Understanding the Regulatory Framework
The Louisiana Board of Regents oversees the approval of postsecondary institutions operating within the state. Approval is necessary to ensure institutions meet quality standards and protect student interests.
Establishing a college or university in Louisiana involves navigating the regulatory framework set by the Louisiana Board of Regents. This guide provides a straightforward explanation of the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required documents and forms.
State Approval Readines
If you're new to state approval, start with our initial questionnaire. This provides a comprehensive understanding of your organization's readiness for state approval.
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.
“Accreditation Expert Consulting Team”
Request call back
Our goal is to help you find exactly what you need and explore your options.
Steps to Obtain State Approval
- Preliminary Steps
- Review State Requirements:
- Familiarize yourself with the regulatory requirements the Louisiana Board of Regents set as outlined in the Louisiana Administrative Code Title 28, Part IX.
- Ensure your institution meets the basic eligibility criteria for licensure.
- Initial Inquiry:
- Contact the Louisiana Board of Regents to request additional information about the application for licensure and fees.
- Contact the Louisiana Board of Regents to request additional information about the application for licensure and fees.
- Application Process
- Application Forms:
- Obtain the necessary application forms from the Louisiana Board of Regents’ website or by contacting their office.
- Prepare all required documentation as outlined in the application guidelines.
- 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 of $10,000 to cover the license period.
- Submission:
- Submit the completed application form and all required documentation to the Louisiana Board of Regents.
- Pay the application fee as specified in the application instructions.
- Review Process
- Administrative Review:
- The Louisiana Board of Regents will conduct an administrative review to ensure all required documents are complete and meet the specified criteria.
- Site Visit:
- A site visit may be scheduled to inspect the institution’s facilities and verify the information provided in the application.
- Evaluation:
- The Board of Regents will evaluate the application based on the institution’s ability to meet educational standards, faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, and financial stability.
- Approval Decision:
- After the review and evaluation process, the Board of Regents will decide the institution’s licensure.
- The institution will receive a license to operate and advertise in Louisiana if approved.
- Post-Approval Requirements
- Annual Registration:
- All postsecondary institutions must register annually with the Board of Regents and provide updated information on their operations.
- License Renewal:
- Licenses are reviewed every two years. Institutions must apply for renewal of licensure and pay the associated fees.
- Program-Specific Approval:
- Licensed institutions may only operate and advertise the courses, programs, or schools specifically approved in the license.
- Advertising Standards:
- All advertising and promotional materials must meet the Louisiana regulation requirements and not include false or misleading statements.
- Complaint Process:
- The school’s complaint process must be posted, and the procedure for filing a complaint with the Board of Regents can be found on their website.
- Closure Procedures:
- Institutions must notify the Board of Regents sixty days before closure and make all student records available for permanent storage.
- Transcript Requests:
- If a school closes, students should contact the Board of Regents to determine if their transcripts are available.
- Accreditation:
- A U.S. Department of Education must accredit an institution’s recognized accrediting body. New institutions must obtain accreditation by a specified date to maintain licensure.
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:
- Expert Guidance on Regulatory Compliance
- Regulatory Navigation: AEC provides detailed guidance on navigating Louisiana’s regulatory requirements and ensures your institution meets all state standards.
- Compliance Check: Perform a thorough compliance check to ensure all application documents meet the Board’s criteria.
- 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
- 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.
- Liaison with the Louisiana Board of Regents
- Communication: Act as a liaison between your institution and the Louisiana Board of Regents to ensure clear and effective communication.
- Follow-up: Monitor the progress of your application and follow up as needed to expedite the approval process.
- 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.
- 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.
Additional Requirements for Religious Institutions
Religious institutions that grant religious degrees exclusively may be exempt from licensure but must still register annually with the Louisiana Board of Regents. Here’s what religious institutions need to do:
- Review Exemption Criteria:
- Ensure the degrees are religious by title and content.
- Annual Registration:
- Religious institutions must register annually through an online application process.
- Documentation:
- Provide necessary documentation as specified by the Board of Regents to verify the religious nature of the institution and its programs.
- Contact Information:
- If there are questions regarding religious exemption and registration, contact the designated representative at the Board of Regents.
AEC Note
Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in Louisiana involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Louisiana Board of Regents. 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 the Board of Regents, strategic planning, and training, provide valuable support to institutions seeking state authorization and continuous improvement. Religious institutions can also benefit from AEC’s support in meeting annual registration requirements and maintaining compliance with state regulations.
We have collaborated with educational institutions nationwide that hold accreditation from prominent national and regional agencies, including:
