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 council, been granted a waiver of the requirements of authorization, or been determined by the council to be exempt.

The act applies to:

(1) Institutions granting or offering to grant degree programs and/or academic credit courses either at or from a location within the state; and

(2) Institutions maintaining or advertising a Washington location, mailing address, or telecommunications number for any purpose ((or any function of a degree-granting institution)) other than contact with the institution's former students; and

(3) Institutions specifically targeting Washington citizens with promotion of their degree programs and/or academic credit courses.

The act does not apply to degree programs and academic credit courses offered exclusively from outside the state through individual and private interstate communication.

The definitions set forth in this section are intended to supplement the definitions in chapter 28B.85 RCW and shall apply throughout this chapter.

(1) "Accredited institution" means an institution that has been accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the council and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

(2) "Accrediting association" means a national or regional accrediting association that is recognized by the council and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

(3) "Act" means the Degree-Granting Institutions Act, chapter 28B.85 RCW.

(4)(a) "Administrative capability" means that both administrative services and educational instruction take place at an authorized location.

(b) "Additional site" means a site with administrative capability that is not currently authorized.

(5) "Adverse action" means a warning or other sanction issued by the institution's accrediting association, ((a sanction issued by)) the United States Department of Education((,)) or a state regulatory entity; a judgment against an institution that may impact ongoing operations; or any action, decision, or finding that impacts the institution's financial solvency.

(6) "At-risk" means a designation made by the council based on an adverse action or other findings that indicate a heightened potential of closure or other negative impacts on students.

(7) "Authorization" means the authority to operate in Washington state as a degree-granting institution.

(a) "Standard authorization" means authorization granted to institutions seeking to operate in Washington, but does not include institutions seeking field placement authorization only.

(b) "Field placement authorization" means authorization granted to institutions seeking authorization solely to offer required field placements at locations in Washington as part of distance learning programs.

(8) "Council" means the student achievement council, a Washington state agency, as established under chapter 28B.77 RCW.

(9) "Credit" generally means the unit by which an institution measures its course work. The number of credits 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 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 are the most common systems of measuring course work. A semester credit is generally based on at least a fifteen week calendar or 45 hours of student work. A quarter credit is generally based on at least a ten week calendar or 30 hours of student work.

(10) "Degree" means any designation, appellation, letters, or words including, but not limited to, "associate," "bachelor," "master," "doctor," or "fellow" which signify or imply satisfactory completion of the requirements of an academic program of study at the postsecondary level.

(a) "Associate degree" means a lower division undergraduate degree that requires no fewer than 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours.

(b) "Bachelor's degree" or "baccalaureate degree" means an undergraduate degree that requires no fewer than 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours.

(c) "Master's degree" means a graduate degree that requires no fewer than 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.

(d) "Doctor's degree" or "doctorate" means a postgraduate degree that requires no fewer than 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours beyond the baccalaureate degree.

(11) "Degree-granting institution" means an entity that offers educational credentials, instruction, or services prerequisite to or indicative of a degree.

(a) "College" means an institution which offers programs culminating with associate and/or baccalaureate degrees. In some instances, a college may also offer first professional degree programs and/or graduate programs culminating with master's degrees.

(b) "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 a doctorate.

(c) "Private vocational school" means a nonpublic entity that offers postsecondary programs designed to prepare individuals with the skills and training required for employment in a specific trade, occupation, or profession related to the educational program.

(12) "Distance learning" means a form of educational instruction other than classroom instruction to include, but not limited to, correspondence, video-conferencing, television, internet transmission, or other electronic communication.

(13) "Executive director" means the executive director of the council or the executive director's designee.

(14) "Faculty" means personnel who are appointed by the institution for purposes of teaching, research, mentoring, advisory roles and/or other activities relating to the development and delivery of the instructional programs of the institution.

(15) "False academic credential" means a document that signifies or implies satisfactory completion of the requirements of an academic program of study beyond the secondary level issued by a person or entity that:

(a) Is not accredited by a council-recognized accrediting association or does not have the international equivalent to such accreditation; or

(b) Is not authorized by the council; or

(c) Has not been exempted or granted a waiver from the requirements of authorization by the council.

Additionally, it can mean a credential falsely claimed to have been earned from an institution accredited by a council-recognized accrediting association; authorized by the council; or that has been exempted or granted a waiver by the council.

