SIDE
BY SIDE COMPARISON OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO STANDARDS, CRITERIA, RULES AND BY-LAWS
General Notes on Changes:
1. More than one
Proposal may relate to the same provision of the Rules of Practice and Procedure, the Appendices and/or the
By-Laws. Each such Proposal is shown
separately below, but final changes will reflect all Proposals adopted by the
Commission.
2. Language to be
deleted is overstruck (overstruck) and language to be added is in bold
underlining (bold underlining).
3. Any Proposals adopted under emergency action is given a Proposal Number
with an “E”. Effective dates are noted.
The Commission proposes to amend NACCAS Rules
of Practice and Procedure to provide that Candidate status is not an
"accreditation status", so that the decision to grant or deny
candidate status may be made by the Executive Director and that a decision by the Executive Director to deny candidate
status is not an appealable adverse action. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
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Rules Section 1.0 Section 1.0 Definitions (a) The
term “adverse action” is an action appealable under these Rules. “Adverse actions” are denial of candidate
status, denial of initial accreditation, withdrawal of candidate status,
withdrawal of accreditation, and non-approval of changes under Part 4 of
these Rules.
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Amendment to Rules Section 1.0 Section 1.0 Definitions (a) The
term “adverse action” is an action appealable under these Rules. “Adverse actions” are |
Note: This change was adopted to go into effect
on May 1, 2009, but comments are requested in case modifications are
warranted. Change:
Denial of candidate status is not appealable. Removal from candidate status
is appealable. Rationale:
Only acts of the Commission, not discretionary acts of the Executive
Director, are appealable. |
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Rules Section 2.2 Section 2.2 Grant of Candidate Status (a) Candidate status shall be granted by the
Commission of NACCAS if the application is complete and demonstrates the
applicant meets institutional eligibility requirements, and the required
sustaining fee has been paid. (b) A denial of candidate status is appealable
pursuant to Part 9 of these Rules. |
Amendment to Rules Section 2.2 Section 2.2 Grant of Candidate Status (a) Candidate status shall be granted by the (b) A |
Change: The Executive Director may grant or deny
candidate status. Rationale: Candidate status is not an accreditation
status. Permitting the Executive
Director to grant or deny candidate status will expedite the process of
granting candidacy to qualifying schools. |
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Rules Section 2.4 Section 2.4 Duration of Candidate Status and Obligation of
Candidate Institutions (a) Candidate status shall expire upon the occurrence
of the earlier of any of the following events: (2) The
school fails to fulfill its obligations under the Rules of Practice and Procedure and policies of the Commission,
including payment of required fees.
Determination of such failure shall be made in accordance with the
same rules and procedures that apply to applicants for accreditation and
accredited institutions; or |
Amendment to Rules Section 2.4 Section 2.4 Duration of Candidate Status and Obligation of
Candidate Institutions (a) Candidate status shall expire upon the
occurrence of the earlier of any of the following events: (2) The
school fails to fulfill its obligations under the Rules of Practice and Procedure and policies of the Commission,
including payment of required fees.
Determination of such failure shall be made by the Executive Director of NACCAS in accordance with the
same rules and procedures that apply to applicants for accreditation and
accredited institutions; or |
Change/Rationale:
Conforms language to revised Sec. 2.2 |
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Rules Section 8.0 Section
8.0 Who Takes Action Decisions
on schools may only be taken by the full Commission at meetings duly constituted in accordance
with the By-Laws. |
Amendment to Rules Section 8.0 Section
8.0 Who Takes Action Except for decisions to grant or deny candidate
status, which shall be taken by the Executive Director of NACCAS, decisions |
Change/Rationale:
Conforms language to revised Sec. 2.2 |
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Rules Section 8.2 Section 8.2 Candidate Status and Statuses of Accreditation That
May Be Granted (a) There shall be two status classifications
preceding the application for accreditation: (1) “Candidate”
and (2) “Denial
of Candidate” A
school which has applied for candidate status, or has been granted or denied
candidate status shall not be considered an accredited school. (b) The status classifications utilized by the
Commission for accrediting schools are: (1) “Accreditation”;
(2) “Accreditation
with Recommendations for Improvement”; (3) “Accreditation
with Stipulations”; (4) “Accreditation
with Reporting Requirement”; (5) “Accreditation
on Probation”; (6) “Denial
of Accreditation”; and (7) “Withdrawal
of Accreditation.” The
accreditation status awarded is institutional and shall be based upon the
institution’s compliance with the NACCAS Standards and Criteria, policies,
procedures and other formal accreditation requirements adopted by the
Commission. (c) A school in any accredited status
classification shall continue in accredited status until such time as the
Commission takes an adverse action and the school has exhausted its appeal
remedies pursuant to Part 9 of these Rules, or has not appealed the
decision. One exception: Where the new
owner of an accredited institution does not comply with NACCAS’ change of
ownership process, the new owner is deemed to have voluntarily relinquished
accreditation (see Part 4, Sub-Part C). (d) The only actions considered to be adverse
actions, and therefore appealable pursuant to Part 9 of these Rules,
are actions to deny or withdraw accreditation or deny approval of a change. |
Amendment to Rules Section 8.2 Section 8.2
(a (1) “Accreditation”;
(2) “Accreditation
with Recommendations for Improvement”; (3) “Accreditation
with Stipulations”; (4) “Accreditation
with Reporting Requirement”; (5) “Accreditation
on Probation”; (6) “Denial
of Accreditation”; and (7) “Withdrawal
of Accreditation.” The
accreditation status awarded is institutional and shall be based upon the
institution’s compliance with the NACCAS Standards and Criteria, policies,
procedures and other formal accreditation requirements adopted by the
Commission. (b (c |
Change/Rationale:
Conforms language to revised Sec. 2.2 |
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Amendments to Rules Section 9.0(a) Section 9.0(a) Only adverse accreditation decisions
made by the Commission may be appealed.
Adverse decisions are: (1) Denial
of approval of a change under Part 4 of the Rules; (2) Denial
of initial accreditation; and (3) Withdrawal
of accreditation. |
Amendments to Rules Section 9.0(a) Section 9.0(a) Only adverse accreditation decisions
made by the Commission may be appealed.
Adverse decisions are:
(1) Removal from candidate status; ( ( ( |
Same
as above |
The Commission proposes to amend Section 1.2(c)(2) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to clarify that “ownership” of a NACCAS-accredited institution,
for purposes of waiver of the candidate status requirement, means ownership
of at least 10% of such institution. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
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Rules Section 1.2(c)(2) Section
1.2(c)(2) An institution need not comply with the candidate
status requirement if it is owned: (i) By a person(s) or entity that owns an
institution currently accredited by NACCAS; or (ii) By a person(s) or entity that has owned an
institution accredited by and in good standing with a recognized accrediting
agency within the past 24 months. |
Amendment to Rules Section 1.2(c)(2) Section
1.2(c)(2) An institution need not comply with the candidate
status requirement if it is owned: (i) By a person(s) or entity that owns at
least 10% of an institution currently accredited by NACCAS; or (ii) By a person(s) or entity that has owned at least 10% of
an institution accredited by and in good standing with a recognized
accrediting agency within the past 24 months. |
Rationale: The
Commission believes that ownership of at least a 10% interest in a
NACCAS-accredited institution establishes sufficient experience and knowledge
of NACCAS accreditation requirements to merit a waiver of the candidate
status requirement. |
The
Commission proposes to amend Section
1.3 of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and
Procedure to provide that continuing education
courses required for licensure renewal after an examinee has failed a
licensing exam do not require approval by NACCAS. |
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Current Language |
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Rules Section 1.3 Section
1.3 Programs Approved within the
Aegis of Institutional Accreditation (a) Any program exceeding 150 hours in
length or the equivalent in credits or competencies and/or leading to state
licensure or certification must be approved by the Commission. Approval may occur: (1) In
conjunction with an institutional accreditation review; or (2) Between
institutional accreditation reviews (see Part 4 of the Rules). (b) Electrology programs must be at least (300)
hours in length or the equivalent in credit hours or competencies, unless a
lesser number of hours is mandated by state law or regulation. (c) At institutions in states where
NACCAS accreditation is recognized for schools to obtain licensure by means
of accreditation, all programs offered at the institution seeking or
continuing NACCAS accreditation must be approved by the Commission. |
Amendments to Rules Section 1.3 Section 1.3 Programs Approved within the Aegis of
Institutional Accreditation (a) Any program exceeding 150 hours in
length or the equivalent in credits or competencies and/or leading to initial state licensure or
certification must be approved by the Commission. Approval may occur: (1) In
conjunction with an institutional accreditation review; or (2) Between
institutional accreditation reviews (see Part 4 of the Rules). (b) Courses required for continuing education
for licensure renewal or those hours required by the state regulatory agency
after an examinee fails the exam do not require approval by NACCAS. (c (d |
Rationale: To clarify that NACCAS need not approve continuing
education courses mandated by the state as a condition of licensure renewal. |
The Commission proposes to amend Section 1.6 of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to require that all items submitted to the Commission be either
in English or accompanied by an English translation. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
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Rules Section 1.6 Section 1.6 Submission of Documents to the Commission (a) Whenever documents are submitted by the
school to the Commission, the information contained therein shall be (1) Typewritten,
(2) Bound
and tabbed, and (3) Identified
with the school’s NACCAS reference number. (4) Any
photographs shall be originals or clear copies. * *
* * * (e) NACCAS shall require in certain instances
that documentation be submitted in English, or accompanied by an appropriate
translation into English. (f) Each institution submitting information and
documentation to the Commission for purposes of accreditation must accompany
such information or documentation with a certification, signed and dated by a
person with authority to submit such information or documentation, that reads
as follows: "I
certify that the information provided herein is true and correct to the best
of my knowledge and belief. I further
understand that knowingly providing false or misleading information to NACCAS
may result in the Commission taking adverse action against the
institution." (g) If the Commission determines that an
institution has knowingly provided false or misleading information, it shall
take any action against the institution which it believes is reasonable and
appropriate, including, but not limited to, denying any pending application
or taking any accreditation action listed in Section 8 of the Rules. |
Amendments to Rules Section 1.6 Section 1.6 Submission of Documents to the Commission (a) Whenever documents are submitted by the
school to the Commission, the information contained therein shall be (1) Typewritten,
(2) In EnglishFN, (3 (4 (5 * *
* * *
(e "I
certify that the information provided herein is true and correct to the best
of my knowledge and belief. I further
understand that knowingly providing false or misleading information to NACCAS
may result in the Commission taking adverse action against the
institution." (f FN: In cases where the Commission has
required the institution to provide multiple copies of a “form” or
“boilerplate” agreement (such as the enrollment agreements or SAP reports for
multiple students) the Commission may, in its discretion, permit the
institution to provide an English translation of the “form” agreement,
together with an English translation of the student-specific information in
each separate agreement. |
Rationale:
Requiring that all documents be submitted in English (or with an English
translation) will expedite the review process and place the expense of
translation on the school that chooses to submit non-English documents |
The Commission proposes to amend Section 2.2 of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to provide that when a school's accreditation
is withdrawn, and the school later applies for Candidate status, the
Commission will require the payment of all previously unpaid fees outstanding at the time
of final withdrawal, as a condition to the grant of Candidate status. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
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/ Rationale |
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Rules Section 2.2 Section 2.2 Grant of Candidate Status (a) Candidate status shall be granted by the
Commission of NACCAS if the application is complete and demonstrates the
applicant meets institutional eligibility requirements, and the required
sustaining fee has been paid. |
Amendment to Rules Section 2.2 Section 2.2 Grant of Candidate Status (a) Candidate status shall be granted by the (i)
the
application is complete and demonstrates the applicant meets institutional
eligibility requirements, (ii) the required sustaining fee has
been paid, and
(iii) if the applicant was previously an accredited school, or an
applicant for candidate status or initial accreditation, the applicant shall
have paid to NACCAS all fees and other charges outstanding to NACCAS as of
the date the applicant’s prior accreditation (or application for candidate
status) was withdrawn or denied.
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Note: This change was adopted to go into effect
on May 1, 2009, but comments are requested in case modifications are
warranted. Rationale:
Schools should be required to pay outstanding amounts owed to NACCAS before
they are allowed to re-enter the accreditation process. |
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The Commission proposes to amend NACCAS’
Rules of Practice and Procedure to
eliminate the requirement that a Candidate institution and/or a institution seeking initial
accreditation must submit an annual report prior to being granted
accreditation. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
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Rules Section
2.4(b) Section 2.4(b) The obligations of institutions in candidate status that
wish to become accredited are: (1) Submit the minimum sustaining fee in
accordance with Appendix #2 to these Rules; (2)
Submit change applications, as applicable, in accordance with Section
4.22 of these Rules; (3)
Submit an annual report in accordance with Section 5.0 of these Rules; (4)
Respond to Commission directives, orders, and decisions within
required time lines; (5)
Progress steadily through candidacy by
(i) Sending representatives
to the Workshop; (ii) Drafting the
institutional self-study and submitting it to the NACCAS consultant(s) prior
to the consultation visit; (iii) Receiving the NACCAS
consultant(s); (iv) Completing revisions to
procedures, policies, and documents, set out in the Consultancy Report and
implementation plan; and (v) Applying for initial
accreditation before candidate status expires. |
Amendments
to Rules Section 2.4(b) Section 2.4(b) The obligations of institutions in candidate status that
wish to become accredited are: (1) Submit the minimum sustaining fee in
accordance with Appendix #2 to these Rules; (2)
Submit change applications, as applicable, in accordance with Section
4.22 of these Rules;
(3 (4
(i) Sending representatives
to the Workshop; (ii) Drafting the
institutional self-study and submitting it to the NACCAS consultant(s) prior
to the consultation visit; (iii) Receiving the NACCAS
consultant(s); (iv) Completing revisions to
procedures, policies, and documents, set out in the Consultancy Report and
implementation plan; and (v) Applying for initial accreditation
before candidate status expires. |
Note:
This change was adopted to go into effect on August 19, 2009, but
comments are requested in case modifications are warranted. |
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Rules Section 2.5 Section 2.5 Application for Initial
Accreditation * *
* * * (c) The application and institutional
self-study must be complete and the school ready for the on-site evaluation
visit within one (1) year or the process must be initiated anew (including
payment of fees). |
Amendments
to Rules Section 2.5 Section 2.5 Application for Initial
Accreditation * *
* * * (c) The application and institutional self-study
must be complete and the school ready for the on-site evaluation visit within
one (1) year or the process must be initiated anew (including payment of
fees). (d) The school will be required to have
available the most recent annual report data or preliminary annual report
data (no less than six months of the current or most recent year) during its
first on-site evaluation for verification by the evaluation team. |
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Rules Section
5.0(a) Section 5.0 Annual
Report (a) Every year, each school holding accreditation
status, or status as an applicant for initial accreditationFN shall submit an Annual
Report on forms and in the manner required by the Commission. The report and required documents
must be received in the NACCAS office no later than the due date. Failure to submit a complete Annual Report
by the due date may result in the withdrawal of the school's accreditation
and in late fees as determined in Appendix #2 of these Rules. * *
* * FN: An applicant for initial accreditation must
submit its first annual report to NACCAS with its application for initial
accreditation. |
Amendment to Rules Section 5.0(a) Section 5.0 Annual
Report (a) Every year, each school holding
accreditation status * *
* *
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The
Commission proposes to amend Section 2.3(d) of
NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to eliminate reference to
NACCAS’ Two Day Visit Policy. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
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Rules Section
2.3(d) Section
2.3(d) NACCAS shall schedule an on-site candidate
consultation by one or more NACCAS staff members or evaluators (the candidate
consultant(s)). The consultation shall
occur over one or two days, in accordance with NACCAS’ Two Day Visit Policy. |
Amendments to Rules Section 2.3(d) Section 2.3(d) NACCAS shall schedule an on-site candidate
consultation by one or more NACCAS staff members or evaluators (the candidate
consultant(s)). |
Rationale:
Candidate consultation visits do not require file review and therefore should
never be more than one day. |
The Commission proposes to amend Sections 2.3 and 2.4 and Appendix #5A of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to require that
a Preliminary Institutional Self-Study be submitted to NACCAS in
advance of the Consultation Visit. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
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Rules Section 2.3 Section 2.3 Workshop Attendance and Technical Assistance (c) Once the preliminary institutional
self-study is ready, the candidate may request an on-site candidate
consultation. The request shall (5) Include
one copy each of the school catalog, and enrollment agreement(s) or
contract(s). |
Amendment to Rules Section 2.3 Section 2.3 Workshop Attendance and Technical Assistance (c) Once the preliminary institutional
self-study is ready, the candidate may request an on-site candidate
consultation. The request shall (5) Include
one copy each of the school catalog, preliminary
institutional self-study and enrollment agreement(s) or contract(s). |
Change:
Require that a Preliminary Institutional Self-Study
be submitted to NACCAS in advance of the Consultation Visit. Rationale: NACCAS Visit Team members have an opportunity to
review the Preliminary Institutional Self-Study in advance of the Visit. |
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Rules Section 2.4 Section 2.4 Duration of Candidate Status and Obligation of
Candidate Institutions (b) The obligations of institutions in candidate
status that wish to become accredited are: (5) Progress
steadily through candidacy by (ii)
Drafting the institutional self-study and submitting it to the NACCAS
consultant(s) prior to the consultation visit; |
Amendment to Rules Section 2.4 Section 2.4 Duration of Candidate Status and Obligation of
Candidate Institutions (b) The obligations of institutions in
candidate status that wish to become accredited are: (5) Progress
steadily through candidacy by (ii)
Drafting the institutional self-study and submitting it to NACCAS and
the NACCAS consultant(s) prior to the consultation visit; |
Same as above. |
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Appendix #5A INSTITUTIONAL
SELF-STUDY: CANDIDATE STATUS
The
guidelines in Appendix #5B - Format should be used by the school in the
preparation of the Preliminary Institutional Self-Study required before an
institution in candidate status may receive technical assistance. REQUIREMENTS
FOR COMPLETING THE ISS The
institution which has been granted candidate status shall complete a
preliminary institutional self-study before it may receive the technical
assistance accorded to candidates for accreditation. Although the preliminary self-study does
not have to be submitted to NACCAS, and therefore does not have to be bound, it
should be compiled in a format that will make it easy to review during the
candidate consultation visit.
