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How to Obtain State Approval for Colleges and Universities in North Carolina

In North Carolina, the process for obtaining state approval to operate a post-secondary institution is overseen by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, as outlined in North Carolina General Statute 116-15. This statute grants the Board the authority to license nonpublic and out-of-state institutions conducting post-secondary degree activity within the state. The Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that institutions meet specific quality standards and provide student consumer protection.

get state approval North Carolina

Licensure Process

  1. Preliminary Conference

The first step in the licensure process is to contact the UNC System Office to arrange a preliminary conference. This conference aims to clarify the standards and procedures for applying for licensure. It is a one-time meeting scheduled at a mutually convenient time and location.

  1. Application for Licensure

The first step in the licensure process is to contact the UNC System Office to arrange a preliminary conference. This conference aims to clarify the standards and procedures for applying for licensure. It is a one-time meeting scheduled at a mutually convenient time and location.

  1. Site Visit

If the application suggests that the proposed degree activity will meet the necessary standards, the UNC System Office may arrange a site visit by a team of examiners. This team, comprising UNC System Office staff and external experts, will review the institution’s documentation and facilities in detail. Site visits are mandatory for institutions not previously licensed and those expanding into new degree levels or fields of study.

  1. Report and Board Action

Report and Board Action: The Board’s Decisions Matter

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Step-by-Step Guide to State Approval

  1. Understand the Licensing Requirements
    • Before initiating the application process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific standards and requirements for licensure as outlined in the UNC Policy Manual Section 400.4.1 and subsequent regulations.
  1. Preliminary Conference
    • Schedule a Meeting: Contact the UNC System Office for a preliminary conference. This meeting will provide an overview of the licensure standards and procedures.
    • Discussion: During the conference, you will discuss your institution’s mission, proposed programs, and projected enrollment.
  1. Application for Licensure
    • Submission: After the preliminary conference, submit a formal application using the online application system. The application should demonstrate compliance with the 15 standards specified in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 116-15(f).
    • Required Documents: Include a letter of intent, financial statements, and detailed program descriptions.
  1. Site Visit
    • Preparation: If the application meets initial standards, the UNC System Office may arrange for a team of examiners to visit the site to verify compliance.
    • Examiners: The team typically includes UNC officers, faculty members, and other experts relevant to the institution’s proposed programs.
    • Evaluation: The visit assesses facilities, faculty qualifications, program quality, and administrative capabilities.
  1. Report and Board Action
    • Examiners’ Report: Following the site visit, the team prepares a report and a statement of requirements.
    • Institutional Response: The institution can respond to the findings in writing.
    • Staff Report: The UNC System Office reviews and submits the reports to the UNC Board of Governors.
    • Board Decision: The Board reviews all materials and decides on licensure.
  1. Interim Permit
    • Conditions: Institutions that meet most standards but lack the required operational history may be granted an interim permit.
    • Re-Evaluation: After two years, the interim permit is re-evaluated to determine eligibility for a full license.
  1. Annual Reporting and Review
    • Compliance: Licensed institutions must file annual reports demonstrating continued compliance with standards.
    • Periodic Reviews: The UNC System Office conducts regular reviews, with intervals depending on the institution’s accreditation status.

Exemptions from Licensure

  1. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
    • Eligibility: Institutions participating in SARA for distance education programs are exempt from state authorization requirements.
    • Contact: For more information, contact the SARA State Portal Entity.
  2. Military Exemption
    • Criteria: Institutions offering programs on military reservations for active-duty personnel, their dependents, or military employees are exempt.
  3. Religious Exemption
    • Scope: Institutions offering degrees in theology, divinity, or religious education primarily for career preparation in a religious vocation are exempt.
    • Application: Contact the State Authorization Unit for exemption requests.
  4. Continuous Operation Since 1972
    • Qualification: Institutions continuously operating in North Carolina since July 1, 1972, may be exempt upon substantiation to the Board.

Standards for Licensure

The Board of Governors requires institutions to meet 15 standards to ensure quality education. Some key standards include:

  • Charter: The institution must be state-chartered.
  • Period of Operation: The institution must have been operational for at least two years.
  • Program of Study: The courses and programs must support the institution’s mission and be designed to achieve specified educational outcomes.
  • Facilities and Library: Adequate physical and library resources must be available.
  • Faculty Qualifications: Instructors must be appropriately qualified and have relevant degrees and experience.
  • Catalog: A comprehensive catalog must be provided to students, detailing program descriptions, faculty qualifications, admission policies, and other essential information.

Exemptions from Licensure

Some institutions may be exempt from licensure based on specific criteria:

  • State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA): Institutions operating under SARA are exempt from state licensure for distance education programs.
  • Military Exemption: Institutions offering programs exclusively on military reservations for military personnel and their dependents are exempt.
  • Religious Exemption: Programs leading to degrees in theology, divinity, or religious education, and those designed for religious vocations, may be exempt.
  • Continuous Operation Since 1972: Institutions operating continuously in North Carolina since July 1, 1972, may be exempt.

Annual Reports and Renewals

Licensed institutions must file annual reports to demonstrate ongoing compliance with licensure standards. The UNC System Office reviews these reports and may conduct periodic site visits. Institutions must also renew their licenses periodically, typically every six years, unless specified otherwise.

Fees

Institutions are required to pay application fees, which vary based on the type of licensure sought. Additional fees are charged for site visits and annual renewals. The fee structure is detailed in the regulations and must be followed for continued licensure.

Role of Accreditation Expert Consulting

Accreditation expert consulting can play a crucial role in helping institutions navigate the complex process of obtaining state approval in North Carolina. These experts offer several key services:

  1. Preliminary Assessments: Consultants can conduct initial assessments to ensure that institutions meet state approval eligibility criteria.
  2. Application Preparation: They assist in preparing comprehensive applications that align with state standards, increasing the likelihood of approval.
  3. Compliance Reviews: Consultants can review institutional policies and procedures to ensure state and federal regulations compliance.
  4. Site Visit Preparation: They help institutions prepare for site visits by conducting mock reviews and addressing potential issues beforehand.
  5. Ongoing Support: After initial licensure, consultants provide ongoing support to ensure that institutions remain compliant with state requirements and are well-prepared for annual reports and renewals.

AEC Note

Obtaining state approval for colleges and universities in North Carolina involves a detailed process of meeting specific standards and demonstrating the quality of educational programs. By following the outlined steps and leveraging the expertise of accreditation consultants, institutions can successfully navigate this process and achieve licensure, ensuring they provide high-quality education to students in North Carolina.

We have collaborated with educational institutions nationwide that hold accreditation from prominent national and regional agencies, including:
nasad
nasad
accsc
accsc
wscuc
wscuc
deac
deac
tracs
tracs
caahep
caahep
council
council
abhes
abhes
accreditation-canada
accreditation-canada
acics
acics
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