W. Va. Code R. § 135-52-2

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 135-52-2 - Purpose

2.1. The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), through a process of granting authorization and annual reauthorization of education institutions operating in West Virginia that provide instruction up to and including the associate degree level, has the responsibility of protecting consumers and ensuring students are offered quality education by postsecondary providers within West Virginia. An institution authorized by the Council is required to operate in accordance with fair consumer practices to ensure that students can make appropriate decisions concerning their investment of time and money.

2.2. Fair consumer practices means honesty, fairness, and disclosure to students in the areas of recruitment, admission, contractual agreements, student financial assistance, obligations to repay student loans, placement assistance and job placement rates, advertising, refund policies, the meaning and recognition of different types of accreditation, the transferability of the institution's credits to other postsecondary institutions, the offering of quality instructional programs, and other appropriate performance measures.

2.3. Authorization is required for all postsecondary providers that offer certificates, degrees, or instruction at the associate degree level or below, and entities that use the term "academy," "college," "institution," "university" or similar title, hereafter referred to as "institution," unless otherwise exempt.

2.4. The Council is responsible for the annual reauthorization of any private, proprietary, or out-of-state postsecondary institution that has physical presence in West Virginia and offers degree programs at or below the associate degree level. The process of conferring reauthorization by the Council includes the monitoring of standards for degrees awarded, the collection and dissemination of pertinent institutional data, the conduct of certain reviews and audits, and the imposition of certain sanctions including revocation of degree-granting authority.

2.5. Existing institutions of higher education authorized to operate in West Virginia prior to the effective date of this rule are subject to the reauthorization provisions of this rule and shall report annually to the Council on all items related to reauthorization prescribed in this rule.

2.6. The provisions of this rule apply to the annual reauthorization of any private institution in West Virginia which offers degrees at or below the associate level.

2.7. The Council shall make available information on institutional performance of all public institutions located in West Virginia on the Council's website and through other appropriate venues.

2.8. West Virginia's public community and technical colleges shall remain continuously authorized to operate unless the Legislature takes affirmative action to suspend or discontinue its operations; Provided, That such public community and technical colleges shall provide information delineated in Section 5.4 to the Council upon request or as needed for reporting purposes.

W. Va. Code R. § 135-52-2