Presentation and organization are important. Therefore, its format should follow the
guidelines for institutional self-studies: 1. The self-study must be typed and written in
clear and concise language. 2. The responses/narratives must be tabbed by
Standards. 3. Any supporting documentation required
should be placed with and directly behind the appropriate standard. 4. Each exhibit should be labeled/tabbed and
referred to appropriately in the narratives. Upon
completion of the preliminary institutional self-study, the school is ready
to request a candidate consultation visit by submitting a request to NACCAS
accompanied by the following: 1. The name of the school owner or employee
designated to be the liaison throughout the candidate and accreditation
application processes. 2. Evidence that the designated liaison has
attended an Accreditation Workshop within the past 12 months. 3. A copy of the student enrollment
agreement(s) or contract(s) used by the school. 4. A copy of the school’s catalog. |
Amendments to
Appendix #5A INSTITUTIONAL
SELF-STUDY: CANDIDATE STATUS
The
guidelines in Appendix #5B - Format should be used by the school in the
preparation of the Preliminary Institutional Self-Study required before an
institution in candidate status may receive technical assistance. REQUIREMENTS
FOR COMPLETING THE ISS The
institution which has been granted candidate status shall complete a
preliminary institutional self-study before it may receive the technical
assistance accorded to candidates for accreditation. Although the preliminary self-study 1. The self-study must be typed and written in
clear and concise language. 2. The responses/narratives must be tabbed by
Standards. 3. Any supporting documentation required
should be placed with and directly behind the appropriate standard. 4. Each exhibit should be labeled/tabbed and
referred to appropriately in the narratives. Upon
completion of the preliminary institutional self-study, the school is ready
to request a candidate consultation visit by submitting a request to NACCAS
accompanied by the following: 1. The name of the school owner or employee
designated to be the liaison throughout the candidate and accreditation
application processes. 2. Evidence that the designated liaison has
attended an Accreditation Workshop within the past 12 months. 3. A copy of the student enrollment
agreement(s) or contract(s) used by the school. 4. A copy of the school’s catalog. 5. A copy of the preliminary institutional
self-study. |
Same as above. |
The
Commission proposes to amend Section 3.3(a) of
NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to provide that an evaluator in the academic field must have teaching experience (but not
necessarily current teaching experience) in postsecondary education. |
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Current Language |
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Rules Section
3.3(a) Section 3.3(a) Evaluator
in the Academic Field: In order to qualify as an evaluator in the Academic
Field, a candidate must (1)
Have
expertise and current teaching experience in postsecondary education, and (2)
Have
knowledge in pedagogy and in the development of curriculum. |
Amendments to Rules Section 3.3(a) Section 3.3(a) Evaluator
in the Academic Field: In order to qualify as an evaluator in the Academic
Field, a candidate must (1)
Have
expertise and (2) Have knowledge in pedagogy and in the development
of curriculum. |
Rationale:
Increases the pool of potential academic evaluators by permitting experienced
former teachers to serve. |
The Commission proposes to amend Section 3.3(b) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and
Procedure to emphasize that an evaluator in the field of
administration must show active involvement and/or expertise in school
administrative matters. |
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Current Language |
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/ Rationale |
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Rules Section
3.3(b) Section 3.3(b) Evaluator in the Field of
Administration: In order to qualify as
an evaluator in the Field of Administration, a candidate must (1)
Be an Owner or Administrator of a NACCAS-accredited school within
NACCAS’ scope with a minimum of two years of experience; and (2)
Currently be active in the day-to-day operations of a school offering
training in a field within NACCAS’ scope. (3)
The school owner or administrator shall be selected from a market area
outside that of the school to be evaluated. |
Amendments to Rules Section 3.3(b) Section 3.3(b) Evaluator in the Field of
Administration: In order to qualify as
an evaluator in the Field of Administration, a candidate must (1) (2)
Have five years experience in an administrative position in a NACCAS
accredited school and demonstrate relevant industry involvement by: (i) active
membership in professional organization(s) in the field, or
(ii) recent authorship of
professional publications, or (iii) evidence of continuing education in the
field.
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Rationale:
Revised language permits different ways of establishing expertise in school
administration |
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The Commission proposes to amend Sections 3.3(c)(3) and 3.3(g) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to provide that a practitioner
evaluator must satisfy performance effectiveness standards. |
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Current Language |
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Rules Section
3.3(c)(3) Section 3.3(c)(3) Must be currently licensed and working in the
field. If the state in which the practitioner representative works does not
require a professional license, the following may be substituted to
demonstrate the evaluator’s abiding interest in the field: (i) national
certification in the field, or (ii)
active
membership in professional organization(s) in the field, or (iii)
recent
authorship of professional publications, or (iv)
evidence
of continuing education in the field. |
Amendments to Rules Section 3.3(c)(3) Section
3.3(c)(3) Must (i) national
certification in the field, or (ii) active
membership in professional organization(s) in the field, or (iii) recent
authorship of professional publications, or (iv) evidence
of continuing education in the field,
and (v) maintain
a current practitioner license, if applicable. |
Change:
Eliminates requirement that a practitioner evaluator must be currently
working in the field, so long as s/he maintains a current practitioner license
(if required). All practitioner
evaluators required to demonstrate an abiding interest in the field. |
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Rules Section
3.3(g) Section 3.3(g) To safeguard the privilege of serving
on NACCAS’ on-site evaluation teams, the Commission reserves the right to
delete an evaluator from the list for failure to comply with the NACCAS
Evaluator Code of Ethics, and other requirements and conduct as stated in the
Guidelines for On-Site Evaluation Teams in accordance with procedures set out
in Part 6, Sub-Part B. |
Amendments
to Rules Section 3.3(g) Section
3.3(g) To safeguard
the privilege of serving on NACCAS’ on-site evaluation teams, the Commission
reserves the right to delete an evaluator from the list for failure to comply
with the NACCAS Evaluator Code of Ethics, performance effectiveness, and other requirements |
Change: Practitioner evaluators may be removed from
the Commission’s approved list on that basis of performance effectiveness. |
The
Commission proposes to amend Section 3.7 of
NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and
Procedure to provide that
the school owner or designated representative who has attended the NACCAS
Accreditation Workshop must
be present for a candidate consultation visit, and present or
available for all other on-site evaluation visits. |
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Rules Section 3.7 Section 3.7
School Representative During Visit The owner of the school, or the
full-time employee of the school designated by the owner as responsible for
the school's accreditation, who has attended the NACCAS Accreditation
Workshop, shall be present at the school throughout the candidacy
consultation visit and
shall be availabl for the
on-site evaluation, including the exit interview, unless the school has
contacted NACCAS in advance and demonstrated good cause why this requirement
should be waived. If the person responsible for the
school's accreditation is not at the school on the day of an interim visit,
the evaluator will request that an attempt be made to notify that individual
to be available during the visit. |
Amendments to Rules Section 3.7 Section 3.7
School Representative During Visit The owner of the school, or the
full-time employee of the school designated by the owner as responsible for
the school's accreditation, who has attended the NACCAS Accreditation
Workshop, shall be present at the school throughout the candidacy
consultation visit and the initial
accreditation visit and shall be available or present for If the person responsible for the
school's accreditation is not at the school on the day of an interim visit,
the evaluator will request that an attempt be made to notify that individual
to be available during the visit. |
Rationale:
Initial accreditation visits require the presence of the school’s designated
accreditation liaison. |
The
Commission proposes to amend Section
4.8 and Appendix #9 of NACCAS’ Rules
of Practice and Procedure to
delete the requirement that NACCAS receive 45 days prior notice of a change
of ownership. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
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/ Rationale |
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Rules Section 4.8 Section 4.8 Change of Ownership (Control) * *
* * * (b) 45
Days: A school must notify
the Commission of a proposed change of ownership (control) of those listed in
subsection (a) at least forty-five (45) days prior to (1) The
date on which the sale is closed and title delivered; or (2) A
corporate reorganization becomes effective.
Such notification shall be (i) Sent
to the Executive Director of NACCAS; (ii) Signed
by the current owner; and (iii) Signed
by the prospective new owner if the intention is to seek continued
accreditation for the institution. (c) 30 days: The new owner must complete and return the
appropriate change of ownership application and send it to the Executive
Director of NACCAS at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the sales contract
is executed, together with the applicable fee. (d) Within 6 Months: The Commission
shall carry out a visit (announced or unannounced) at the institution within
six months after the change of ownership is approved. |
Amendments to Rules Section 4.8 Section 4.8 Change of Ownership (Control) * *
* * *
(b (c |
Rationale:
Applications for changes of ownership are due 30 days prior to the
change. The Commission does not require
an additional 15 days advance notice of the application. |
|
Appendix #9 Change of Ownership Process by Category Requirements Specific to
Categories 1 and 2 1. At least 45 days before the
change, notify NACCAS of the intended change. Requirements
Specific to Category 3 1. At least 45 days before the
change, notify NACCAS of the intended change. 2. At least 30 days before the change,
submit the required application form together with … * * *
* * Requirements General to Categories 4 and 5 1. Notify
NACCAS at least 45 days before the contemplated change. Both the current owner and prospective
owner must sign. The notification must
indicate whether or not the new owner intends to continue the institution as
an accredited institution. 2. At least
30 days before the date the sales contract is executed, submit an application
on NACCAS forms. Together with the
application submit … |
Amendment to Appendix
#9 Change of
Ownership Process by Category Requirements Specific to Categories 1 and 2
1 * * *
* * Requirements Specific to Category 3
1 * * *
* * Requirements General to Categories 4 and 5
1 |
|
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Section 4.10(a)(3) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to clarify that Commission approval is required for a change in program length if the
cumulative change (taking into account previous non-substantive changes) is in
excess of 25%. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 4.10(a)(3) Section
4.10 Definitions (a)
The following additions or changes to program offerings are
substantive: * *
* * * (3) The length of a program already approved by
NACCAS is increased or decreased over 25%. |
Amendment to Rules Section 4.10(a)(3) Section
4.10 Definitions (a)
The following additions or changes to program offerings are
substantive: * *
* * * (3) The length of a program already approved by
NACCAS is increased or decreased over 25%
and including all additional requests for increases or decreases less than
25%. |
Rationale:
The Commission wishes to clarify that an institution’s use of the one-time
exemption for changes of program length of 25% or less (under Rules Section 4.16(b)(2)) will be
taken into account when any future changes are proposed |
|
The Commission
proposes to amend Section 4.16(a)(1) and Appendix #9 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
conform NACCAS’ definition of a non-substantive change of
ownership to requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 4.16(a)(1) Section 4.16(a)(1) Stock or partnership shares are re-assigned
within a corporation or partnership, without consideration, upon the death or
retirement of the owner; |
Amendments to Rules Section 4.16(a)(1) Section 4.16(a)(1) Stock or partnership shares are re-assigned
within a corporation or partnership, without consideration, upon the death or
retirement of the owner, to a
person with an ownership interest in the institution who has been involved in
management of the institution for at least two years preceding the transfer
and who has established and retained the ownership interest for at least two
years prior to the transfer; |
Rationale:
Change required to conform to the Department of Education’s “excluded transaction”
definition in 34 CFR 600.31(e)(2). |
|
Appendix #9 Category 1 (Non-Substantive Changes)
1 Re-assignment, when a shareholder or partner dies or retires, of his or her shares among remaining partners or shareholders, without consideration.*****
Category 2
Transfer,
through inheritance, to a family member and/or a current shareholder of the
shares or interest of an owner who just died. |
Amendments to Appendix
#9 Category 1 (Non-Substantive Changes)
1 Re-assignment, when a shareholder or partner dies or retires, of his or her shares among remaining partners or shareholders, without consideration to a person with an ownership interest in the institution who has been involved in management of the institution for at least two years preceding the transfer and who has established and retained the ownership interest for at least two years prior to the transfer.*****
Category 2
Transfer,
through inheritance, to a family member and/or a current shareholder of the
shares or interest of an owner who just died; provided that such person (i) has an ownership interest in the
institution, (ii) has been involved in management of the institution for at
least two years preceding the transfer and (iii) has established and retained
the ownership interest for at least two years prior to the transfer. |
Same
as above. |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Section 4.16(a) and Appendix #9 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to re-classify a Category 2 Change of Ownership as a
Non-Substantive Change. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 4.16(a) Section
4.16 Definitions of
Non-Substantive Changes (a)
Non-Substantive Changes in Ownership:
(1) Stock or partnership
shares are re-assigned within a corporation or partnership, without
consideration, upon the death or retirement of the owner;
(2) Stock or partnership
shares are re-assigned within a corporation or partnership, without
consideration, and without any change in control.
(3) A change of between 10%
and 49% of shares of interest, as long as there is no change in control. |
Amendment to Rules Section 4.16(a) Section
4.16 Definitions of
Non-Substantive Changes (a)
Non-Substantive Changes in Ownership:
(1) Stock or partnership
shares are re-assigned within a corporation or partnership, without
consideration, upon the death or retirement of the owner;
(2) Stock or partnership
shares are re-assigned within a corporation or partnership, without
consideration, and without any change in control.
(3) A change of between 10%
and 49% of shares of interest, as long as there is no change in control.
(4) Transfer,
through inheritance, to a family member and/or a current shareholder of the
shares or interest of an owner who just died. |
Rationale:
Each such Category 2 Change of Ownership either (1) is also nonsubstantive
under Section 4.15(a)(1) or (2) constitutes an “excluded transaction” under
34 CFR 600.31(e). |
|
Appendix #9 Category 2
1. Transfer, through inheritance, to a family
member and/or a current shareholder of the shares or interest of an owner who
just died. |
Amendments to Appendix
#9 Category 2 (Non-Substantive Change)
1. Transfer, through
inheritance, to a family member and/or a current shareholder of the shares or
interest of an owner who just died. |
Same
as above. |
|
The Commission
proposes to amend Sections 6.3(b) and 6.4(a) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
provide (1) that any complaint satisfying the requirements of Section 6.2 be
referred to an appropriate Commission Committee and (2) that such committee
will determine whether the institution that is the subject of a complaint
will receive (i) a copy of the complaint or (ii) a summary of the
allegations of the complaint. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules
Section 6.3(b) Section 6.3(b) Whenever a complaint, in the opinion of
the Executive Director of NACCAS, alleges a substantial violation of NACCAS
Standards and Criteria, Rules of
Practice and Procedure, accreditation objectives, or other NACCAS
requirements, the Executive Director of NACCAS shall order one or more of the
processes listed below: (1) Referral to a committee, established
pursuant to Section 8.16 of these Rules; (2) Investigation on-site in conjunction with a
regularly scheduled on-site evaluation visit, interim visit, or special visit
ordered by the Commission; or (3) Referral directly to the full Commission
for consideration in conjunction with any other accreditation matter pending
before the Commission. Any complaints
so referred must meet the requirements set out in Section 6.0, 6.1 and 6.2. |
Amendments
to Rules Section 6.3(b) Section 6.3(b) When
|
Rationale:
The revised language better reflects current Commission practice. |
|
Rules
Section 6.4(a) Section
6.4(a) 10 – 21 days: When a complaint meets the requirements of
Section 6.2 the Executive Director of the Commission shall notify the school
named in the complaint that a complaint has been filed. The Executive Director shall provide the
school with a summary of the allegations set out in the complaint. The notice shall also identify the NACCAS
Standards and Criteria, Rules of
Practice and Procedure, accreditation objectives or other Commission
requirements which were allegedly violated. |
Amendments
to Rules Section 6.4(a) Section
6.4(a)
10 – 21 days: When a complaint meets the requirements of
Section 6.2 the Executive Director of the Commission shall notify the school
named in the complaint that a complaint has been filed. The Executive Director shall provide the
school with either a copy of the
complaint or a summary of the allegations set out in the complaint as directed by the committee to which
the complaint was referred.
