, and major area of study; area of teaching assignment (if the teaching assignment is in an area outside the faculty's major, include the number of graduate hours the faculty has earned in this area and the name of the institution from which hours were granted); years of experience in teaching at the institution; years of experience in teaching at other institutions (list the institutions); membership in relevant professional associations; major scholarly research; number of semester credit hours taught per semester.
Identify any adjunct faculty here. Explain the rationale for having any faculty member who does not meet the minimum educational requirements.] Standard 12. FACULTY SIZE A. [Describe the institutions approach to ensuring that a sufficient number of faculty holding full-time appointments are accessible to the students for continuity and stability of the educational program.] B. [If applying for an undergraduate program, show evidence that at least 25% of all semester credit hours in the degree program (major)are being taught by faculty with doctorates, or other terminal degrees, in the discipline of the program.] C. [Describe the opportunities for educational association between faculty and students and among faculty members.] D. [Describe the opportunities and programs of the institution to promote professional growth by faculty members Standard 13. ACADEMIC FREEDOM & FACULTY SECURITY. A. The institution's policy on academic freedom is as follows: [List the policy.] B. The faculty handbook is included in Appendix [I]. Standard 14. CURRICULUM [List the name, objectives, and courses to be taken each semester for each major to be offered. Identify which courses, if any, are offered by any method other than organized classes. Supply the course description of any course not listed in the catalog.] Standard 15. GENERAL EDUCATION A. Students in associate programs are required to take the following general education courses: [List the courses providing the general education component by subject prefix, course number, title, and hours of credit. If requirements differ between programs, list those differences. Identify which courses are from the Humanities and Fine Arts area, which from the Social and Behavioral Science area, and which are from the Natural Science and Mathematics area. Supply the course description of any course not listed in the catalog.] B. Students in baccalaureate programs are required to take the following general education courses: [List the courses providing the general education component by subject prefix, course number, title, and hours of credit. If requirements differ between programs, list those differences. Identify which courses are from the Humanities and Fine Arts area, which from the Social and Behavioral Science area, and which are from the Natural Science and Mathematics area. Supply the course description of any course not listed in the catalog.]
C. The courses which develop written communications skills are [list courses by subject prefix, course number, title, and credit hour]. D. The courses which develop oral communications skills are [list courses by subject prefix, course number, title, and credit hour]. E. The courses which develop basic computer skills are [list courses by subject prefix, course number, title, and credit hour]. F. Remedial courses at the undergraduate level or leveling courses at the graduate level offered are [list courses by subject prefix, course number, and title]. G. The written agreement between [NAME OF INSTITUTION] and [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] to provide the general education component is included in Appendix [D]. H. The percentage of coursework offered in organized classes under this agreement is [NUMBER] %. I. The [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] is accredited by the [NAME OF RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING ASSOCIATION]. Standard 16. CREDIT FOR WORK COMPLETED OUTSIDE A COLLEGIATE SETTING A. [If credit is given for prior learning outside formal collegiate courses, including AP, CLEP, or institution created tests, explain the method or methods of evaluating that learning. Include a description of the faculty's involvement in the process.] B. The total number of [semester credit hours or quarter credit hours (explain which system is used] that could be awarded by prior learning to a student is [NUMBER]. Standard 17. LEARNING RESOURCES A. The number of books catalogued and available for use by students is [NUMBER], including [NUMBER] cataloged in the last year. B. The number of periodicals catalogued and available for use by students is [NUM- BER]. C. Other library materials catalogued and available for use by students is [list by type of material and number available]. D. The library has [NUMBER] square feet of library space of which [NUMBER] square feet is shelf space, [NUMBER] square feet is study space, and [NUMBER] square feet is library staff work space. E. The librarian is [list name, library degree (including institution granting degree), and experience in library work]. F. The written arrangement between [NAME OF INSTITUTION] and [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] for use of their library materials is included in Appendix [E].
G. The library of [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] was evaluated by our faculty on [DATE] and found to be appropriate for the programs to be offered. H. Records of usage by students of the [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] library are included in Appendix [F]. I. The [NAME OF PROVIDING INSTITUTION] is located [DISTANCE] from our campus. Standard 18. FACILITIES A. [Describe the facilities at the institution (excluding dormitories or other student housing). Include the number of buildings, total square footage of each, number and type of classrooms and square footage of each, and number of offices and other space and square footage of each.] B. [Describe the equipment and educational materials available for use in the facilities.] C. [Describe the student housing owned, maintained, or approved by the institution. Include the total number of buildings, the total square footage, capacity, and actual occupancy of each building; number of rooms, including their capacity and square footage, and any auxiliary rooms and their square footage.] Standard 19. ACADEMIC RECORDS A. [Describe the maintenance and protection policy of academic records by the institution.] B. [Describe the policy for issuing transcripts to students.] C. A copy of a transcript issued by the institution, showing the various items included on our transcripts, is included in Appendix [J].
Standard 20. ACCURATE AND FAIR REPRESENTATION IN PUBLICATIONS, ADVERTISING, AND PROMOTION A. [Describe the institution's activities in advertising the institution and its programs and in recruiting students.] B. [Report and explain if your institution, or any officer of your institution, has ever been cited by a government agency for false, deceptive, misleading, or unfair practices of any type. If so, describe the status of that citation and what actions the institution took to remedy the practice.] C. The institution's catalog is included in Appendix [K]. D. Disclosures specified by the Board are listed on page [NUMBER]. [This is applicable only for applications for renewal of a certificate of authority.] E. The refund policy is listed on page [NUMBER] of the [list the publication; enclose the publication in an appendix, if not enclosed elsewhere]. F. The diploma, or a draft of the proposed diploma, to be given to the student on completion of the program[s], is included in Appendix [L]. Standard 21. ACADEMIC ADVISING & COUNSELING [Describe the program of academic advising provided by the institution. Include a description of what is provided in the areas of orientation, academic counseling, personal counseling, career planning, placement assistance, and testing services.] Standard 22. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The student handbook is included in Appendix [M] Standard 23. HEALTH AND SAFETY [Describe the program of health services and education provided to students. Include an explanation of the factors, such as the composition of the student body, which demonstrates the program is appropriate and effective.] Standard 24. LEARNING OUTCOMES [Describe the institution s system for assessing learning outcomes for each part of the curriculum and the institution can demonstrate that appropriate learning outcomes are being achieved.]