(16) "Field placement" means a student learning experience comprised primarily of the practical application of previously studied theories and skills. Examples include, but are not limited to, clinicals, student teaching, and practica.

(17) "Operate" means, but is not limited to, the following:

(a) Offering courses for academic credit at any Washington location or via distance learning from a Washington location.

(b) Granting or offering to grant degrees in Washington for credit obtained within or outside the state.

(c) Maintaining or advertising a Washington location, mailing address, or telecommunications number 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))previous attendance.

(d) Maintaining or advertising an application for enrollment or a mechanism to collect prospective student data in any advertisement, publication, web site, software application, or other media, if the institution maintains a Washington location.

(((d)))(e) Advertising, promoting, publicizing, soliciting or recruiting for the institution or its offerings that is targeted specifically at Washington citizens, excluding multi-institutional college fairs.

(18) "Oversight entity" includes, but is not limited to, the following:

(19)(a) "Program of study" means any course or grouping of courses prerequisite to or indicative of a degree.

(b) "Additional program" means a degree program that:

(i) Differs in title and curriculum from any currently authorized program; or

(ii) Is comprised of a curriculum that is twenty-five percent or more different in content than any currently authorized program.

(((19)))(20) "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.

(((20)))(21) "State authorization reciprocity agreement (SARA)" means an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establishes comparable standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. SARA is overseen by a national council and is administered by four regional education compacts.

(((21)))(22) "Suspend" means that, due to deficiencies, the council 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 council.

(((22)))(23) "Withdraw" means that, due to significant deficiencies or failure to meet the criteria of authorization or exemption, the council has withdrawn the authorization or exemption granted to an institution. Upon withdrawal, the institution must cease all degree-granting operations immediately.

These standards form the basis for the review of an institution and guide the decisions of the council. To receive authorization, the institution shall meet all of the specific requirements of this chapter. ((An institution is required to notify the council of any adverse action within thirty days of the action being taken. Failure to report an adverse action may result in suspension of the authorization granted.))

(1) Name. The official name of the institution shall be consistent with, and appropriate to, the program(s) of study offered.

(2) Purpose. The institution shall clearly define its purpose or mission in an official statement which describes its role in higher education. The statement shall reflect the practices of the institution.

(3) Administration and governance. The institution shall be governed by bylaws or policies defining a chain of authority and responsibility.

(a) Administrators shall normally be graduates of accredited institutions and 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, academic officer, registrar, business officer, student services officer, library director, and, if financial aid services are offered, 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 have at least a master's degree from an accredited institution 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, student services, and financial aid officers and library director shall have at least a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution 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.

(d) The institution shall have policies and provisions for the involvement of faculty in the academic affairs, curriculum development, and governance of the institution.

(e) The institution shall have policies and provisions for faculty selection, orientation, teaching load, supervision, evaluation, and professional development.

(4) The following conditions shall disqualify an individual as an administrator of a degree-granting institution:

(a) Conviction of a felony within the past ten years;

(b) Involuntary surrender of authorization or a license to operate a school ((in Washington))as the result of any action by the council or an oversight entity;

(c) Having been served with a cease and desist order for activities in violation of ((the current Washington Administrative Code))any applicable law or regulation; or

(d) ((Denial of renewal of authorization or a license))Withdrawal of a license to operate an institution or denial of a renewal of authorization because of violation of ((the current Washington Administrative Code))any applicable law or regulation; or

(e) Having been found in violation of any law or regulation applicable to the operation of a postsecondary institution.

(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 an accrediting association recognized by the council and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education that accredits similar programs of study.

(a) Associate degrees:

(i) An associate degree shall require at least ninety quarter credits or sixty semester credits.

(A) An associate degree intended for occupational preparation shall require, as a minimum, general education requirements that comprise a recognizable body of instruction in three program-related areas:

(I) Communications;

(II) Computation; and

(III) Human relations.

(B) The general education requirements of all other associate degrees shall be consistent with the current guidelines of Washington's direct transfer agreement associate degree.

(ii) The following associate degree designations shall be acceptable:

(A) The associate of arts (A.A.), and associate of science (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.

(B) The associate in applied technology (A.A.T.), associate in 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.

(b) Baccalaureate degrees: A baccalaureate degree shall require at least one hundred eighty quarter credits or one hundred twenty semester credits. The degree shall require a distinct major and, as a minimum, twenty-five percent of the program shall be in general education curricula.