The notice shall also identify the NACCAS Standards and Criteria, Rules of Practice and Procedure,
accreditation objectives or other Commission requirements which were
allegedly violated. |
Rationale: The Commission believes that an institution
should ordinarily receive a copy of the complaint. Summaries should be prepared only in those
instances where the committee has determined that special circumstances
require that the complaint itself be kept confidential. |
The Commission proposes to amend Section 8.1(a) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and
Procedure to provide that an applicant
for provisional branch accreditation granted provisional branch status with
stipulations is not assigned a permanent reference number or added to the list
of accredited institutions until it meets the stipulations. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 8.1 Section
8.1 Effective
Date of Commission Decisions The
general rule is that the effective date of a Commission decision is the date
on the letter notifying the institution of that decision. The effective date will be some other date
for the following decisions: (a) A school seeking initial
accreditation which is awarded the classification of "Accreditation with
Stipulations" (Section 8.8) shall not be added to the NACCAS
Directory of Accredited Schools until all stipulations have been met and
all fees have been remitted in a timely manner. The effective date of accreditation will be
the date on the notification from NACCAS that the institution has met the
stipulations and paid all fees. |
Amendments to Rules Section 8.1 Section
8.1 Effective
Date of Commission Decisions The
general rule is that the effective date of a Commission decision is the date
on the letter notifying the institution of that decision. The effective date will be some other date
for the following decisions: (a) A school seeking initial
accreditation or provisional branch
status which is awarded the classification of "Accreditation
with Stipulations" (Section 8.8) shall not be added to the NACCAS
Directory of Accredited Schools until all stipulations have been met and
all fees have been remitted in a timely manner. The effective date of accreditation will be
the date on the notification from NACCAS that the institution has met the
stipulations and paid all fees. |
Note: This change was adopted to go into effect
on May 1, 2009, but comments are requested in case modifications are
warranted. Rationale:
Because an institution granted provisional branch status is deemed to be
accredited, the granting of provisional branch status is equivalent to
“initial accreditation.” The same
rules regarding the meeting of stipulations should apply to both
accreditation decisions. |
|
The Commission proposes to amend Section 8.18(a) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to clarify that an institution placed on probation is in a state of noncompliance, which must
be corrected within the timeframes established by Section 8.18. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 8.18(a) These
time frames shall begin to toll on the date of the first Commission decision
letter on a process deferring action on an institution, granting accreditation with stipulations, or withdrawing
accreditation. |
Amendment to Rules Section 8.18(a) These
time frames shall begin to toll on the date of the first Commission decision
letter on a process deferring action on an institution, placing an institution on probation, granting
accreditation with stipulations, |
Rationale:
Technical amendment for clarification purposes. |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Sections 9.0(d) and 9.0(e) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
provide that when an action letter containing a right to appeal is
returned twice as undeliverable, the adverse action becomes effective
immediately. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section
9.0(d) Section
9.0(d) If no letter of intent to appeal an
adverse action is received by the Commission within the time frames specified
in Sub-Part B, the adverse action shall enter into effect on the twentieth
day after the school received official notice of the adverse action. |
Amendments to Rules Section 9.0(d) Section
9.0(d) Except
as set forth in Section 9.0(e) below, if |
Rationale:
Current language could be interpreted to mean that the adverse action does
not become final until 20 days after the return of the second notice as
undeliverable. |
|
Rules Section
9.0(e) Section 9.0(e) Receipt: The letter officially notifying an
institution of the Commission’s adverse status decision shall be mailed by a
traceable means. (1) The date a school receives notice of
the adverse action is the date the Commission’s official action letter is
signed for, irrespective of who signs for it. (2) If the first notice from the
Commission is returned as undeliverable, the Commission shall send the notice
a second time, by an alternate traceable means, and the institution shall be
deemed to have received notice. |
Amendments to Rules Section 9.0(e) Section
9.0(e) Receipt: The letter officially notifying an
institution of the Commission’s adverse status decision shall be mailed by a
traceable means. (1)
The date a school receives
notice of the adverse action is the date the Commission’s official action
letter is signed for, irrespective of who signs for it. (2) If the first notice from the
Commission is returned as undeliverable, the Commission shall attempt to contact the school at its
telephone, facsimile and/or email address of record to obtain an alternate
address for delivery of the notice and, if successful, send a second notice
to that alternate address. If the
school cannot be contacted by these means (or does not respond to the
Commission’s request for information within three business days), the
Commission shall send a second notice to the school’s address of record (3) If
the second notice from the Commission is returned as undeliverable, the
adverse action shall enter into effect on the date the second notice is
returned to the Commission. |
|
|
The Commission proposes to amend Section 9.7(b) of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
provide that, in an appeal process, a school may object to any panelist
on the basis of a conflict of interest under NACCAS’ Code of Ethics and, in addition, may
object to up to two appeal panelists for any other reason. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Rules Section 9.7(b) Section
9.7(b) The
list of Panelists, including identification of their respective affiliations,
shall be sent to the institution(s) on appeal. Within ten (10) days of receipt of the
list, they may strike from the list any Panelist for good cause shown. If any Panelists are struck from the
proposed Panel, the Executive Committee shall select additional names and
submit these to the owners who will have five (5) days to strike Panelists
from the list for good cause shown.
The appellant must indicate in writing the reason(s) for striking a
Panelist. |
Amendments to Rules Section 9.7(b) Section 9.7(b) Objections to Panelists:
(1) The
list of Panelists, including identification of their respective affiliations,
shall be sent to the institution(s) on appeal. Within ten (10) days of receipt of the
list, they may strike from the list any Panelist in accordance with
Section 9.7(b)(2) below (2) The
appellant institution may strike from the list any Panelist who has a
conflict of interest (as defined in NACCAS’ Conflict of Interest Policy, set
forth in Section 3 of NACCAS’ Code of Ethics) that would prohibit the
Panelist from hearing and voting on an appeal involving the school. The
appellant must indicate in writing the specific violations of the
Conflict of Interest Policy that require striking a Panelist. In addition, during the Panelist
selection process, the institution may strike up to (but in no event more
than) two (2) Panelists without proof of a conflict of interest. |
Rationale:
Reference to the Conflict of Interest Policy creates an objective standard
for evaluating objections to panelists, and parallels the policy governing
recusals by Commissioners in school actions.
Permitting a school to object to up to two additional panelists
without proof of a conflict of interest permits objections for reasons that
don’t clearly constitute a conflict of interest, without requiring that the
Commission make a subjective determination that such objection shows “good
cause.” |
|
The Commission proposes to amend Appendix #3 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to eliminate the requirement of
attendance at two concurrent sessions. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix
#3 In order for a school to receive credit towards
meeting the requirements of NACCAS’ Workshop Policy a representative of the
school must attend both an Accreditation Workshop and two concurrent
sessions. |
Amendments
to Appendix #3 In order for a
school to receive credit towards meeting the requirements of NACCAS’ Workshop
Policy a representative of the school must attend |
Rationale:
Current language does not reflect current use of concurrent sessions. |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Appendix #4, Section 4(a) to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to provide that a program
measured in clock hours may exceed state minimum program length requirements
by up to 50% without requiring special approval from the Commission. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix #4,
Section 4(a) Section 4(a) A program measured in clock hours in
accordance with minimum requirements for licensure or certification in a state, or up to
20% longer than the state minimum requirement, will be accepted as
valid. For any program measured in
clock hours that is 20% or more hours above state minimum for licensure or
certification the school must provide reasons for the difference. |
Amendments to
Appendix #4, Section 4(a) Section 4(a) A program measured in clock hours in
accordance with minimum requirements for licensure or certification in a state, or up to
50% |
Rationale:
Conform Appendix #4 to Standard VI, Criterion 8. |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Appendix #5A to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to conform the Appendix to
Section 3.10 of the Rules. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix
#5A INSTITUTIONAL SELF-STUDY:
CANDIDATE STATUS
*
* * * * Upon receipt
of the request for a candidate consultation visit and attachments, NACCAS
shall schedule the visit during which the NACCAS team will discuss with the
liaison and any other designated school personnel: 1. The documents submitted for review with
suggestions for improving compliance. 2. All elements of the operation of the school
covered by the preliminary institutional self-study with suggestions for
improving compliance; and 3. An on-site consultancy report with
suggestions for compliance. This
report shall be submitted to the candidate within 15 days following the
visit. |
Amendment
to Appendix #5A INSTITUTIONAL SELF-STUDY: CANDIDATE STATUS
*
* * * * Upon receipt
of the request for a candidate consultation visit and attachments, NACCAS
shall schedule the visit during which the NACCAS team will discuss with the
liaison and any other designated school personnel: 1. The documents submitted for review with
suggestions for improving compliance. 2. All elements of the operation of the school
covered by the preliminary institutional self-study with suggestions for
improving compliance; and 3. An on-site consultancy report with
suggestions for compliance. This
report shall be submitted to the candidate within 15 business days |
Rationale: To conform the Appendix to Section 3.10 of the Rules. |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend Appendix #5C to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to provide that an institution
may show compliance with Standard I, Criterion 4 by providing preliminary
annual report data for the most recent past calendar year. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix
#5C I.4 Describe
how the school meets or exceeds the required rates for completion, licensure,
and employment. If the school has had
rates that are below the minimum required, provide evidence that the school
has complied with related Commission directives. |
Amendments
to Appendix #5C I.4
Describe how the school meets or exceeds the required rates for completion,
licensure, and employment. If the school
has had rates that are below the minimum required, provide evidence that the
school has complied with related Commission directives. The institution also may provide a
preliminary annual report for the most recent past calendar year. Supporting
documentation will be verified on-site. |
Rationale:
Permits schools to show current compliance based on most recent available
full-year data. |
|
The Commission proposes to amend Appendix #9 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
clarify that a Category 1 Change of Ownership
(Non-Substantive Changes) includes the non-substantive change set forth in
Sec. 4.16(a)(3) of the Rules. |
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Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix #9 Category 1 (Non-Substantive Changes)
1. Re-assignment, when a shareholder or
partner dies or retires, of his or her shares among remaining partners or
shareholders, without consideration. 2. Re-assignment of shares
within a corporation or partnership, without consideration, and without any
change of control. |
Amendments to
Appendix #9 Category 1 (Non-Substantive Changes)
1. Re-assignment, when a shareholder or
partner dies or retires, of his or her shares among remaining partners or
shareholders, without consideration. 2. Re-assignment of shares within
a corporation or partnership, without consideration, and without any change
of control. 3.
A change of between 10% and 49% of shares of interest, as long as
there is no change in control. |
Rationale:
To conform to Sec. 4.16(a) and Appendix #9 of the Rules. |
|
The Commission proposes to amend Appendix #9 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to
clarify that when a Change of Ownership falls
within both Category 2 and Category 4, it will be deemed to be a Category 2
Change. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix
#9 When a change has characteristics in more than one category, it will
fall in the higher numbered category. |
Amendment
to Appendix #9 When a change
of ownership has the characteristics of both a Category 2 change and a
Category 4 change, it shall be deemed to be a Category 2 change of
ownership. In all other cases, when |
Rationale: Category 2 status is intended to provide a
less burdensome change of ownership process for involuntary transfers of
interests arising from an owner’s death.
The Commission’s intent is that this should not be overridden by the
fact the involuntary transfer may exceed 50% of the ownership of the school. |
|
The Commission proposes to amend Appendix #9 to NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure to delete the requirement that, for a Category 4 or Category 5
Change of Ownership, the new owner must provide NACCAS with a balance
sheet and income statement for the previous owner for the previous two
fiscal years. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Appendix #9 Requirements General to Categories 4 and 5 2. At least 30 days before the
date the sales contract is executed, submit an application on NACCAS
forms. Together with the application
submit: * * *
* * e. The name of the owner or
employee designated as liaison with NACCAS for accreditation processes. Submit evidence of the most recent
accreditation workshop attended by the liaison or registration for a workshop
to take place within four months. f. A balance sheet
(indicating assets and liabilities) for the school after the date the sale
was completed. (May be unaudited but
must be signed by the school’s accountant and must be submitted within 30
days of the change.) g. A balance sheet and
income statement for the previous owner for the last two fiscal years. h. A
signed statement indicating whether the new owner, or previous owner assumes
the responsibility for refunds due to students attending the school prior to
the sale. |
Amendment to Appendix #9 Requirements
General to Categories 4 and 5 * *
* * * 2. At least 30
days before the date the sales contract is executed, submit an application on
NACCAS forms. Together with the
application submit: * *
* * * e. The name of the owner or employee designated as liaison with NACCAS for
accreditation processes. Submit
evidence of the most recent accreditation workshop attended by the liaison or
registration for a workshop to take place within four months. f. A balance
sheet (indicating assets and liabilities) for the school after the date the
sale was completed. (May be unaudited
but must be signed by the school’s accountant and must be submitted within 30
days of the change.)
g |
Rationale: Because the Commission (a) already has
historical financial data for the institution and (b) requires the provision
of a same-day balance sheet, requiring the new owner to provide historical
financial data under the previous owner does not provide the Commission with
useful information that it does not already have. |
The Commission proposes to amend Art. III, Sec. IV.C of NACCAS’ By-Laws to provide that a candidate for Commissioner representing
the academic field must have teaching experience (but not necessarily current
teaching experience) in post-secondary education, and may not have direct or indirect
ownership of a school offering programs within NACCAS’ scope. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
By-Laws Article III, Section IV.C C. All candidates for Commissioner
representing the academic field as a condition precedent to nomination shall: 1. Have expertise and current teaching experience in
post-secondary education. 2. Have knowledge in pedagogy and in the development
of curriculum; and 3. Have experience in school accreditation. |
Amendments
to By-Laws Article III, Section IV.C C. All candidates for Commissioner representing
the
academic field as a condition precedent to nomination shall: 1. Have expertise and 2. Have knowledge in pedagogy and in the development
of curriculum; and 3. Have experience in school accreditation. 4.
Not be an owner in full or in part, nor a member of a partnership or a
stockholder in a corporation which is the owner of any school offering
programs within NACCAS’ scope. |
Rationale:
Increases the pool of potential academic Commissioners by permitting
experienced former teachers to serve. |
The Commission proposes to amend Art. III, Sec. V.C(3) of NACCAS’ By-Laws to provide that election results are reported to (1) the most senior Commission officer who is not a candidate
for election and (2) the Chair of the Nominating Committee. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
By-Laws Article III, Section V C. The Election Process 3. An independent accounting firm will be selected to
conduct the mailing of ballots and vote tabulation for the election of
Commissioners. The list of schools
eligible to vote in the election will be furnished to the accounting firm by
the Executive Director and the results of the voting will be reported to the
Commission Chair by the accounting firm in an expeditious manner. |
Amendment
to By-Laws Article III, Section V C. The Election Process 3. An independent accounting firm will be selected to
conduct the mailing of ballots and vote tabulation for the election of
Commissioners. The list of schools
eligible to vote in the election will be furnished to the accounting firm by
the Executive Director and the results of the voting will be reported |
Change: Election results
are reported to (1) the most senior Commission officer who is not a candidate
for election and (2) the Chair of the Nominating Committee. Rationale: Ensures that
election results are reported to disinterested parties (i.e., non-candidates). |
|
The
Commission proposes to amend NACCAS’ By-Laws and Rules of Practice and
Procedure
to (1)
increase the independence of the Independent Panel and (2) move the details
of the complaint procedure to the Rules. |
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|
Current Language |
Proposed Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
By-Laws Article XX Complaints Against The Commission Or
Commissioners SECTION
I - Complaint A. 30 days after incident: Complaints regarding the conduct of a
Commissioner shall be in detail, in writing or typed, signed by the
complainant, and submitted to the Chair or First Vice Chair of the Commission, if the complaint
is concerning the Chair, within 30 days of the incident from which the
complaint arises. The complaint shall
state the name of the Commissioner, and contain relevant dates, briefly
describe the actions forming the basis of the complaint, and identify all
witnesses. A complaint based upon written evidence should be accompanied by
copies of relevant documents. Any other documents or materials that support the
allegations should accompany the complaint. Complainant must make a diligent
effort to obtain witnesses. Members of
the Board of Commissioners shall be barred from bringing any complaint
arising from Commission action on a corporate matter, if he or she has not
first complied with the requirements of Article III, Section IX. B. The Commission shall refer the
complaint to an independent panel. SECTION II -
Independent Panel A. An independent panel shall be made up of
the following: 1. One member of the Commission, for whom no
conflict or perception of a conflict exists with any of the parties to the
complaint, or a former Commissioner, if no seated Commissioner qualifies, to
be selected by the Chair; 2. One panelist with no current or past relationship
to NACCAS selected by NACCAS' outside general counsel; and 3. One panelist selected by the other two, who also has no
current or past relationship to NACCAS. B. The
Independent Panel shall hear the complaint allegations and defense in detail. 1. Where the allegations have been
substantiated or where the Independent Panel has determined that the
complaint was filed vexatiously, the action taken by the Independent Panel
shall be final and unappealable.
