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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in Nebraska

Establishing and operating a postsecondary institution in Nebraska requires adherence to the regulations set forth by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE). This guide clearly and concisely explains the steps necessary to obtain state approval, including submitting required forms, compliance with Rule 24 matrices, and the annual renewal process.

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Understanding the Regulatory Framework

The Nebraska Department of Education and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education play a crucial role in overseeing the approval process for postsecondary institutions in Nebraska. The NDE sets the educational standards, while the CCPE ensures that institutions comply with these standards and protect student interests.

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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.

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Steps to Obtain State Approval

  1. Annual Application Submission
  • Annual Application Form:
  • Institutions must submit the Application for Approval for Specific Programs of Educator Preparation (NDE 20-004 Report) annually. This form includes information on endorsement areas offered in educator preparation programs, including any new or revised endorsement areas.
  • Pre-Approval for New or Revised Endorsements:
  • Institutions must obtain pre-approval before including new or revised endorsement areas in the annual application. Detailed instructions for this process are provided in the guidance document available from the NDE.
  • Submission Deadline:
  • The completed NDE 20-004 Report and any necessary Rule 24 matrices must be submitted electronically by May 15 each year.
  1. Preparing the Application
  • Instructions for Completing NDE 20-004:
  • The NDE provides detailed instructions for filling out the application form. Institutions must check all specific educator preparation programs they will offer for the upcoming academic year and indicate any new, revised, or dropped programs.
  • Rule 24 Matrices:
  • Institutions must include new Rule 24 matrices for new or revised endorsement programs. These matrices should detail the credit hours for each course and be submitted along with the NDE 20-004 form.
  • Assurance Statements:
  • Institutions must include assurance statements and institutional information, noting any areas of non-compliance.
  1. Submission of Supporting Documents
  • Electronic Submission:
  • The NDE 20-004 form and Rule 24 matrices must be submitted electronically. Paper copies are not required.
  • Contact Information:
  • Institutions should contact Jim Kent at 402.314.4432 or via email (jim.kent@nebraska.gov) for any questions or additional guidance.
  1. Annual Report Submission
  • Annual Report for Recurrent Authorization:
  • Institutions holding a recurrent authorization to operate in Nebraska must submit an annual report detailing student data, institutional information, and any actions taken by accrediting bodies.
  • Submission Process:
  • The annual report form, including all necessary supporting documents, must be sent to the Executive Director of the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education by mail or email.
  1. Initial and Renewal Applications
  • Initial Application:
  • Institutions applying for recurrent authorization for the first time must complete the Application for a Recurrent Authorization to Operate a Postsecondary Institution in Nebraska. This application requires detailed information about the institution’s financial soundness, quality of faculty and programs, facilities, and accreditation status.
  • Renewal Application:
  • Institutions must renew their recurrent authorization annually. The renewal application requires updated information on student data, faculty, programs, and any changes since the last report.
  • Modification Application:
  • Institutions seeking to modify their recurrent authorization (e.g., adding new programs or courses) must submit a modification application with supporting documentation.
  1. Compliance and Monitoring
  • On-Site Evaluations:
  • The CCPE staff may conduct on-site evaluations to ensure institutions comply with state regulations. These evaluations may include interviews with faculty and staff, observation of classes, and review of institutional records.
  • Documentation and Records:
  • Institutions must maintain accurate records and documentation to support their compliance with state requirements.

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 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.
  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 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.
  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 Nebraska involves a series of well-defined steps, from initial inquiry to application submission and evaluation by the Nebraska Department of Education and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. 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 CCPE, strategic planning, and training, provide valuable support to institutions seeking state authorization and continuous improvement. With AEC’s support, institutions can feel reassured and confident in their approval process.

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