State Authorization Timeline Clarification and New Resource

May 24, 2011

Before we get to some great resources from SHEEO, NCHEMS, Ohio Learning Network, and UMassOnlne, we’ll address a question we have received often.  Since the release of the second ‘Dear Colleague’ letter by the U.S. Department of Education, we have been asked about the meaning of the new deadlines.  Can we wait?

Of course the answer is a simple “yes”……..and “no”…

For the U.S. Department of Education…

• Enforcement of the regulation has been delayed until July 1, 2014.  This allows time for institutions to comply and for the creation of reciprocal agreements.
• Beginning July 1, 2011, institutions are supposed to demonstrate a ‘good faith’ effort to reach compliance in states in which they serve students. The elements of ‘good faith’ need further definition.  The penalty, if any, for not demonstrating ‘good faith’ is unclear.

For the states…

• They expect that you are in compliance with their laws and regulations prior to enrolling the first student in that state.  The actions of the federal government have no impact on the laws and regulations of the individual states. […]