Actions the Independent Panel may take include but are not limited to: I. Dismissal
of the complaint; II. Reprimand; III. Order
Attendance at a training or counseling seminar related to the offense by one or both
of the parties; IV. Removal
from the Commission of either the complainant, complained-against
Commissioner, or both. 2. The decision of the Independent
Panel shall be rendered within ninety (90) days of its formation and it shall be
final, unappealable, and made part of the official record of the Commission. Complaints and witnesses, witness
statements, or documents in support of a complaint not submitted within the
above deadlines shall be barred by limitation. Complaints against Commissioners and
proceedings under this section of the By-Laws shall be memorialized in a record maintained by the NACCAS
Secretary. Complaints and the records
on complaints shall be held in the strictest confidence, in accordance with
NACCAS' Code of Ethics. SECTION III - Costs Half
of the cost of the independent panel shall be borne by the complainant or the
complained-against Commissioner, whichever party loses, or by both if both
are found at fault. A Commissioner
assessed costs shall be barred from Commission activities until costs have
been paid. |
Amendments to
By-Laws[2] Article XX Complaints
Against The Commission Or Commissioners SECTION
I. Subject to the applicable
provisions of the Rules of Practice and
Procedure established pursuant to Section V of this Article, the
Commission will accept and review complaints regarding the conduct of the
Commission or a Commissioner that allege (i) a violation the NACCAS Code of
Ethics; or (ii) a violation of due process. SECTION
II. To be accepted and reviewed,
complaints must be submitted in a timely manner and pursuant to the
applicable provisions of the Rules of
Practice and Procedure established pursuant to Section V of this Article.
SECTION III.
Complaints not conforming to Sections I or II of this Article shall be
dismissed. Complaints conforming to
Sections I and II of this Article shall be referred to an Independent Panel
for adjudication. The Independent
Panel shall be selected in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Rules of Practice and Procedure
established pursuant to Section V of this Article. SECTION
IV. The Independent Panel shall take
one of the following actions: 1.
Dismissal of the complaint; 2.
Reprimand; 3.
Order Attendance at a training or counseling seminar related to the
offense by the complainant, the complained-against Commissioner, or both; 4.
In the case of a complaint against an individual Commissioner, order
the complained-against Commissioner to remedy or resolve the condition giving
rise to the complaint; or 5.
Removal from the Board of Commissioners of either the complainant,
complained-against Commissioner, or both. Where
the Independent Panel has determined that (i) the allegations of the
complaint have been substantiated or (ii) the complaint was filed
vexatiously, the action taken by the Independent Panel shall be final and
unappealable. SECTION
V. The Commission shall adopt Rules as required to implement this
Article. |
Change: Details of the Complaint process are moved
to the Rules. Rationale:
By-Laws should reflect statements of Commission policy, rather than
operational details. Moving the
operational details to the Rules
permits the Commission to more easily adjust or refine the process from time
to time. |
|
|
RULES Sub-Part
D: Complaints Against the Commission or Commissioners Section 6.9 Complaints Against the Commission or Commissioners (a) Within 20 days after incident: Any party intending to lodge a complaint
with the Commission regarding the conduct of a Commissioner or of the
Commission shall notify the Commission of its intent to file such complaint.
The notice of intent to file complaint shall be typed and shall briefly
describe the action(s) forming the basis of the complaint and the date(s)
upon which those actions occurred. (b) Within 45 days after incident: (1)
Complaints regarding the conduct of a Commissioner or of the
Commission shall be submitted on the Section 6.9 Complaint Form in detail,
typed and in English, signed by the complainant, and submitted to the Chair
or First
Vice Chair of the Commission, if the complaint is concerning the Chair. (2)
The complaint shall state the name of the Commissioner(s) against whom
the complaint is lodged, and contain relevant dates, briefly describe the
actions forming the basis of the complaint which the complainant believes
constitute a violation of the NACCAS Code
of Ethics or a violation of due process. (3)
The complaint shall identify all witnesses. (4)
A complaint based upon written evidence should be accompanied by
copies of relevant documents. Any other documents or materials that support
the allegations should accompany the complaint. Complainant
must make a diligent effort to obtain witnesses. (5)
Members of the Board of Commissioners shall be barred from bringing
any complaint arising from Commission action on a corporate matter, if such
Commissioner has not first complied with the requirements of Article III,
Section IX of the By-Laws of
NACCAS. (c) Except in the case where the complaint is
against the Commission itself, the Commission shall appoint a preliminary
review panel of three Commissioners, which panel shall be selected by lot
from among all Commissioners not named by the complaining party as persons
against whom the complaint is being lodged (which list of non-named
Commissioners shall be confirmed by the Commission’s in-house counsel). The complaint shall be referred to the
preliminary review panel, or to NACCAS’ outside counsel if the complaint is
against the Commission itself, to determine whether or not the complaint
includes allegations of violations of NACCAS’ Code of Ethics or the requirements of due process. (d) The independent panel shall be organized in
accordance with Section 6.10 of these Rules (an “Independent Panel”) and
advised by a panel advisor who holds a mediator certificate from the Virginia
Supreme Court or an American Arbitration Association credential, or the
equivalent. Section 6.10 Independent
Panel (a) An Independent Panel shall be made up of
the following: (1)
One member of the Commission, or former Commissioner, for whom no
conflict or perception of a conflict exists with any of the parties to the
complaint, to be selected by the Chair; (2)
One panelist with no current or past relationship to NACCAS
(prior service on an Independent Panel excepted), to be selected by NACCAS'
outside general counsel; and (3)
One panelist selected by the other two, who also has no current or past relationship
to NACCAS. This third panelist shall be selected from a list of at least
three potential panelists provided by the panel advisor. (b) The Independent Panel shall: (1)
Invite submission of evidence (documents, witness statements, other)
from the complainant to further substantiate allegations of violations of the
Code of Ethics or requirements of
due process. (2)
Provide the complained-against party with specifics on the alleged
violations and provide opportunities for a response / defense. (3)
If either party requests a hearing, the Independent Panel shall hear
the complaint allegations with witness statements and other evidence and hear
the defense in detail. (c) Where the allegations of the complaint have
been
substantiated or where the Independent Panel has determined that the
complaint was filed vexatiously, the action taken by the Independent Panel
shall be final and unappealable.
Actions the Independent Panel shall take are: (1)
Dismissal of the complaint; (2)
Reprimand; (3)
Order
Attendance at a training or counseling seminar related to the offense by one or both
of the parties; (4)
In the case of a complaint against an individual Commissioner, order
the complained-against Commissioner to remedy or resolve the condition giving
rise to the complaint; or (5)
Removal from the Board of Commissioners of either the complainant,
complained-against Commissioner, or both. (d) The decision of the Independent Panel shall
be
rendered within ninety (90) days of its formation and it shall be final,
unappealable, and made part of the official record of the Commission. Complaints and witnesses, witness
statements, or documents in support of a complaint not submitted within the
above deadlines shall be barred by limitation. Complaints against Commissioners and
proceedings under this section of the Rules shall be memorialized in a record maintained by the NACCAS
Secretary. Complaints and the records
on complaints shall be held in the strictest confidence, in accordance with
NACCAS' Code of Ethics. Section
6.11 Costs. The cost of the
Independent Panel shall be borne by the Commission. |
Changes: (1) Clarify that only complaints alleging
violations of due process or of the Code of Ethics shall be considered by the
Independent Panel. (2) Provide for an independent, professional
mediator to act as an advisor to the Independent Panel, and to participate in
the selection of the Independent Panel. (3) Provide that the Commission shall bear the
cost of complaints. |
|
General
Changes Proposed to the Standards |
|
Proposal
#09-101 (General
Re-organization of Standards): The Commission proposes to limit each
criterion to a single requirement or closely related requirements, eliminate
some redundancy, and shift the placement of some criteria. This means some of the current criteria
would be split into two or three criteria and criteria would be renumbered.
The purpose is to make the standards clearer. |
|
Proposal
#09-102 (General
Re-organization of Standards): The
Commission proposes to incorporate requirements for distance education
throughout the standards as it is merely a mode of delivering instruction and
eliminate a specific standard for distance education. |
|
Proposal #09-103: The Commission
proposes adding a statement such as the following at the beginning of the
Standards document: The Commission
may determine an institution’s compliance
with accreditation requirements through assurances from the institution
(A), observation (O), and documentation (D).
Each criterion is preceded with an indication of the primary method
used. Whenever a reference to a
written document appears in the Standards, compliance may be shown through
documents that are produced in a written copy, web-based, or any other
printable media format. |
|
Current
Standard I |
Proposed
Changes |
Change / Rationale |
|
I. EDUCATIONAL
OBJECTIVES AND INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATION The school has
a published mission statement identifying the school as providing career
preparation. The school assesses its
performance as related to its stated objectives, summarizes the results of
the assessment, and uses the assessment to maintain or improve school
performance. D 1. A mission
statement has been adopted by the school and clearly identifies the school as
one preparing graduates for careers in cosmetology arts and sciences, the
massage field, and/or related fields and/or unrelated fields. D
2. The mission statement is published in the school's catalog |
I. EDUCATIONAL
OBJECTIVES AND INSTITUTIONAL EVALUATION
[No Change] . D 1. A mission
statement has been adopted by the school and clearly identifies the school as
one preparing graduates for D 2. (No change) |
Change: Allow a school to have a mission for
training students for careers in fields besides those related to cosmetology
and massage therapy. Rationale:
NACCAS plans to petition the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to
recognize NACCAS for the accreditation of programs besides those related to
cosmetology and massage therapy. |
|
D 3. The data
contained in the school's most recent NACCAS Annual Report are accurate. The
school maintains on file its rates of completion, licensure/ certification,
and employment for at least the most recent Annual Report, along with the
supporting documentation. |
D. 3. The data
contained in the school's most recent NACCAS Annual Report are accurate. D 4. The school maintains |
Change: Split
into two criteria and reword. Rationale: Even though the annual report data is
expected to be accurate when submitted on the annual report, new criterion 4
would allow an institution visited after the annual report is submitted to
show the evaluation team documentation to justify revision of data. |
|
D 4. The
institution meets or exceeds the following outcomes: a.
Completion
rate – 50% b.
Pass rate on certification or state licensing
examinations, if required – 70% c.
Placement rate of graduates - 60% (Refer to Part 5
of the Rules of Practice and Procedure) |
D d.
Completion
rate – 50% e.
Pass rate on certification or state licensing
examinations, if required – 70%
(If
the school is in compliance with current low outcomes monitoring, this
criterion is not cited as a limitation). |
Change: The criterion is rewritten. Rationale: Clarify the responsibility of an accredited
institution. |
|
D 5. The
school must solicit, periodically, feedback from an advisory committee which
includes, at minimum, employers from the fields for which training is
provided. |
D
|
Rationale: Move the responsibilities of the advisory
committee into one criterion. |
|
D 6. The
feedback from the advisory committee must include, but does not have to be
limited to, information about the school’s a. Curriculum, b. Facilities,
supplies, and equipment, c. Completion,
licensure or certification, and placement rates, and d. Student
support services. The school
must maintain the feedback received. |
D a. Curriculum, b. Facilities c. Completion,
licensure or certification, and placement rates
Advisory committee members may
provide feedback only in those areas
relevant to their experience and background. |
Change: The
Advisory Committee would no longer advise the institution on its student
support services or adequacy of a school’s supplies. Committee members would not have to provide
advice in any area in which they felt a lack of competence. |
|
D. 7. The
school must have a written assessment plan which reviews and assesses a. The
school’s pass rates on examination for certification/licensure to practice; b. The
school’s rates of employment and/or placement; c. The
school’s completion rates; and d. The
feedback (as described in criterion 6 above) that has been collected from the
school’s advisory committee, students, and graduates. Based
on the results of the assessment, the school prepares a written improvement
plan if needed. |
Proposal
#09-109 - Delete
D 8. The school must solicit
feedback from current students based on its educational mission and
objectives. [Moved from Criteria 7d] D
9. The school must solicit feedback from graduates based on its educational
mission and objectives. [Moved from Criterion 7d] D10. The school must maintain a summary of the
feedback received from the advisory committee members, students and
graduates.
[Moved from Criterion 6] D 11. Based on the feedback received, the school
implements improvements and changes, as applicable. |
Change: Delete Criterion 7 but incorporate some of
its provisions into new criteria. Rationale:
Emphasize the responsibility of the institution to carry out strategies
for ongoing improvement. The revised criteria create the assessment
process and that applicable improvements were far more important to the
process than having a written assessment plan. To make it clear that advisory
committee members are not required to
comment on all items, just those appropriate to their background. To separate advisory committee feedback
from student and graduate feedback, allowing schools to determine relevant
feedback from those sources. An
institution will only be required to implement changes in areas where there is a need. |
|
Current
Standard II |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
II.
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF The school
employs an instructional staff that is fully qualified and of adequate size
to fulfill the objectives of the educational courses and/or program(s)
regardless of mode of delivery. |
II.
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF No
change |
Change:
None |
|
D 1.
Instructors hold teaching credentials demonstrating compliance with
applicable state requirements. In states where no licensing or certification
of instructors occurs, the instructors have successfully completed a teacher
education course and/or program and/or a course and/or program in the area in
which they teach. |
D 1.
Instructors hold teaching credentials demonstrating compliance with
applicable state requirements. |
Change:
Delete requirements for States which do not license instructors. Rationale:
Licensure issues are a state matter. |
|
O/A 2. The
instructional staff has opportunities to prepare for class, evaluate
students' progress in the course and/or program, provide academic advising,
and participate in activities of continuing education. |
Rationale:
Instructor performance of progress evaluations and academic advising is dealt
with in Standard IX and redundant here. |
|
|
D 3. Qualified
substitute instructors who are familiar with the school's curriculum,
policies and procedures are available and used when needed. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment
|
Rationale: Have one accreditation requirement per
criterion. Allow institutions to show compliance through assurances rather
than documentation. |
|
D 4. The
instructional staff has regularly scheduled meetings at which instructional
and other relevant issues are discussed. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment D 4. A
5. Instructor meeting topics are
relevant to the school’s stated mission and objectives. |
Rationale: Have one accreditation requirement per
criterion. Bring
the importance of the school’s mission and objectives to the fore. |
|
D 5. The
school has in operation a written plan for continuing education of all
instructors requiring them to meet
their state requirements for licensure or certification renewal, if
applicable, but not less than 12 clock hours of such activity each year per
instructor. The average number of hours attended per year for each instructor
is 12. |
D D
7. The written plan requires
D 8. Continuing education,
completed in person or online, includes a minimum of 4 hours in teaching
methodology. |
Change: Split old Criterion 5 into new Criteria 6
and 7. Return to the standards the
requirement for continuing education in teaching methodology which was
deleted in 2005. Rationale:
Respondents to the survey on Standard II stated methodology training is
important for teachers to remain
current and to be effective in curriculum delivery. |
|
D 6. Each
instructor receives a written evaluation of performance at least annually. The evaluation
deals with teaching effectiveness in classroom and laboratory, preparation
for teaching, improvement of teaching skills, participation and cooperation
in the operation of the school, and any other areas deemed necessary by the
school. The evaluation assesses present strengths and weaknesses, and
proposes specific ways in which performance can be improved |
D D |
Change:
Split criterion into new Criteria 9 and 10. Eliminate some specifics on teacher evaluations. Rationale:
Limit the accreditation agency’s oversight to teacher preparation and effectiveness. |
|
Current
Standard III |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
III.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES The school has
in place administrative policies and services appropriate to the educational
program(s). Such policies and services meet applicable federal, state, local,
and NACCAS policies. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment III.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES The school has
in place administrative policies and services appropriate to the educational courses and/or program(s).
Such policies and services meet applicable federal, state, local, and NACCAS
policies. |
Change:
Add reference to courses as well as programs. Rationale: Some programs , especially those measured
in credit hours, are organized into courses. |
|
D 1. The legal
authorization of the school to provide training is attested by the prominent
display of the appropriate licenses and certificates issued by state and/or
other regulatory authorities. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment
D1.
