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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Michigan

Establishing a college or university in Michigan requires navigating the regulatory framework set by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Workforce Development (LEO-WD). This guide provides a straightforward explanation of the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required documents and forms.

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Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Workforce Development (LEO-WD) has statutory powers, duties, functions, and responsibilities regarding establishing and approving non-public institutions incorporating private colleges and universities under the Michigan General Corporation Act (1931 PA 327). Additionally, proprietary schools must be licensed, and LEO-WD must approve their programs.

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Our goal is to help you achieve successful approval from your state and ensure the process is as efficient and stress-free as possible for you and your team.

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Steps to Obtain State Approval

Step 1: Determine the Type of School

  1. Educational Corporations – Private College or University:
    • Private colleges and universities must seek approval under the Michigan General Corporation Act (1931 PA 327).
  1. Proprietary Schools – Trade & Career:
    • Schools that provide training in specific trades, occupations, or vocations must be licensed under the Proprietary Schools Act, Public Act 148 of 1943.
  1. Distance Education Schools:
    • Degree-Granting: Schools must be accredited and comply with the Higher Education Authorization and Distance Education Reciprocal Exchange Act (2015 PA 45).
    • Non-Degree Granting: Proprietary or trade schools with no physical presence in Michigan providing distance education to Michigan residents must be licensed under the Proprietary Schools Act, Public Act 148 of 1943.

Step 2: Initial Inquiry and Account Creation

    1. Initial Inquiry:
      • Contact LEO-WD for information on the application process and requirements.
      • Determine if your institution meets the basic eligibility criteria for licensure.
  1. Create an Account:
    • If you do not have an account, create one on the Michigan Talent Connect website: Create Account.
    • If you already have an account, log in by signing in.

Step 3: Application Process

  1. Application Forms:
    • Obtain the necessary application forms from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s website.
    • Prepare all required documentation as outlined in the application guidelines.
  1. Required Documentation:
    • Institutional Plan: Include a detailed plan outlining the institution’s mission, goals, governance, and financial projections.
    • Curriculum Details: Provide comprehensive details, including course descriptions, credit hours, and program objectives.
    • Faculty Qualifications: Submit the qualifications and resumes of key faculty members.
    • Facilities Description: Describe the physical facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices.
    • Financial Stability Evidence: Provide evidence of financial stability, such as audited financial statements.
    • Surety Bond: New unaccredited institutions must post a surety bond to cover the license period.
  1. Submission:
    • Submit the completed application form and all required documentation to LEO-WD.
    • Pay the application fee as specified in the application instructions.

Step 4: Review Process

  1. Administrative Review:
    • LEO-WD will conduct an administrative review to ensure all required documents are complete and meet the specified criteria.
  1. Site Visit:
    • A site visit may be scheduled to inspect the institution’s facilities and verify the information provided in the application.
  1. Evaluation:
    • LEO-WD will evaluate the application based on the institution’s ability to meet educational standards, faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, and financial stability.
  1. Approval Decision:
    • After reviewing and evaluating, LEO-WD will decide on the institution’s approval.
    • The institution will receive a license to operate and advertise in Michigan if approved.

Step 5: Post-Approval Requirements

  1. Annual Registration:
    • Institutions must register annually with LEO-WD and provide updated information on their operations.
  2. License Renewal:
    • Licenses are reviewed annually. Institutions must apply for renewal of licensure and pay the associated fees.
  3. Compliance and Monitoring:
    • Institutions must comply with all state regulations and may be subject to periodic evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance.

How Accreditation Expert Consulting Can Help

Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC) offers services to assist institutions in obtaining state approval and ensuring ongoing compliance. Here’s how AEC can help:

  1. Expert Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
  • Regulatory Navigation: AEC provides detailed guidance on navigating Michigan’s regulatory requirements and ensures your institution meets all state standards.
  • Compliance Check: Perform a thorough compliance check to ensure all application documents meet LEO-WD’s criteria.
  1. Application Preparation and Submission
  • Form Completion: Assist in accurately completing the necessary application forms and compiling all required documentation.
  • Document Preparation: Help prepare essential documents, including institutional plans, curriculum details, and faculty qualifications.
  1. Review and Feedback
  • Pre-submission Review: Conduct a pre-submission review of your application to identify and rectify potential issues.
  • Feedback and Revisions: Provide actionable feedback and assist with necessary revisions to strengthen your application.
  1. Liaison with the Louisiana Board of Regents
  • Communication: Act as a liaison between your institution and LEO-WD to ensure clear and effective communication.
  • Follow-up: Monitor the progress of your application and follow up as needed to expedite the approval process.
  1. Strategic Planning and Implementation
  • Strategic Planning: Develop a strategic plan to guide your institution through approval and ensure sustainable growth.
  • Implementation Support: Provide ongoing support to implement the approved programs and maintain compliance with state requirements.
  1. Training and Development
  • Faculty Training: Offer training sessions for faculty and staff on regulatory compliance and best practices in academic program development.
  • Administrative Support: To streamline the proposal submission and approval process, provide administrative support.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Michigan involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Workforce Development. By following these steps and utilizing the support of Accreditation Expert Consulting (AEC), institutions can efficiently navigate the approval process, ensure compliance with state regulations, and focus on delivering high-quality education to their students. AEC’s comprehensive services, including expert guidance, application preparation, review and feedback, liaison with LEO-WD, strategic planning, and training, provide valuable support to institutions seeking state authorization and continuous improvement.

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