(c) Master's degrees:

(i) A master's degree program shall require at least thirty-six quarter credits or twenty-four semester credits, specialization in an academic or professional area, and a demonstration of mastery.

(ii) The following master's degree designations shall be acceptable:

(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.

(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.

(d) Doctoral degrees:

(i) Doctoral degree programs shall provide a broad range of advanced course offerings, faculty in ancillary and supporting fields, access to adequate laboratory and research facilities, and a wide range of current reference materials in the subject field. A doctoral degree shall require at least three full academic years of specialized postbaccalaureate study. To obtain a doctoral degree a student shall be required to demonstrate, through comprehensive examination, the ability to perform research at the level of the professional scholar or perform the work of a professional that involves the highest levels of knowledge and expertise.

(ii) The following doctoral degree designations shall be acceptable:

(A) The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree for programs which are oriented toward original research and require a dissertation.

(B) A professional doctoral degree (J.D., 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.

(e) Distance learning program(s) ((of study must be comparable in content, faculty, and resources to those offered in residence, and include regular student-faculty interaction by computer, telephone, mail, or face-to-face meetings))shall meet the following guidelines:

(ix) The institution assures the integrity of its online offerings.

(f) Prior experiential learning.

(i) Credit for prior experiential learning may be awarded when validated through a portfolio or similar assessment procedure. The institution shall maintain copies of examinations, portfolios, and evaluations used in this process.

(ii) Credit awarded for prior experiential learning at the undergraduate and graduate level must be consistent with the minimum standards as published by the institution's accrediting association. This subsection applies to institutions that meet WAC 250-61-085 (1), (2), or (3).

(iii) Prior experiential learning credit shall constitute no more than twenty-five percent of an undergraduate or graduate degree program. This subsection applies to institutions that meet WAC 250-61-085(4).

(2) Faculty.

(a) Faculty shall be professionally prepared and graduates of accredited institutions and, as a group, the institutions from which they earned their degrees shall be diverse.

(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 have, as a minimum, a master's degree in the assigned or related program area from an accredited institution. Faculty assigned to teach in vocational-technical subjects shall have educational credentials and experience compatible with their teaching assignment. Faculty assigned to teach general education courses within any undergraduate program shall have, as a minimum, a master's degree in a related area from an accredited institution.

(d) Faculty teaching at the master's degree level in programs which emphasize advanced study and exploration in a discipline shall 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 have, as a minimum, a master's degree from an accredited institution and documented achievement in a related field.

(e) Faculty teaching at the doctoral level shall have an earned doctorate in a related field from an accredited institution and experience in teaching and directing independent study and research.

(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, 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 U.S. Department of Education.

High school graduation or the equivalent shall be required for undergraduate admission. A baccalaureate degree or the equivalent shall be required for admission into graduate programs. Special undergraduate admission may be granted, based on the applicant's general educational development.

(4) Enrollment contract. If an enrollment contract is utilized, the institution shall discuss all terms and provisions of the contract with the student prior to the student's execution of the contract. The contract shall contain an acknowledgment 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.

(5) Evaluation. The institution shall provide evidence that it has procedures for continuing evaluation and improvement of educational programs, quality of instruction, and overall operations of the institution.

(a) Student, alumni, and employer evaluations of the effectiveness of the curricula shall be considered in these evaluations.

(b) 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. The results of those evaluations shall be submitted to council staff upon request.

(1) Student services. The institution shall provide adequate services for students in addition to formal instruction. These services shall normally include admissions, advising and guidance, financial assistance, student records, and disability accommodation.

(a) Advising and guidance services shall be readily available to students to assist them in program planning, course selection, and other academic activities.

(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 U.S. Department of Education.

(((d)))(c) 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.

(((e)))(d) Placement services and employment opportunities, if provided, shall be accurately described.

(2) Financial aid.

(3) Facilities for site-based instruction.

(a) The institution shall have adequate space, facilities and equipment, instructional materials, and staff to support quality education and services.

(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.

(((3)))(c) The council may conduct a site visit at any time. The fee for a site visit shall be five hundred dollars, payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(4) Disability accommodations. The institution shall provide reasonable accommodations for students and employees with disabilities. To the extent practicable, the institution must consider diagnosis, assessments, and accommodation plans received from prior secondary and postsecondary educational institutions or employers. The institution shall inform students and employees of local, state, and federal laws regarding discrimination against people with disabilities.