The school is legally authorized to provide training. O 2. Appropriate licenses and
certificates issued by state and/or other regulatory authorities are publicly
displayed. |
Change: Split criterion into new Criteria 1 and 2. Rationale: Have one accreditation requirement per
criterion. |
|
D 2. The
school has adopted written policies and procedures describing each area of responsibility,
administrative lines of authority, and operating procedures for the
administration of the school. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D
|
Change: Split criterion into new Criteria 3 and 5. Rationale: Limit redundancies and allow schools to
assign overlapping responsibilities to staff.
|
|
D 3. The
school's administrative staff provides evidence, through documentation of
attendance at training sessions and conferences, and in other appropriate
ways, that they have knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local
statutes and regulations governing the operations of the school. D/A/O 5. The
school complies with the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure. |
A 5. The school’s written
operating policies and procedures are
implemented and maintained effectively. [Moved
from old Criterion 2] |
Change:
Combine old Criteria 3 and 4 and allow compliance to be determined through
assurance (A) or observation (O) as well as documentation (D). Move
provisions from old Criterion 2 into a new Criterion 5. Rationale: Effective administration in compliance with
external requirements is more important than evidence of training in those
requirements. |
|
A 4. In the
event that concerns are raised about a school's compliance with applicable
federal, state or local laws and regulations, the school can demonstrate that
the reasons for
such concerns do not represent a lack of educational quality. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment -
Delete |
Rationale: Educational Quality is dealt with
effectively in Standards II, VI, and IX. |
|
D 6. A school
that participates in any student financial assistance course and/or program
must demonstrate,
at a minimum, that: a. The school
has a designated staff person who is capable of, and responsible for,
administering and/or supervising administration of all the student financial
assistance courses and/or programs in which the school participates; b. The school
has a current, signed participation agreement with the source of the course
and/or program, if applicable; c. The school
submits any audits required by the course and/or program in accordance with
the participation agreement and/or the regulations applicable to the course
and/or program; d. If
participating in federal loan courses and/or programs, the school maintains
an official cohort default rate below the threshold established by the U.S.
Department of Education. |
D 6.
b
|
Change: Split into several criteria. NACCAS evaluators will no longer check to
see if the school submitted its audits to the U.S. Department of Education on
time. Rationale: Limit one requirement per criterion. The
Secretary of Education will notify NACCAS if it receives audits late or not
at all. Also, NACCAS now requires
school financial statements on the same schedule as the U.S. Department of
Education. |
|
D/O 7.
Advertising for the school is factual and conforms to the NACCAS Policy on
Advertising. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D/O D10.
Advertising conforms to
the NACCAS Policy on Advertising. |
Change:
Split into two criteria and renumber. |
|
D 8. The
school maintains copies of any training agreements with government agencies,
school districts and/or other entities. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D |
Change: Insert the word ‘applicable’ and re-number.
|
|
D 9. The
school follows policies that a. Guarantee
each student (or parent or guardian if the student is a dependent minor)
access to that student's records; b. Require
written consent from the student or guardian for release of records in response
to each third party request unless otherwise required by law; c. Before
publishing and/or selling "directory information" for either the
student or guardian such as the name, address, phone number and e-mail
address(es) of student, date and place of birth, major field of study, dates
of attendance, degrees and awards received, date of graduation, previous
school attended, and/or date of graduation from previous school, allow the
student or guardian to deny authority to publish one or more of these items; d. Provide
access to student and other school records as required for any accreditation
process initiated by the school or by the National Accrediting Commission of
Cosmetology Arts and Sciences, or in response to a directive of the
Commission. |
D
|
Change: Split into several criteria. Delete reference to directory information. Rationale: Respondents to NACCAS’ Survey on Standard
III supported maintaining the privacy of student records. Institutions participating in federal
programs are covered by the requirements of the Family Educational Rights to
Privacy Act which is encompassed in new Standard III, Criterion 4. |
|
O 10. All
school records are maintained and safeguarded against loss or damage. |
O |
Change: Add reference to identity theft. Rationale: This is a burgeoning concern with NACCAS
and the U.S. Department of Education. |
|
D 11. A school
recording student attendance in clock hours gives appropriate attendance
credit for all hours attended. For the purpose of determining unofficial
withdrawals, schools must monitor attendance at least monthly. |
Proposal #09-118
- Delete |
Change: Delete Rationale: Unofficial withdrawals are covered by
Standards VII (under refunds) and IX. |
|
Current
Standard IV |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
IV. ADMISSIONS
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The school has
published student admissions policies that are appropriate for the
educational program(s), and the school follows these policies. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment IV. ADMISSIONS
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES The school has
published student admissions policies that are appropriate for the
educational courses and/or
program(s), and the school follows these policies. |
Change:
Insert reference to courses. |
|
D 1. The
school's admission policies require that each student meet one of the
following: a. Have a high
school diploma, or its equivalent, or a certificate of attainment (only
applicable for non-Title IV recipients); or b. Be above
the age of compulsory school attendance in the state in which the school is
located and fulfill criteria for admission as a student who has the ability
to benefit from the training, according to the NACCAS Ability to Benefit
Policy; or c.
If enrolled under a training agreement with a government agency, school
district, and/or other entity, meet the admission requirements set out in the
training agreement and/or applicable state licensing or certification
regulations. |
D 1. The
school's admission policies require that each student meet one of the
following: a. Have a high
school diploma, or its equivalent, a
transcript showing completion,
or a certificate of attainment (only applicable for non-Title IV recipients) certified/verified by the high
school’s state or other recognized agency; or b. c. If enrolled under a training agreement with a
government agency, school district, and/or other entity, meet the admission
requirements set out in the training agreement and/or applicable state
licensing or certification regulations. |
Change:
Delete age requirements for admissions. Expand allowable documentation but require
it to be certified as valid. Rationale:
The U.S. Department of Education now allows students of any age to
demonstrate ability to benefit from a postsecondary program by successfully
completing 6 credits or 225 hours of training in it. See related Proposal #09-172E to add this option
to the Ability-to- |
|
D 2. A limited
number of secondary students who are not enrolled under a training agreement
as described in item 2(c) above (no more than 10% of the number of students
enrolled in a year) may be admitted if they successfully complete a
pre-enrollment exam in compliance with the NACCAS Ability-to-Benefit Policy
and obtain permission in writing from the secondary school in which they are
enrolled. |
Proposal
#09-120 - Delete |
Change: Delete Rationale: Provisions in the Higher Education
Opportunity Act allow postsecondary institutions to admit and fund secondary
students while they concurrently complete high school. |
|
D 3. Before
accepting an applicant for admission, the school provides the applicant with
a copy of the school catalog. The catalog may be a printed copy, web-based,
or in any other media format. The catalog must be in the language in which
the course and/or program will be taught and meet the NACCAS Catalog
Requirements. |
D 2. The school’s written
catalog complies with the NACCAS catalog requirements. [Split from
end of old Criterion 3] D
3. Before accepting an applicant for admission, the school provides the
applicant access
to
the school’s catalog. |
Change: Split into two criteria. Remove the requirement that prospective
students be given a copy of a school catalog and delete the requirement that
the catalog be in the language of instruction. Rationale: Student may be given access to the catalog
through the internet, or other formats.
A definition of “written” has been added to the glossary which
includes any printable media. |
|
D 4. Before
enrollment each applicant is provided with current written information that
is available through printed copy, web-based, or any other media format in
the language in which the course and/or program will be taught, that
accurately describes: a. Completion
rates for students in the school; b. Pass/fail
rates of school graduates on certification or licensing examinations (if
either is required to practice); c. Placement
rates of the school's graduates; d.
Compensation a successful graduate may reasonably expect; e. The
physical demands of practicing the profession; f. Safety
requirements for the profession; g.
Certification or licensing requirements for the jurisdiction in which the
school is located, or for which it is preparing graduates |
D 4. Before enrollment each applicant is
provided
|
Change: Split into several criteria and delete the
requirements that prospective students be informed of the physical demands
and safety requirements of the profession.
Rationale: These topics will be covered in new curriculum guidelines. Change:
Replace the list of acceptable formats for student consumer information with
the term “written.”
Change: Delete the requirement to give prospective
students information on potential compensation in the profession. Rationale: The Policy on Advertising deals with
compensation claims. |
|
D 5. The
school prepares an enrollment agreement for each applicant in the language in which the
course and/or program will be taught. The enrollment agreement must comply
with the NACCAS Enrollment Agreement Requirements. A copy of the agreement
must be provided to the student or legal guardian if the student is a
dependent minor. The agreement gives complete information on the total cost
of the course and/or program. A copy of the completed enrollment agreement is
maintained by the school. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment D D 7.
A
copy of the fully executed
enrollment agreement D 8. A copy of the |
Change: Split current criterion into several criteria. Emphasize
that the enrollment agreement must be completely filled out. Rationale: The Commission has long interpreted its
standards to require enrollment agreements to be fully executed. By adding these words to the criteria it
should be clear to all. |
|
D 6. The
school's admission policies clearly state: a. How credit
for training or education received at another school is applied to the
receiving school's requirements for graduation (including the possibility
that no such transfer credit is granted); b. That the
school does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion,
or ethnic origin in admitting students; and c. That the
school does not recruit students already attending or admitted to another
school offering a similar course and/or program of study. |
D
[Current 6a
becomes Criterion 10] D 10. The school has a policy that clearly
defines how [Current 6c is
deleted]
|
Change:
Split the criterion into two criteria.
Rationale:
The current criterion is vague and difficult for schools to document. Non-discrimination policies should apply to
all school operations, not just admissions. |
|
D 7. The
school's practices are consistent with its admissions policies and
requirements. |
No
change in wording. |
Change:
Re-numbered to become Criterion 11. |
|
D 8.
Advertising of financial aid includes a qualifying statement (e.g. financial
aid available for those who qualify). |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment –
Move to Policy on Advertising. See Proposal # 09-165. |
Change: Delete. Rationale:
This is an advertising issue. |
|
Current
Standard V |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
V. STUDENT
SUPPORT SERVICES The school has
in place student support services, which provide appropriate information and
advice to students. |
V. STUDENT
SUPPORT SERVICES No
Change |
Change: None. |
|
A
1. The school conducts an orientation on or before the first day of
class. The orientation provides
information about the instructional program, the goals of each program or
course, any policies affecting students, and services available to students. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment A
1. The school provides access to A 2. The
orientation program provides, at a minimum, information about a. the instructional course or program, b. the goals of each program or course, c. d.
support services
available to students. |
Change: Split into several criteria and allow
student orientation in various formats. Rationale:
Allow for orientation that is web-based or in other formats. |
|
D 2 Students
are provided with academic advising and additional assistance as
necessary. If referral to professional
assistance is necessary, the school maintains a record of such referral. |
Note: A definition of ‘advising’ would be added
to the glossary. See proposal #09-153.. A 4. |
Change: Delete the requirement for a school to keep
records of student referrals to professional assistance. Rationale: Maintain privacy. |
|
A 3.
Information and advice are available to students on these subjects: a. Regulations
governing certification or licensure to practice, including reciprocity among
jurisdictions; b.
Opportunities for continuing education following graduation. |
A
|
Change: Limit the school’s responsibility to
advising students on basic
opportunities based on training provided. Rationale: The school’s main responsibility is to
provide the education and training for entry-level employment in the state in
which the school is located. |
|
D 4. The
school offers job placement services to help graduates’ efforts to secure
employment in the field represented by the course and/or program the graduate
completed, or in a related field, that include, but are not limited to a.
Professional appearance guidelines b. Job
referral c. Follow-up |
D
b. resume
development c. interview
preparation and/or b.d. Job referrals as applicable.
|
Change: Replace the term “job placement services”
with “employment assistance” and amend the list of activities for employment
assistance. Rationale: Follow-up on employment is covered under
Standard I so is deleted here. Topics such as “professional appearance
guidelines” will be covered in the new curriculum guidelines. |
|
A/D 5. Information
and advice on any available financial assistance are accessible to students.
The school demonstrates that it complies with applicable state and/or federal
regulations in providing this advice. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment A/ |
Change: Delete the second sentence of the current
criterion. Rationale: This is covered in Standard III, Criterion
4. |
|
D 6. The
school has and follows an internal procedure to consider student complaints.
It responds to student complaints received by NACCAS in accordance with Part
6 of the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure. |
D A 9.
The school implements the Internal grievance Policy as applicable. |
Change: Split the criterion into two. Delete the
second sentence of the criterion. Rationale: Limit each criterion to one
requirement. The
school’s obligation to comply with NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and Procedure is
already covered in Standard III. |
|
Current
Standard VI |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
VI. CURRICULUM The school
offers a program (or programs) of study of appropriate length in cosmetology
arts and sciences, electrology, massage, and/or related fields and/or unrelated
fields. Schools shall develop a written curriculum which is based on its
stated mission. The curriculum for programs in the cosmetology field shall
include instruction in the fundamental principles of the care of the health,
condition, and appearance of the hair, skin and nails, and shall include
instruction in the cognate areas which serve to supplement the practical,
scientific and business skills of the cosmetology profession. The curriculum
for programs in the massage field shall include instruction in the
fundamental principles of massage and/or bodywork. Each program includes both
theoretical knowledge and skill development. |
VI.
CURRICULUM The school
offers |
Change: Eliminate references to cosmetology, massage and related programs. Rationale: Accommodate distance learning methodologies
of education and an expansion of NACCAS’ scope. To incorporate
the needed changes within the current 9 standards to effectively accommodate
the approval of distance learning courses and/or programs. Therefore, the standard statement was changed
to eliminate reference to any specific field and to address delivery methods. |
|
|
ADD A NEW
CRITERION A/O 1. Courses and/or programs are congruent with
the mission of the school and its educational objectives. |
Rationale: Emphasize the link between curriculum and
the institution’s mission. |
|
A/O 1. Programs provide
instruction in theory and are designed to develop practical skills required
for licensure or certification and employment, or (in the absence of
licensure or certification requirements) as required by industry standards
for employment. Theory and practice
are integrated throughout the program. |
A/O |
Change: Eliminate the requirement of integrating
theory and practice throughout the program. Re-number as needed. Rationale: Respondents to NACCAS’ Survey of standards felt programs should be
based on the institution’s mission statement, should have a written
curriculum, and should focus on meeting skills required for licensure or
meeting industry employment standards. |
|
D
2. Each
program
has written program or course outline(s), which are provided to each student
at the beginning of each term. The
program or course outline(s) must include each of the following elements: a. Name of the program or course; b. Program/course description; c. Program and course goals/objectives; d. Contents of the units or courses of instruction and, as
applicable, hours, credits and/or competencies devoted to each unit or course; e. Instructional methods used to teach the program or
course; f. Grading procedures. (Please refer
to the Program/Course
Outline Guidelines.) |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D
D 4. The course and/or program outlines(s)
must include each of the following elements: a. Name of the program or course; b. Program and/or course
description; c. Course and/or program goals/objectives; d. Contents of the units of instruction and, e. Instructional methods used to teach the program and/or
course; f. Grading procedures. |
Change: Split into two criteria and re-number as
needed. Replace list of acceptable
formats with the term “written”. Rationale: The term ‘ “written”
would be defined in the glossary to include various media formats. See
Proposal #09-163. |
|
Current
(From Standard VIII) A/O 1. The school makes available to students
textbooks, supplementary instructional materials, and equipment needed to
fulfill program and course requirements. |
A/O a. Textbooks, b. Supplementary
instructional materials, c. Equipment |
Change: Move criterion from Standard VIII to
Standard VI. Rationale: Link the teaching materials closely to the
program or course objectives. |
|
Current
(From Standard VIII) A/O 2. The
school provides students and teachers with access to current reference books,
periodicals, written matter, and/or audio-visual equipment and materials, to
support the educational program(s). Equipment for producing copies of
supplementary instructional materials is readily available and in
satisfactory operating condition. |
A/O 2 A/O 7. The school has
audio-visual equipment and materials to support the educational program(s)
and/or courses offered. [Moved from old Standard VIII – Criterion 2] |
Change:
Move the criterion from Standard VIII to Standard VI, split into two
criteria, and refer to written materials. Rationale: The criterion is more closely related to
curriculum than to facilities. The new definition of “written” in the
glossary encompasses printable media such as web-based, or other media format. |
|
D 3. Programs in the cosmetology arts and
sciences, electrology, and massage fields include instruction in the
following specific subject areas as applicable to the programs, unless
prohibited by state law or regulation: (In the
current Standard VI There are specific criteria and curriculum content listed
for programs in cosmetology massage, electrology, and instructor training. ) |
Some elements
from old Criterion 8 are incorporated into proposed revisions of old Criterion
3. D [Note: The specific curriculum content would be
deleted from the standard but moved to
Curriculum Guidelines.] |
Change: Refer to the advisory committee and
Standard I for formulation of curricula.
Move lists of subjects or topics to cover into Curriculum
Guidelines. Re-number. Rationale:
Expand the potential for curriculum design which meets requirements for state
licensure, industry needs for entry-level professionals, and specific needs
of students to fulfill the institutional mission. |
|
D/O 4. Each
program includes laboratory or field activities in which students are
supervised while providing services. a. Theory and
practice must precede laboratory or field activities, and students must be
evaluated for competence in both theory and practice before being allowed to
participate in such activities. b. Instruction
in theory and practice must not be replaced by laboratory or field activities,
and students must not be excused from scheduled classes to work in the
laboratory. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment A
|
Change: Split the criterion into two and re-number.
Focus on acquisition of competency and skill. Compliance with new Criterion 9
may be shown through assurances (A). Rationale: To eliminate the misunderstandings that
occur frequently on the difference between theory and practical instruction. |
|
A/O 5. Effective teaching methods (e.g.
discussion, question and answer, demonstration, cooperative learning, problem
solving, lecture, individualized instruction, student presentations) are
used. |
Non-Substantive Technical
Amendment [See Proposal 09-102] A/O 11. Effective teaching methods (e.g.
discussion, question and answer, demonstration, cooperative learning, online learning, problem solving, lecture,
individualized instruction, student presentations) are used. |
Change: Add reference to on-line learning. Rationale: Web-based instruction is a mode of
educational delivery, references to which the Commission is
incorporating throughout the
standards. |
|
A/O 6. Appropriate
training aids and audiovisual materials are used to supplement the
instructional process. |
A/O
6. |
Change: Replace “appropriate” with “effective” and “instruction” with “learning.” Rationale: Center the criterion on student
achievement. |
|
D 7. Lesson
plans, commercially prepared or institutionally developed, should meet
program and course objectives and correlate with the program/course outline.
Lesson plans should cover the entire content of the program/course outline. |
D a.
Program and course outlines; b. Lesson objectives; c. Competency evaluations; or d.
Other applicable instructional
materials |
Change: Re-organize the criterion for clarity and
encompass distance learning. Rationale:
With the advent of on-line learning, objectives may apply to a given class or
assignment rather than an entire program, course, or lesson plan. |
|
D
8. Educational programs offered by the institution must comply with
the minimum requirements for program length established by the state for
licensure or certification. In the absence of state or other applicable
minimum requirements for program length, or if the school wants to exceed the
required minimums by more than 50%, the institution, in developing a program,
must include the three points in the following model to assess effective
program length for quality education. a. Industry
needs as determined and/or recommended by the institution's Advisory
Committee; b. Public
safety and sanitation requirements established by the State Board of
Cosmetology or other state and local regulatory agencies, if applicable state
agencies exist; and c. Special
academic needs of the students served, and in accordance with the mission of
the institution. |
D
a. Industry
needs as determined and/or recommended by the institution's Advisory
Committee;
|
Change:
Remove the requirement regarding public safety and sanitation. Rationale:
They will be covered by the new Sample Curriculum Guidelines. |
|
D 9. If a
school participates in an externship, the school’s course complies with all
applicable requirements established by the state regulatory agency. In the absence of regulations promulgated
by the state regulatory agency, the school’s externship will, at a minimum,
meet the following requirements: a. The school
has a written agreement with an appropriate service facility for each
externship course offered to its students; b. If state
licensing is required, the service facility where the externship occurs must
be licensed by the state; c. If the
state does not require licensing of the service facility, it must have a
business license to operate; d. Each
individual supervising students in the service facility must i. Hold any required certification or state
license(s), or ii. If no
state certification or license is required, have at least one year of
experience in the field for which supervision is being provided; e. Students
cannot accrue more than 10% of the contracted program (competencies, credits,
or hours) in the externship course and/or program; unless the school provides
a justification for a greater percentage; f. A school
must select students for the externship based on written criteria and the
school must ensure that the participating students met these criteria; g. Students
must have taken and passed a comprehensive written and practical examination
establishing the individual’s qualification to participate in the course; h. A written
training plan and goals for students that specify the particular applications
and experiences that are to be secured during the externship; i. School
official must make periodic visits to participating establishment to observe
and verify these requirements are being met; j.
Establishment must evaluate the students’ performance for activities
completed during the externship; k. Students
are evaluated by the service facility with respect to their attainment of the
training objectives for the externship; l.
Establishment must complete a certificate of attendance and training
(competencies, credits, or hours) as related to course requirements which are
completed during the externship; and m. School must
recognize training (competencies, credits, or hours) certified by the
establishment toward a student’s course completion. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D 9 New Sample Externship Requirements
Policy If a school
participates in an externship, the school’s course complies with all
applicable requirements established by the state regulatory agency. In the absence of regulations promulgated
by the state regulatory agency, the school’s externship will,
i.
Hold any required certification or state license(s), or ii.
If no state certification or license is required, have at least one year of
experience in the field for which supervision is being provided;
|
Change:
The details for externship are moved
from the standard and into a sample
externship requirements policy. Rationale: To adhere to the concept of simply stating
in the criterion to follow a separate NACCAS policy and not include the
policy within the standards and criteria. The list from
the standard is moved to the policy and numbered rather than lettered. |
|
Current Standard VII |
Proposed
Change. |
Change/Rationale |
|
VII. FINANCIAL
PRACTICES AND MANAGEMENT The school
maintains a sound financial condition and has qualified financial management. |
VII. FINANCIAL
PRACTICES AND MANAGEMENT No
change. |
Change:
None. |
|
D 1. School
financial statements and accounting documents are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. |
No
change |
Change:
None. |
|
|
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment NEW
CRITERION D
2. Financial statements must be
submitted no later than six months after the end of the school’s fiscal year.
Institutions applying for initial accreditation must submit their financial
statements at the time they submit their application for initial
accreditation. |
Change:
This requirement is already set out in Part 5 Sub-Part B of the Rules of Practice and Procedure. The
proposal is to include the requirement
in the Standard as well. Rationale:
To highlight the date when financial statements are due. |
|
D2 . The
financial statements of the school demonstrate that it has the financial
resources to ensure continuity of operation, educational programs and
services, and to fulfill its obligations to students and employees, by
meeting the following requirements: a. Has met the
requirements as set forth by the U.S. Department of Education in accordance
with section 34 C.F.R. 668.171, or the successor regulation, or |
No
change, but re-number as 3 and 3a |
Change: Renumber. |
|
b. An
acid-test ratio of current assets to current liabilities of one to one or
greater; a positive tangible net worth; and a profit in the most recent
accounting year or in two of the most recent three accounting years. |
|
Change:
Re-number and Incorporate the
definition of acid test ration into the criterion. Rationale:
Eliminate redundancy. The definition of “acid test” would be added to the glossary
(See Proposal 09-____) |
|
An accredited
institution that fails to meet the requirements listed in “a” or “b” above,
may be granted limited time to bring themselves into compliance, in
accordance with section 8.18 of the Rules of Practice and Procedure,
if they can show they meet “c” or “d” below: |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment - Delete |
Change: Delete Rationale: The same statement appears twice in the
same criterion. |
|
c. A copy of a
letter of credit that has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Education;
or d. Evidence
that the U.S. Department of Education has granted the school a waiver under
34 C.F.R. 668.171 or subsequent regulation. |
Proposal
#09-138 – Delete c and
d. |
Change:
Delete old Criteria 2c and 2d. Rationale: Accreditation standards must apply equally
to all institutions. Variations in
compliance may be accommodated during a period of remediation allowable in
accordance with Section 8.18 of the Rules
of Practice and Procedure. |
|
In accordance
with Section 8.18 of the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure, a
school is required to bring itself into compliance with accreditation
requirements within the time frames established in the Rules. |
No change. |
Change: None |
|
In addition,
the school’s financial statements are: e. Prepared by
an independent Certified Public Accountant; f. Prepared on
an accrual basis, and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (GAAP), either compiled or audited. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment In addition,
the school’s financial statements
|
Change: Move the verb to start each item on the
list. |
|
|
Add a new “e” e. Include the completed
composite score calculation worksheet available on the NACCAS website. |
Change: Require schools to submit the composite
score calculation with the financial statement. Rationale: By filling out the composite score
calculation worksheet the school is more likely to provide all elements
needed for the calculation of the composite score and will know right away
whether or not it meets the composite score. |
|
Current “g”: g. Either compiled or audited. If an institution participates in Title IV
funding courses and/or programs, audited financial statements meeting a
higher standard may be submitted in lieu or compiled statements. 9 Footnote: 9 Institutions participating in HEA IV
programs are required by the U.S. Department of Education to submit audited
financial statements rather than complied statements. Those statements must
be audited according to both Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and
also by Generally Accepted Governmental Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Further,
disclosure of related party transactions as required under Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 57 must be made, as well as disclosure
of and attestation to the percentage of revenues derived from Title IV funds,
calculated in accordance with 34 CFR VI, §600.5 (d). |
Foornote:
5. Audited financial statements
must be prepared in accordance with federal auditing standards and
guidelines. |
Change: Split the sub-criterion into two criteria
and re-word. Incorporate provisions of the current footnote into the criterion. Rationale: Add clarity to the criteria. To ensure that new or candidate schools are
fully knowledgeable of the financial requirements for participating in Title
IV funding programs far enough in advance to meet the requisite composite
score when they become eligible. |
|
D 3. The
school documents that it meets all applicable state regulations dealing with
refund of tuition and fees to students who withdraw, and that it also meets
the NACCAS Cancellation and Settlement Policy and Minimum Refund Guidelines. |
D D 7. The school applies the
applicable refund policy to all terminations for any reason, by either party,
including student decision, course and/or program cancellation, or school
closure. |
Change:
Reword old Criterion 3 (re-numbered as 6) and move language from the policy
into a new Criterion 7. Rationale: To ensure that the policy is properly
implemented as separate criteria, thus avoiding a double limitation when only
one may apply. |
|
D 4. The
school makes any additional charges for students who extend training beyond
the period specified in the enrollment agreement only in agreement with the
NACCAS Policy on Extra Instructional Charges |
D
|
Change: Shorten and cross-reference to the Policy. Rationale: Eliminate redundancy. |
|
D/A 5. Staff working with financial and accounting
records are qualified by training and/or experience in accounting and
bookkeeping and, if applicable, have specific knowledge about laws and
regulations governing student financial aid. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D/A D/A
10. Staff working with student
financial aid |
Change: Split old Criterion 5 into new Criteria 9
and 10, and re-word. |
|
Current
Standard VIII |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
VIII.
INSTRUCTIONAL SPACE AND FACILITIES The school
provides equipment, instructional and laboratory space, and other physical
facilities that are adequate for instructional needs and meet professional
standards of safety and hygiene. |
VIII.
INSTRUCTIONAL SPACE AND FACILITIES No
change |
No
change |
|
A/O 1. The school makes available to students
textbooks, supplementary instructional materials, and equipment needed to
fulfill program and course requirements. A/O 2. The school provides students and teachers
with access to current reference books, periodicals, written matter, and/or audio-visual equipment and materials, to
support the educational program(s).
Equipment for producing copies of supplementary instructional
materials is readily available and in satisfactory operating condition. |
Proposals #09-131 and 09-132 (See
Standard VI) Moved to Standard VI –
Curriculum |
Rationale:
Requirements regarding textbooks, reference materials, and teaching equipment
and aids are more closely related to curriculum than facilities. |
|
O 3. Classroom
and demonstration areas are shielded from visual and auditory distractions,
and are designed to allow students to see and hear instruction clearly. |
|
Change: Reword and re-number. Compliance will be
based on observation rather than observation and assurances. Rationale:
The change would allow schools and faculty to use a wide variety of
instructional methods and instructional space to ensure all learning styles
are addressed. |
|
O 4.
Classrooms for theory instruction have sufficient tables or desks and chairs
to serve all students assembled at one time. |
O/A
4. 2. |
Change: Reword and re-number. Compliance will be evaluated based on
assurances as well as observation. Rationale:
To allow the school the flexibility to use the instructional space in a
variety of ways to meet the educational objectives established. |
|
O 5. The
school meets applicable fire, building, health, ventilation, heating and
safety requirements. In particular, a. Drinking
water is available from sanitary fixtures; b. Lavatories
with hot and cold running water are maintained in sanitary condition; c. Fire
extinguisher inspections are current, and fire extinguishers are conveniently
located and maintained in operable condition; d. Electrical
service is adequate to serve school needs; and e. Emergency
evacuation plans are known to staff and students. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment O a. Sanitary Drinking water is available b. Sanitary Lavatories c. Appropriately located Fire
extinguisher d. Electrical
service is adequate to serve school needs; and e. Emergency
evacuation plans are known to staff and students. |
Change: Reword and re-number. Delete the
requirement for fire extinguisher inspections. Rationale: To eliminate redundancy and superfluous
wording. In many areas there is no
authority engaged in fire extinguisher inspections. |
|
O 6. Each
student is given access to a locker or other secured enclosure for temporary
storage of personal effects. Sharing of such secured enclosure is limited to
two students. |
Proposal
#09-145 - Delete. |
Change: Delete the criterion. Rationale:
NACCAS has no charge to mandate where or how a student’s personal belongings
are maintained nor does it apply to the educational mission of the school or
the goals of accreditation. |
|
O 7.
Laboratory facilities are used exclusively as training facilities. In
particular, a. Laboratory
facilities have sufficient resources to meet the training needs of all
students scheduled for laboratory work at the same time. The laboratory must
have access to hot and cold running water for hand washing; b. A sign
indicating clearly that all work is performed by supervised students is
posted in a place easily seen by all laboratory patrons; c. A legible
price list is posted in the reception area, or each patron is provided with a
written copy of the price list before a service is performed; d. Products
and supplies needed for laboratory work are provided by the school, and are
adequate in quantity and variety to meet the educational needs of each
program. Products not available for use by students may be demonstrated to
provide instruction either in class or in the laboratory. |
O
|
Change: Eliminate some words and split the
criteria. Rationale: Eliminate criteria that do not directly
impart the educational objectives of the institution; remove redundancy. |
|
O 8. When a
professional service facility and a school are under the same ownership or
otherwise associated, separate operation of the service facility and the
school is maintained. In particular, a. If the
service facility and the school are located in the same building, separate
entrances and visitor reception areas are maintained; and b. The service
facility and the school use separate public information releases,
advertisements, names, and advertising signs. |
O
|
Change: Remove the prohibition on shared
facilities. Rationale:
To allow schools some flexibility in the design of their facilities and
avoidance of excess costs that may have been incurred under the former
criterion. The advertising policy required in Standard III also addresses
item b and there is no need for the redundancy here. |
|
O 9. Only one
school may operate in the facility(ies) approved for that school. |
Proposal
#09-148 - Delete |
Change: Delete the criterion. Rationale:
To allow a company to operate a massage therapy school and barbering school
in the same facility as a cosmetology school in a state where separate
licenses are required. Furthermore,
eliminating the criterion would allow a school with a day program to lease
its facility to groups offering such courses and/or programs as GED
preparation or continuing education
programs in the evenings. NACCAS’
Advisory Committee on Standards suggested this change to allow schools some
flexibility in ways to generate revenue providing the standards and rules of
practice are followed appropriately. |
|
O 10. The name
of the school appears on exterior signs at the school location. The name
clearly identifies the school as an educational institution. The school may
use an abbreviated
or shortened version of the school’s name in certain circumstances, as
outlined in NACCAS’ Policy on Advertising. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment O O
8.
The
name clearly identifies the school as an educational institution.
|
Change: Split the criterion into two and delete the
reference to the Policy on Advertising. Rationale: The requirement to comply with the Policy
on Advertising is covered by Standard III. |
|
Current
Standard IX |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
IX. EVALUATION
OF STUDENTS The school
uses systematic student evaluation to assist student learning and to
demonstrate satisfactory student achievement before a certificate of
completion is awarded. |
IX. EVALUATION
OF STUDENTS No
Change. |
No
change. |
|
D 1. When the
school evaluates the students’ practical skills, it must use written criteria
established by the school for the purpose of measuring student learning. D 2. Each
student is evaluated periodically on theory and skill development. The
evaluations are graded and reviewed with the students. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment D
1 Each student is evaluated periodically on academic and/or skill
development, as applicable. D 2. D |
Change: Split two criteria into three. Rationale: Limit one requirement per criterion. Use
clearer language. |
|
D 3. Each
student must be apprised of his status and have the opportunity to review the
information throughout the course and/or program, at a minimum as follows: a. A course
and/or program measured in competencies: Each student has a document which is
attested to by the appropriate school employee upon demonstration of the
competencies in theory, in practical work, and in other requirements for each
unit of instruction. b. Course
and/or program measured in credit hours: Each student is provided with a
written report at the end of each term. The reports evaluate the student’s
performance in theory and practical work, and informs the student of the
number of credits earned. c. Course
and/or program measured in clock hours: Each student is provided with at
least two written report cards during courses and/or programs that are 150
hours in length or longer, and at least one report card during courses and/or
programs of less than 150 hours. The reports evaluate the student’s
performance in theory, in practical work, and, if a school elects or is
required to take attendance, the student’s attendance progress may be
included in the report cards. |
|
Change: Set the same requirement no matter how
education is delivered. Allow determination of compliance based on assurances
rather than documentation. Rationale:
There is no justification in changing the grade reporting based on
measurements or curriculum delivery methods.