(((4)))(5) Library. The institution shall provide adequate and accessible library resources and facilities to support the educational needs of students and faculty. 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.

(((5)))(6) Financial resources.

(a) The institution shall have adequate financial resources necessary to sustain its purpose and commitment to students.

(b) In the case of an institution seeking initial authorization, it shall have sufficient financial resources to sustain itself for one full academic year without the assistance of revenue from tuition and fees.

(((6)))(7) Financial records.

(a) The institution shall maintain financial records in conformity to generally accepted accounting principles.

(b) The institution shall be audited annually by an independent certified public accountant according to generally accepted auditing standards.

(c) Such records shall be made available to the council 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 council upon the granting of authorization.

Authorized institutions shall not advertise or publicize that they are approved, recommended, accredited, or otherwise endorsed by the council. Such institutions may only state that they are authorized by the council.))

(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 academic credentials awarded, 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, and credit by examination.

(b) The institution shall not be required to make copies of transcripts available unless all tuition and fees and other expenses owed by the student to the institution have been paid.

(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 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.

(d) The institution shall maintain physical or electronic copies of all transcripts at a secure off-site facility.

(1) Recruitment and publications. All publications and recruitments relating to the institution shall be accurate and not misleading or deceptive.

(2) Authorized institutions shall not advertise or publicize that they are approved, recommended, accredited, or otherwise endorsed by the council. Such institutions may only state that they are authorized by the council.

(3) The institution shall provide to the council, upon request, any testimonial, endorsement, advertisement, data or other recruitment made available to prospective students or the public regarding:

(a) Current practices of the school;

(b) Retention or completion rates;

(c) Conditions or opportunities for employment, including probable earnings;

(d) Postgraduation employment, including median hourly and annual earnings or employment statistics;

(e) Financial aid opportunities; or

(f) The ability of graduates to repay loans.

(4) The institution shall present to the council, upon request, any information necessary to confirm or verify the veracity of any statements or claims made in any testimonial, endorsement, advertisement, data or other recruitment.

(5) The institution shall not present data about the institution or its current or former students that is inconsistent with data posted by the workforce training and education coordinating board's career bridge web site or the United States Department of Education.

(6) The institution shall not use any official United States military logo in advertising or promotional materials.

(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))Any catalog or web site that is made available to students describing the educational services offered shall prominently feature the following statement upon the granting of authorization: "(Name of institution) is authorized by the Washington student achievement council (the council) 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 specific degree programs. The council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the council does not carry with it an endorsement by the council 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 council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov."

(3) An institution granted authorization shall make the following statement regarding transferability available to all students: "The transferability of credits earned at (name of institution) is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at (name of institution) will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at (name of institution) to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at (name of institution) will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned."

(4) The catalog shall include elements as required by the council in application materials such that a prospective student may become reasonably informed about the institution, its offerings, policies and procedures.

The institution is required to have on file with the council an original surety bond or other security acceptable to the council in lieu of the bond.

(1) An institution shall have a separate acceptable security for each authorized site with administrative capability.

(2) For institutions seeking initial standard authorization, the surety bond or security amount for the initial period of authorization shall be fifty thousand dollars for each proposed ((Washington)) site with administrative capability. However, for institutions seeking initial standard authorization as a result of a change in ownership or control, the surety bond or security amount for the initial period of authorization shall be ten percent of the preceding fiscal year's total tuition and fee revenue received for educational services in Washington, but not less than fifty thousand dollars for each authorized site with administrative capability.

(3) For institutions seeking initial field placement authorization, the surety bond or security amount for the initial period of authorization shall be twenty-five thousand dollars.

(4) For institutions seeking renewal of standard authorization, the surety bond or security amount shall be ten percent of the preceding fiscal year's total tuition and fee revenue received for educational services in Washington, but not less than fifty thousand dollars for each authorized ((Washington)) site with administrative capability.

(5) For institutions seeking renewal of field placement authorization, the surety bond or security amount shall be ten percent of the preceding fiscal year's total tuition and fee revenue received for the field placement courses offered in Washington, but not less than twenty-five thousand dollars.

(6) 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.

(7) Release of surety bonds and other securities shall be made in compliance with chapter 28B.85 RCW.

(1) The institution shall disclose to the council any adverse action against the institution and any investigation by an oversight entity within thirty days of the institution's first knowledge of the action or investigation.