This criterion has been problematic and can be easily verified through
interviews. |
|
D 4. The
school documents that each student who graduates or is otherwise awarded a
certificate of completion has fully met the school's published graduation
requirements. |
No change in wording. |
Change: Re-numbering will make this Criterion 5. |
|
D 5. The
school records student progress evaluations according to the requirements of
the NACCAS Policy on Satisfactory Progress. |
D
D 7. The school accurately evaluates student
progress according to the requirements of the NACCAS Policy on |
Change: Reword. Rationale: Focus on the evaluation rather than the
documentation. To distinguish between
the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy requirements and NACCAS’ policy for
evaluating and informing students of their performance. |
|
Current Standard X |
Proposed Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
S. Distance
Education |
See
Proposal #09-102 - Delete Standard X as a separate standard. |
Change:
Incorporate criteria for evaluation
of distance education into the first nine standards. Rationale: Distance education is a mode of educational delivery. Aspects of all of the standards (student
outcomes, instructional staff, administration, admissions, etc.) apply. |
|
Current
Standard XI |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
XI.
OCCUPATIONAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS The school
offers Occupational Associate Degree courses of study and programs that are
consistent with the school’s mission and educational objectives. The general
education courses offered in the program are directly applicable to the
occupation. Schools offering degree courses of study and programs must meet
all other applicable standards of accreditation. |
X.
OCCUPATIONAL ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS The school
offers Occupational Associate Degree programs
and/or courses that are consistent with the school’s mission and
educational objectives. The general education courses offered in the program
are |
Change: Reword and re-number. General education courses only need to be
applicable to the occupation rather than “directly” applicable. Rationale:
To recognize that a broad range of courses contribute to future success in
trades and occupations. |
|
D 1. Instructors teaching applied general
education courses must have at least an associate’s degree with appropriate
course work in the subject area(s) taught OR related work
experience (3 years) and college level course work in the subject area being
taught. |
No Change |
|
|
D 2. If the school has a transfer policy, it must
state that a minimum of 25% of the degree program must be completed at the
school awarding the degree. |
No change |
|
|
D 3 The
program must consist of a minimum of two academic years and 60 semester
credit hours in length. A minimum of
45 semester credit hours must be included in the occupational area, and at
least 15 semester hours in general education courses. Applied
general education is defined as courses applicable to a specific occupation
in related natural and physical sciences; social and behavioral sciences;
technology; and humanities and fine arts which enhance the ability of an
individual to apply academic and occupational skills in the workplace. These courses must be qualitatively related
to the occupational degree offered. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment D 3 The
program must consist of a minimum of two academic years and 60 semester
credit hours in length. D 4. A
minimum of 45 semester credit hours must be included in the occupational
area. D
5. At least 15 semester hours in general education courses must be included. A 6.Courses and/or programs A 7. |
Change: Split the criterion into several
criteria. Rationale: Limit each criterion to a single
accreditation requirement. |
|
D 4.
Resource materials available to degree seeking students must include
holdings appropriate to the courses of study or programs, relevant reference
materials, and current periodicals. |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment D
8. Resource materials available to degree seeking students |
Change: Eliminate mention of specific type of
reference materials and the term “holding.” Rationale:
Reference materials may be made available on-line without belonging to the
institution. |
|
Glossary
of Terms |
Proposed
Change |
Change/Rationale |
|
|
Acid Test: Ratio
of current assets to current liabilities. Current assets divided by current
liabilities equals one or more. |
Rationale: While accountants are familiar with the
term, other people using NACCAS’ Standards may not be. |
|
Current Term: Advising - (1) A
session or sessions between school personnel and a prospective student aimed
at identifying the student's particular academic background and other factors
which influence future benefit from education in cosmetology arts and
sciences. (2) The process of assisting
people to understand their capabilities and interests, a way of providing
academic and personal support and guidance to students during the course of
their training through consultation with qualified staff members. |
Advising: |
Change: Focus the definition. Rationale:
Take into account schools with small staffs where instructors, not trained
professional counselors, may have the role of advising students. |
|
|
Contract Period: The contract
period for a program or course showing the beginning enrollment date and the
contracted ending date allowing for any applicable grace period the school
permits before assessing extra-instructional charges. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
General
(applied) education: Courses
applicable to a specific occupation in related natural and physical sciences;
social and behavioral sciences; technology; and humanities and fine arts that
enhance the ability of an individual to apply academic and occupational
skills in the workplace. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
Limitation: the method used to identify an area
within the Standards and Criteria and Policies where full compliance has not
been demonstrated. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
Maximum time frame: The time frame in which a student must
complete the educational program that may not be more than 150% of the
published length of the educational program measured in academic years,
non-standard terms, or clock hours. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
Current
Glossary definition of postsecondary education: Postsecondary Education - An organized educational
program or formal instruction offered by an educational institution serving
(primarily) individuals who have completed secondary education or are beyond
the state-determined age of compulsory education. |
Postsecondary Education: An organized educational
program, seminar or workshop
or other formal
instruction offered by an educational institution or
entity at the postsecondary level. |
Change: Incorporate various modes of “life-long
learning” into the
definition. Rationale:
Clarify the types of instructional experience that will qualify people as “academics”
to become NACCAS evaluators or Commissioenrs. |
|
|
Postsecondary Student: An individual who has completed secondary
education and/or is enrolled in a postsecondary program, seminar, workshop,
or other formal instruction. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
Program or Course Length: The length of time required to complete the
program based on 100% attendance as shown in hours and weeks or months. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
Reporting Requirement: Reporting Requirement: In accordance with section 8.9 of the Rules
the Commission shall have the authority to establish the frequency, format,
and content of required reports. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
Current
Glossary definition of secondary student: Secondary Student – A student currently enrolled in a high school
program. |
Secondary Student: A student currently enrolled in a high
school program. (Secondary students may be concurrently enrolled in
postsecondary programs.) |
Change: Add a parenthetical phrase. Rationale: The U.S. Department of Education now allows
any student to demonstrate ability to benefit from a post-secondary program
by successfully completing 6 credits or 225 hours. See Proposal #09-172E. |
|
|
Standards
and Criteria: Measures
or expectations set forth by NACCAS used in making an evaluation and/or
verification. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. |
|
|
Written
Documents: Documents that are produced
in written copy, web-based, or any other printable media format. |
Change: Add a new term to the glossary. Rationale: Throughout the Standards there are criteria
referring to written documents. Such as a “written” catalog. The Commission wants school to understand
that it may comply with these criteria
in various ways. |
|
Policy
on Advertising |
Proposed
Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Current
Footnote: [1] When an
institution submits its application for accreditation, if any other names are
used, a list of these must be attached to the application. The Commission allows use of an abbreviated
or shortened version of the school name in certain instances where the school
is clearly identifiable as the same institution. Example: Example: Charles and An expanded
campus facility that offers different programs than the main facility may be
identified as a separate department of the main campus. Example:
Charles and |
[1] When an
institution submits its application for accreditation, if any other names are
used, a list of these must be attached to the application. The Commission allows use of a Example: Example: Charles and An expanded
campus facility that offers different programs than the main facility may be
identified as a separate department of the main campus. Example:
Charles and The
word ‘academy’, ‘school’, ‘institute’, ‘college, etc. can never be abbreviated. |
Change:
Clarify what is acceptable when an institution uses a shortened version of
its name. Rationale: Over the past several years a number of
schools have adopted names which subsequently were not approved by the
Commission. |
|
Current
Standard IV, Criterion 8: 8. Advertising
of financial aid includes a qualifying statement (e.g. financial aid
available for those who qualify). Current item 3f in the Policy on Advertising: 3. Any advertising by an institution or by its
agents and representatives, with particular attention to advertising directed
at prospective students, shall be accurate with regard to the institution or
program in terms of: f. Student financial assistance programs, whatever
the source. |
Move
Standard IV, Criterion 8 to become item 3f in the Policy on Advertising 3. Any advertising by an institution or by its
agents and representatives, with particular attention to advertising directed
at prospective students, shall be accurate with regard to the institution or
program in terms of: f.
Student financial assistance programs, whatever the source (advertising
of financial aid includes a qualifying statement that financial aid is
available to those who qualify). |
Change:
Eliminate Standard IV, Criterion 8 but
incorporate the language from
Standard IV, Criterion 8 into the Policy on Advertising to require advertising of financial aid to
include a qualifying statement that financial aid is available only to those
who qualify, |
|
Admissions: Catalog Requirements and Checklist |
Proposed
Change |
Change
/ Rationale |
|
Current
paragraph 4: A
copy of this checklist is to accompany each catalog copy sent to the
Commission, and this form is also a required exhibit for the Institutional
Self-Study for Standard IV, Criterion I. For each of the items below, review
the relevant section of your catalog to determine if it contains all of the
information required by the item in the NACCAS Catalog Requirements. Write
the item number from the Catalog Requirements next to the requirement in the
catalog and list the appropriate page number(s) from the catalog on this
checklist where the information can be found. |
Proposal
#09-166 - Proposed
Language: A
copy of this checklist is to accompany each catalog copy sent to the
Commission, and this form is also a required exhibit for the Institutional
Self-Study for Standard IV, Criterion I.
The cross-referenced catalog
submitted with the ISS must be translated into English. For each of the items below,
review the relevant section of your catalog to determine if it contains all
of the information required by the item in the NACCAS Catalog Requirements.
Write the item number from the Catalog Requirements next to the requirement
in the catalog and list the appropriate page number(s) from the catalog on
this checklist where the information can be found. |
Change: Amend
paragraph 3 to require the catalog to be in English or translated into
English. Rationale: The Commission transacts its deliberations
and decision-making in English. |
|
Current item
11: _____ 11.
*Refund Policy: Refund policy must
comply with the NACCAS Withdrawal and
Settlement Policy and Minimum Refund Guidelines and state or federal
mandated policies. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment _____ 11.
*Refund Policy: Refund policy must
comply with the NACCAS Cancellation and
Settlement Policy and |
Change:
Replace the term “minimum refund guidelines” with “tuition adjustment
schedule” |
|
Contract: Enrollment Agreement Requirements and Checklist |
Proposed
Change Proposal #09-167 |
Change /
Rationale |
CONTRACT: ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND CHECKLIST
A contractual relationship exists
between an institution and its applicant or student. The terms of such agreement are considered
to be of substantial importance and should be clearly understood by all
concerned parties, including unsophisticated applicants and parents. Therefore, an institution is required to
utilize a written enrollment agreement clearly outlining the obligations of
the institution and the student, including details of the institution’s
refund policy, and to provide a copy of the agreement to the applicant before
any payment is made. Any changes to
terms[3]of
the enrollment agreement must be acknowledged by both parties by signature or
initialing the changes. This checklist
has been prepared to assist schools in interpreting the Standards for
accreditation and to serve as a guide in preparing contracts. |
A contractual relationship exists
between an institution and its applicant or student. The terms of such agreement are considered
to be of substantial importance and should be clearly understood by all
concerned parties, including unsophisticated applicants and parents. Therefore, an institution is required to
utilize a written enrollment agreement clearly outlining the obligations of
the institution and the student, including details of the institution’s
refund policy, and to provide a copy of the agreement to the applicant before
any payment is made other than a
non-refundable application fee not to exceed $100.00. Any changes to terms[4]of
the enrollment agreement must be acknowledged by both parties by signature or
initialing the changes. This checklist
has been prepared to assist schools in interpreting the Standards for
accreditation and to serve as a guide in preparing contracts [The rest of the Enrollment Agreement
Requirements and Checklist would remain unchanged.] |
Change: Make clear the institution may retain the
application fee and that the fee may not exceed $100.00. Rationale: There has been some confusion among school
officials and NACCAS evaluators, which
this change should eliminate. |
|
Student
Support Services: Internal Grievance
Procedure Policy and Guidelines |
Proposed Change -- Proposal 09-168 |
Change
/ Rationale |
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES: INTERNAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE POLICY
Each
accredited institution must have an internal complaint or grievance procedure
to resolve student complaints at the local level. A student with a complaint must exhaust the
institution’s internal complaint process before submitting the complaint to
the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. The
school must describe its internal complaint process in the Institutional
Self-Study submitted to NACCAS and it will be reviewed during the on-site
evaluation, either special or regular. |
STUDENT
SUPPORT SERVICES: INTERNAL GRIEVANCE
PROCEDURE POLICY Each
accredited institution must have an internal complaint or grievance procedure
to resolve student complaints at the local level. The
school must describe its internal complaint process in the Institutional
Self-Study submitted to NACCAS and it will be reviewed during the on-site
evaluation, either special or regular. Policy
Requirements: At a minimum: a) The policy must be written and identified
as a complaint or grievance policy. b)
Students must be informed of the policy at the beginning of the course or
program. c)
The policy must clearly define the steps a student must take to file a formal
grievance. d)
Forms, if applicable for filing a
complaint are made available to students. e)
Records of complaints and their resolution, as applicable, are retained
according to the school’s record keeping policy for review by the NACCAS
on-site visit team. The
school may refer to the |
Change: Provide additional details in NACCAS’
policy for student complaints to schools. Rationale: The Commission’s committee that handles
student complaints has received complaints from students who were unclear
about their schools’ procedures for handling student complaints. |
|
Withdrawal and Settlement Policy and
Checklist and Minimum Refund Guidelines |
Proposed
Change -- Proposal 09-169 |
Change /
Rationale |
|
Policy VII.01 - Current items 2 and 3 ______ 2. A student (or in the case of a student under legal age,
his/her parent or guardian) cancels his/her contract and demands his/her
money back in writing, within three business days of the signing of the
enrollment agreement or contract. In
this case all monies collected by the school shall Be refunded except an application fee. This policy applies regardless of whether
or not the student has actually started training. ______ 3. A student cancels his/her contract after three business days
after signing, but prior to entering classes.
In this case he/she shall be entitled to a refund of all monies paid
to the school less an application, registration or enrollment fee of (state
the amount for each course of study).
…. |
Revise
items 2 and 3 in the current policy. ______ 2. A student ______ 3. A student cancels …. [The rest of the policy would
remain unchanged.] |
Change: Require both the student and
legal guardian to receive a copy of the contract. Include the provision allowing the
school to retain an application fee and fees for non-returnable items such as
kits. Rationale: Be clear on fees which do
not need to be included in refund calculations under NACCAS’ policy. |
|
Satisfactory
Progress Policy and Checklist |
Proposed Change - Proposal 09-170:
|
Change / Rationale |
|
Current Policy
IX.01: EVALUATION
OF STUDENTS: SATISFACTORY PROGRESS POLICY AND
CHECKLIST FOR PROGRAMS MEASURED IN CLOCK HOURS OR COMPETENCIES
A
copy of this checklist is to accompany each Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy sent to the Commission, and this form is also a required exhibit for
the Institutional Self-Study for Standard IX, Criterion 5. For each of the
items below, review the relevant section of your policy to determine if it
contains all of the information required by the item in the NACCAS
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Then list the item number on your
policy where the information can be found. ____ 1. Each school must apply, to any
student eligible to receive Title IV federal student financial aid, formal standards to measure
that student’s satisfactory progress toward
graduation. The progress
standards must comply with applicable
Title IV regulations. ____ 2. The satisfactory progress standards
must be compiled in writing, and identified as a satisfactory progress
policy. The policy must be provided to
the public upon request, and given to
each student by the first class session. ____ 3. The policy must be applied
consistently to all Title IV students enrolled in a specific program and
scheduled for a particular category of attendance (part-time/full-time). ____ The policy may, at the school’s option,
apply only to Title IV students, provided that the standards of the policy are the same as, or
stricter than, those applied to students enrolled
in the same program who are not eligible to receive Title IV assistance. 4. The policy must include, at a
minimum, the following elements: ____ a. A quantitative component that
consists of a maximum time frame in which a student must complete his or her
educational program. The time
frame must be no longer than 150% of
the published length of the educational program measured in academic years,
non-standard terms, or clock hours completed. ____ A leave of absence may extend the
student’s contract period and maximum
time frame by the same number of days in the leave of absence. ____ b. The school must specify which
qualitative factors will be evaluated to determine academic progress, using a
reasonable system of grades, work projects completed, and/or comparable
factors measurable against a norm. The
school must establish a grading scale which includes a minimum acceptable
level of progress requiring at least the equivalent of a 70% grade average or project completion
rate. ____ c. The
school shall establish the number of
evaluation periods, for students in clock-hour programs that require
an evaluation at least by the mid-point of the academic year. ____ d. Determination of Status – The
policy must specify that only students who maintain satisfactory progress are
eligible to receive Title IV assistance.