(a) The disclosure must include information about the nature of the adverse action or investigation and any additional documents or materials requested by the council.

(b) Failure to report an adverse action or an investigation by an oversight entity may result in suspension or withdrawal of the authorization granted.

(2) The institution shall disclose to the council any changes in the institution's operations that are inconsistent with the requirements of this chapter or that may impair the institution's ability to satisfy any requirement of this chapter within thirty days of the institution's first knowledge of the change.

(a) The disclosure must include information about the nature of the changes in the institution's operations and any additional documents or materials requested by the council.

(b) The institution shall have a reasonable opportunity to address or correct any deficiencies within a time period specified by the council.

(3) The institution shall disclose the availability of the student complaint portal in all sections of the institutional catalog and web site containing information about complaints or complaint processes, or in a manner and location otherwise directed by the council.

(4) The institution shall disclose the availability of the student loan advocate in all sections of the institutional catalog and web site containing information about financial aid, or in a manner and location otherwise directed by law or by the council.

(1) In the event an institution plans to discontinue a program and/or site currently available to Washington residents, but maintain other operations, it shall notify the council immediately and ((provide information to the council pertaining to accommodations to be made for any currently enrolled students to ensure they are provided the))submit alternative opportunities for program completion, acceptable to the council, that allow currently enrolled students a reasonable opportunity to complete their studies. Institutions may be subject to additional reporting requirements as specified by the council.

(2) In the event an institution plans to discontinue all its operations in Washington, the chief administrative officer of the institution shall:

(a) Notify the council immediately by certified mail and email; ((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))Provide current students ((are provided)) with alternative opportunities, acceptable to the council, to complete their studies; and

(d) Submit to the council the following:

(i) A timeline for the planned discontinuance of operations including the planned closure date; ((and))

(ii) A list of all students currently enrolled in program(s) of study at the Washington locations showing student name, contact information, program name, number of credits completed, and number of credits remaining for program completion; ((and))

(iii) The total number of students currently enrolled in each program of study for each site at which the program is offered; ((and))

(iv) The alternative opportunities for program completion, acceptable to the council, that are provided by the institution for students currently enrolled in programs of study; ((and))

(v) A copy of all information regarding the closure that is provided to students, administrators, and faculty at the Washington locations; ((and))

(vi) A copy of all documents provided by the institution's accrediting agency related to the closure; ((and))

(vii) A copy of any signed transfer agreement; ((and))

(viii) A copy of any signed teach-out agreement; ((and))

(ix) Electronic copies of transcripts for all current and past students; ((and))

(x) An account ledger for each student that includes, at a minimum, clear and correct information about student charges, payments, and the source for each payment; and

(xi) A plan for the maintenance of student records.

(3) Upon discontinuance of all Washington operations, the institution shall:

(a) Submit to the council a list of all students enrolled in program(s) of study at the Washington locations showing student name, contact information, program name, number of credits completed, number of credits remaining for program completion, and the alternative opportunities selected for program completion by each student; ((and))

(b) Provide at least one official transcript to each student who is currently enrolled or who was enrolled at any point in the preceding term, at no cost to such students;

(c) Provide for the permanent maintenance of official records; and

(d) Submit the following:

(i) Contact information for the location where records for Washington students will be maintained; and

(ii) A description of the method and language used to inform students as to how final transcripts may be obtained.

(4) In the event it appears to the council that the official records of an institution discontinuing its operations are in danger of being destroyed, secreted, mislaid, or otherwise made unavailable to the students and the council, the council may seek a court order to take possession of the records and provide for their permanent maintenance.

(1) Initial application.

(a) Institutions seeking initial standard authorization shall contact the council staff to arrange for a preliminary conference to discuss the authorization criteria, application procedures and the review process.

(b) An institution shall submit a fully completed application packet using forms provided by council staff. The application packet will not be considered complete until all required elements have been received by the council.

(c) For standard authorization, ((an))the initial application fee ((in the amount of five))shall be two thousand dollars ((is to)), plus one thousand dollars for each proposed program, and shall be submitted along with the application packet. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(d) For field placement authorization, ((an))the initial application fee ((in the amount of))shall be two thousand dollars ((is to))and shall be submitted along with the application packet. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(2) Renewal application.

(a) Authorized institutions must submit an application for renewal of authorization on a biennial basis when requested by council staff.

(b) No later than the due date provided by the council, an institution seeking renewal must submit a fully completed renewal application packet using the forms provided by council staff. Failure to provide all requested materials by the due date may result in temporary suspension of the institution's authorization.

(c) For standard authorization, ((a))the renewal application fee ((in the amount of two thousand five hundred dollars is to be submitted along with the application packet))shall be one thousand dollars, plus two hundred and fifty additional dollars per program. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(d) For field placement authorization, a renewal application fee in the amount of one thousand dollars is to be submitted along with the application packet. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(e) Any programs that have been authorized for at least one year prior to the authorization renewal date, but which are not yet made available to students, must be so noted in the renewal application. The authorization granted for these programs will be withdrawn at that time and the institution must seek authorization for these programs through the new program application if it wishes to offer them in the future.

(3) Additional program(s).

(a) If an institution plans to offer additional program(s) of study ((during the current authorization period)), the institution shall submit a new program application well in advance of the proposed offering.

(b) An additional program application fee in the amount of one thousand dollars per program is to be submitted along with the application packet. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(c) The program(s) of study may not be offered, advertised or promoted prior to the granting of authorization.

(d) A nonaccredited institution will be limited to no more than two additional programs per calendar year until full accreditation is received.

(4) Additional site(s).

(a) If an institution plans to offer programs at a new site in Washington, the institution shall submit a new site application well in advance of the proposed start of operations at that site.

(b) An additional site application fee in the amount of five hundred dollars per site is to be submitted along with the application packet. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(c) The site may not be utilized, advertised or promoted prior to the granting of authorization.

(5) Late fees. A late fee for applications for renewal of authorization shall be applied to applications received after the renewal application deadline. The late fee imposed shall be one thousand dollars and shall be added to all other applicable fees.

(7) Change of ownership or control. A significant change of ownership or control of an institution shall nullify any previous authorization or exemption. The chief administrator, representing the new owner(s), shall notify the council as soon as the change is known. If the chief administrator asserts in a written statement that all conditions set forth in the act and these rules are being met or will be met before offering instruction, the council may issue a temporary certificate of authorization for a maximum of one hundred eighty days. The new ownership shall complete an application for initial authorization and submit the application to the council no later than sixty days prior to the expiration of the temporary certificate of authorization.

(1) Staff analysis. Following receipt of a fully completed application, council staff shall review and analyze the material submitted.

(2) Additional documentation and site visit. If council 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) External consultants. At the discretion of the council, 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 fee for such services is five hundred dollars per program per consultant, to be submitted by the institution upon request by the council during the review process. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.

(4) Comment period. Upon completion of a preliminary review, the council 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 council on the proposal.

(5) Staff recommendations. After the final review has been completed, council staff shall summarize its findings and develop a recommendation to the executive director regarding the application. This recommendation will take one of the following forms:

(a) That the institution be granted authorization, subject to biennial reporting and maintenance of the conditions under which authorization has been granted.

(b) That the institution be granted conditional authorization, subject to additional conditions as established by the council, and maintenance of the conditions under which authorization has been granted.

(c) That the institution be denied authorization.

(6) Notification. Following the council's decision to authorize or deny the institution's request, a letter signifying the action shall be sent from the council 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 for the specific programs and locations designated in the letter.

(b) An institution denied authorization shall be provided with an explanation as to how the institution and/or its programs failed to meet the criteria for authorization. ((Any institution denied standard 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 four thousand dollars. Any institution denied field placement 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. The check is to be made payable to the Washington student achievement council.))

(1) The executive director may suspend or withdraw an institution's authorization based on a finding that:

(a) Any information contained in the application for authorization is untrue; or

(b) The institution has failed to maintain 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; or

(e) The institution has violated any applicable federal or state law.

(2) In the case of an adverse finding the executive director shall provide the institution a notice of violation that includes details of the legal basis of the finding and the facts used to make the determination.

(3) The institution will have an opportunity to respond to the notice of violation and address deficiencies within a reasonable time period specified by the council.

(4) The executive director may designate an institution as at-risk.

(5) 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 council.

(6) The executive director may withdraw the institution's authorization if, in the executive director's judgment, the deficiencies cannot be corrected within the given time period. Upon withdrawal, the institution must immediately cease all degree-granting operations. To seek reinstatement of authorization, the institution must apply for initial authorization.

(7) The executive director's action to suspend or withdraw authorization is subject to the hearing procedures specified in WAC 250-61-210.