Students who meet
the minimum requirements for attendance and academic progress shall be
considered to be making satisfactory progress
until the next scheduled evaluation. ____ e*.
Probation (Optional) – A school may provide that students not meeting the
minimum requirements for attendance or academic progress are considered to be
making satisfactory progress while on probation. ____ Schools that choose to use probation must
publish in their policy the requirements students must meet to have the
probationary status lifted, as well as the
length and number of probationary periods allowed. ____ If during probation students will be
deemed eligible to receive Title IV funds, the school’s policy must state
that the students will be considered to be making satisfactory progress while on probation. ____ f. Reasonable provisions regarding
temporary interruptions must be detailed in the school’s policy and must
address the status of students re-entering school. For example, it would be unreasonable to
place students not making satisfactory progress on a two-week leave of
absence and subsequently, upon their return to school, consider them to be
making satisfactory progress. ____ g*.
Course incompletes, repetitions and non-credit remedial courses generally do
not apply to cosmetology or massage schools.
If the school has a policy, however, the
policy must be stated. Otherwise, the
school’s policy must state that these items have no effect upon the schools’
satisfactory progress standards. ____ h. Appeal Procedure – A school must
establish and publish procedures available
to a student to appeal a negative progress determination. Cases of
appeals must be documented. ____ i. Reinstatement of Aid – The policy
must outline specific procedures whereby Title IV aid will be reinstated to
students who have re-established satisfactory progress status. ·
Mark N./A of your institution does not have this
option. |
Proposal 09-170:
EVALUATION OF STUDENTS:
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS POLICY AND CHECKLIST FOR PROGRAMS MEASURED IN CLOCK
HOURS OR COMPETENCIES
A
copy of this checklist is to accompany each Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy sent to the Commission, and this form is also a required exhibit for
the Institutional Self-Study for Standard IX, The school’s
policy: ____ 1.
Is written and identified as a Satisfactory Progress Policy. [Moved from item 2.] ____ [Language in parenthesis moved
from item 3.] ______ 3.
Complies with applicable Title IV regulation. [Language moved from item 1.] ____ ____ ____
[Language modified and more
from item 4a.]
_____
7. Includes a maximum ____ 8.
Ensures that a
____ ____ 10*. Schools that choose to use
probation must publish in their policy the requirements students must meet to
have the probationary status lifted, as well as the length and number of
probationary periods allowed. ____ 11*. If during probation students
will be deemed eligible to receive Title IV funds, the school’s policy must
state that the students will be considered to be making satisfactory progress while on probation. ____ ____ ____ ____ i. Reinstatement of Aid – The policy
must outline specific procedures whereby Title IV aid will be reinstated to
students who have re-established satisfactory progress status. ·
Mark N/A if your institution does not have this
option. |
Change: Make
clear that grading must be cumulative. Number each item for ease in
cross-referencing. Make clear that the
maximum time frame is based on a student with 100% attendance. Eliminate
provisions regarding grading from this policy. Rationale: Grading is covered by Standard IX. Other changes address questions frequently
received from school officials. |
|
Documentation
for On-Site Evaluations |
Proposed Change – Proposal #09-171 |
Change / Rationale |
|
Current
Appendix #14a This list includes some of the
documentation from the standards and criteria that evaluation teams will need
to review during the institution’s on-site visit. These items must be readily available for
the team to review and is not an inclusive list of the items that will be
reviewed. The list shown
here currently is at the end of the policy.
It is moved up for easier comparison with the proposed changes. OTHER
DOCUMENTATION Ø Annual Report
and back-up documentation Ø The school’s
current catalog, enrollment agreement, and satisfactory progress policy Ø
The most recent
compliance audit, if the institution participates in federal student
financial assistance programs (Title IV) Ø
If the school is under a
Commission directive requiring it to have a plan to improve low outcomes, the
school must provide the visit team with: 1. Documentation on each student who contributed to a low completion rate
by dropping out of school or being expelled 2. Documentation on each graduate who contributed to a low placement rate 3. Documentation on each graduate who contributed to a low licensure or
certification rate Ø
If the school has been
required to strengthen its improvement plan, the school must make available
to the team: 1. Completion of the Institutional Effectiveness Analysis 2. Completion of the Outcomes Assessment Exercise 3. Consultation with the school’s Advisory Committee Ø On three
separate sheets of paper, the school
must make available to the team: 1. A list of
all current students in each program with their start dates 2. A list of
all graduates in each program from twelve months prior to the visit date to
the present with their start dates, scheduled graduation dates, and
graduation dates 3. A list of
all students whose enrollments have been terminated from twelve months prior
to the visit date to the present with their start and termination dates 4. Identify
students on a leave of absence, ATB students, and transfer students ACADEMIC
EVALUATOR q STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING CURRICULUM q EVALUATIONS FOR THEORY q ADVISEMENT RECORDS q STAFF MEETING MINUTES q JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR ALL STAFF MEMBERS q PROGRAM/COURSE OUTLINES q INSTRUCTOR LICENSES AND DOCUMENTATION OF
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND q INSTRUCTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS q EVIDENCE THAT INSTRUCTOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
CORRELATES WITH THEIR EVALUATIONS q PLAN FOR AND DOCUMENTATION OF INSTRUCTOR
CONTINUING EDUCATION q SCHOOL INTERNAL COMPLAINT PROCEDURE q JOB PLACEMENT RECORDS q SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS LIST AND DOCUMENTATION OF q EVIDENCE OF FEEDBACK RECEIVED FROM STUDENTS, GRADUATES, AND EMPLOYERS AND REVISIONS TO
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS q EVIDENCE OF ASSESSMENT OF FEEDBACK AND CHANGES
IMPLEMENTED BASED ON THE ASSESSMENT q SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN q LIST OF ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND MEETING
MINUTES SCHOOL
OWNER/ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATOR q SCHOOL LICENSE(S) q ALL ADVERTISING q ATTENDANCE POLICY AND RECORDS q ADMISSIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES q ABILITY-TO-BENEFIT POLICY q TRANSFER POLICY q RE-ENTRY POLICY q ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS, AND
REPORT CARDS q OPERATING PROCEDURES q RIGHT TO PRIVACY POLICY AND PROCEDURES q DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THAT THE SCHOOL COMPLIES
WITH LOCAL REGULATIONS q COPY OF STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING SCHOOL
OPERATIONS q TRAINING AGREEMENT(S) (IF APPLICABLE)
QUALIFICATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL
RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID q DEFAULT MANAGEMENT
PLAN (IF REQUIRED) q NOTES TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT (IF
APPLICABLE) q LETTER OF ELIGIBILITY FROM THE U.S.D.E. (IF
APPLICABLE) EVALUATOR WITH
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTISE (May be an evaluator in any category:
Academic, Administrator, or Practitioner) q STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING CURRICULUM q INSTRUCTOR LICENSES AND DOCUMENTATION OF
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND q INSTRUCTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS q FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES q PROGRAM/COURSE OUTLINES FOR EACH PROGRAM/COURSE OFFERED q THE COMPLETE SET OF LESSON PLANS FOR EACH PROGRAM/
COURSE OFFERED q LABORATORY OR FIELD ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR
GRADUATION q JOB PLACEMENT RECORDS q TRAINING AGREEMENT(S) (IF APPLICABLE) q INSTRUCTOR LICENSE(S) AND DOCUMENTATION OF
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND q INSTRUCTOR
PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS Documentation for On-Site Evaluations |
Proposal
09-171 Documentation for On-Site Evaluations This list
includes some of the documentation required
by the NACCAS [The following list would be moved from the
end of the current policy to the
beginning.]
Ø Annual Report
Ø
On
three separate sheets of paper, the
school must make available to the team the following rosters: 1. [This is a combination of the current items
1 and 4) 2. 3.
4. [Combined with roster #1.} Evaluator
Categories Academic: Standards I, VI, and IX School Owner /
Administrator: Standards III, IV, and
VII Practitioner: Standards II, V, and VII DocumentS for the
ACADEMIC EVALUATOR q STATE REGULATIONS GOVERNING CURRICULUM q
q ADVISEMENT /
COUNSELING RECORDS
q PROGRAM/COURSE OUTLINES FOR q SAMPLES q PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
q EVIDENCE OF FEEDBACK q EVIDENCE OF ASSESSMENT OF FEEDBACK q EVIDENCE OF IMPROVEMENT q q DOCUMENTS FOR SCHOOL
q SCHOOL LICENSE(S) q JOB DESCRIPTION FOR ALL STAFF MEMBERS [Moved from the list for the Academic] q ADVISEMENT / COUNSELING RECORDS [Also on the
Academic’s list.] q A SAMPLE OF q ATTENDANCE POLICY AND RECORDS q ADMISSIONS POLICY AND PROCEDURES q ABILITY-TO-BENEFIT POLICY, IF APPLICABLE q TRANSFER POLICY q RE-ENTRY POLICY q q OPERATING PROCEDURES q RIGHT TO PRIVACY POLICY AND q EVIDENCE THAT q q TRAINING AGREEMENT(S) WITH OTHER ENTITIES, (IF APPLICABLE) q QUALIFICATIONS OF
q SIGNED PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT, IF APPLICABLE
q FACULTY MEETING MINUTES q INSTRUCTOR LICENSES AND DOCUMENTATION OF
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND q INSTRUCTOR PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS q EVIDENCE THAT INSTRUCTOR CONTINUING
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN MET Moved from
Academic’s list] q PLAN FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION [Moved from Academic’s list] q LIST OF SUBSTITUTE INSTRUCTORS q SUBSTITUTE INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS q SCHOOL INTERNAL COMPLAINT POLICY
q JOB PLACEMENT RECORDS
|
Change: To let schools know up front what lists and
files must be immediately available to NACCAS’ on-site evaluation teams by
moving these to the beginning of this appendix. Reassign some
responsibilities among evaluators and delete some responsibilities. Rationale: Be sure schools have documentation ready
when NACCAS evaluation teams arrive.
Distribute and balance the responsibilities among evaluation team
members. Alter the list to correspond
to changes proposed in Standards and Policies. |
|
Ability-to-Benefit
Policy |
Proposed Change - Proposal #09-172E |
Changes/Rationale |
|
Policy
#IV.02 ADMISSIONS: ABILITY-TO-BENEFIT POLICY
The
following policy applies to all NACCAS-accredited institutions or
departments: I. Admissions
Procedures for Ability-to-Benefit Students 1. Definition of an Ability-to-Benefit
Student - A student who is beyond the age of compulsory education, lacks
a high school diploma or its equivalent, and has the ability to benefit from
the education or training offered at an institution. 2. Admissions of Ability-to-Benefit
Students - In order to be admitted on the basis of his or her ability to
benefit, a student shall, prior to admission, complete either: 3 a. a nationally recognized, standardized, or
industry developed test which meets the guidelines established by NACCAS 4
(see Part II, Admissions Testing) and which measures the applicant's aptitude
to complete successfully the program or course to which he or she has applied,
or b. a session of individual counseling which
shall be in such a manner and of such type as appropriate to determine the
applicant's ability to benefit. [The remainder
of the Policy was not copied as no other changes are proposed.] |
Proposal 09-172E ADMISSIONS: ABILITY-TO-BENEFIT POLICY
The
following policy applies to all NACCAS-accredited institutions or
departments: I. Admissions
Procedures for Ability-to-Benefit Students 1. Definition of an Ability-to-Benefit
Student - A student who is beyond the age of compulsory education, lacks
a high school diploma or its equivalent, and has the ability to benefit from
the education or training offered at an institution. 2. Admissions of Ability-to-Benefit
Students - In order to be admitted on the basis of his or her ability to
benefit, a student shall, a. prior
to admission, complete a
nationally recognized, standardized, or industry developed test which meets
the guidelines established by NACCAS[5]
(see Part II, b. prior
to admission, complete a
session of individual counseling which shall be in such a manner and of such
type as appropriate to determine the applicant's ability to benefit,
or c. after
enrollment, satisfactorily complete 6 credit hours or 225 clock hours, as
applicable. [The remainder
of the Policy was not copied as no other changes are proposed.] |
Note: This change was adopted to go into effect
on August 12, 2009, but comments are requested in case modifications are
warranted. Change: Add a new option “c” for determining the
ability to benefit of students who have not completed high school or the
equivalent. Rationale: The Higher Education Opportunity Act allows
for students to show they have the ability to benefit from post-secondary
education by successfully completing 6 credits of postsecondary course work,
or the equivalent. |
Admissions: Guidelines for Admission Policies |
Proposed
Change – Proposal #09-173 |
Change/Rationale |
Admissions:
Guidelines for Admission Policies
NACCAS requires each institution to
have in place an admissions policy.
The policy must identify all requirements that a prospective student
must meet prior to enrolling in, and beginning, a specific program of
study. Required documents must be
maintained in each student’s file.
Criterion 2 states: |
Proposal#
09-173 Admissions:
|
Change: Change the guideline to a policy with which
all institutions must comply. |
|
The school's admission policies
require that each admitted student meet one of the following: a. Have a high school diploma, or its equivalent, or a
certificate of attainment (only applicable for non-Title IV recipients); |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment Note: This change will only be made if proposal
#09-119 is adopted. The school's admission policies
require that each admitted student meet one of the following: a. Have a high school diploma, or its equivalent, a transcript showing completion, or a certificate of attainment
(only applicable for non-Title IV recipients), certified/verified
by the high school’s state or other recognized agency. |
Change: Expand acceptable documentation, but
require it to be certified as valid. Rationale: In different states the valid documentation
differs. |
|
b. Be above the age of compulsory school attendance in the state
in which the school is located and fulfill criteria for admission as a
student who has the ability to benefit from the training, according to the
NACCAS Ability-to-Benefit Policy; or |
Non-Substantive
Technical Amendment Note: This change will only be made if proposal
#09-119 is adopted. b.
|
Change: Change the policy to parallel changes
proposed in Proposal #09-119 |
|
c. If enrolled under a training agreement with a government
agency, school district, and/or other entity, meet the admission requirements
set out in the training agreement and/or applicable state licensing or
certification regulations. |
No
change |
Change: None |
|
High School Diploma/GED A school may
demonstrate compliance by maintaining a copy of each student’s high school
diploma or GED certificate in the students’ school files. |
Non-Substantive Technical Amendment Note: This change will only be made if proposal
#09-119 is adopted. A
school A school must demonstrate compliance by maintaining a copy of each
student’s high school diploma, GED certificate, a transcript showing
completion, or certificate of attainment certified/verified in
the students’ school files; or |
Change: The policy should parallel the Standard. See
Proposal #09-119 |
|
A student may
also sign a notarized statement to the effect that he or she has graduated
from high school or received a GED certificate, but is unable to provide the
actual documentation. Students who
self-certify their educational degree/certification must identify the name
and address of the school where they received their education, and the date
they graduated or were awarded a GED certificate. Copies of the student self-certification
documents must be maintained in each student’s file. |
A student |
Change: Require self-certifications to be
notarized. Rationale:
The effort to self-certify high school completion should be as great as to
obtain a copy of a diploma, transcript, GED, certified home schooling, or
certificate of attainment. |
|
Proof of Age or Health Certificate Document proof of age with a drivers
license, birth certificate or passport.
Document health with a certificate, if required. |
No change. |
Change: None. |
|
Ability-to-Benefit For schools that accept ability to
benefit students, the school must maintain documentation of the results of
each student’s test for verification that the student has achieved a passing
score. Information on the third-party
test administrator also must be maintained. |
No Change. |
Change: None. |
|
Training Agreements For schools that enroll students
through a training agreement with another entity, the school is not required
to have a separate contract with each individual student. However, the school must maintain copies of
any training agreements with a list of students enrolled through the
agreement. |
No
Change. |
Change: None. |
C:\NACCAS Docs\Commission Matters\Call for Comment
2009\DRAFT Call for Comment Side-by-Side (Merged Docs)(12-09-09) V2.doc
[1] In addition to the changes noted
above, the first two rows of Appendix #9’s “Guide to Change of Ownership
Categories of Change and Their Requirements” grid will be deleted.
[2] The reorganization of and amendments
to By-Laws Article XX (and the
corresponding addition of complaint procedures to new Sections 6.9-6.11 of the Rules) are too substantial to create a
readable marked text. Readers are
encouraged to review the side-by-side comparison carefully.
[3]
Changes to the terms of the enrollment agreement may be on either the
original agreement or on an addendum to the agreement.
[4]
Changes to the terms of the enrollment agreement may be on either the
original agreement or on an addendum to the agreement.
[5] Section 484(d) of the Higher Education Act of
1965, as amended, requires for periods of enrollment beginning on or after July
1, 1991, that in order to be eligible to receive Title IV aid, a student who
lacks a high school diploma or its equivalent must pass an independently
administered test approved by the Secretary of Education.