CODE OF VIRGINIA

(EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2016) AUTHORITY OF THE COUNCIL; REGULATIONS; STANDARDS FOR
POSTSECONDARY SCHOOLS; DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO DIRECTOR (§ 23.1-215)

A. The Council shall adopt, pursuant to the Administrative Process Act (§
2.2-4000 et seq.), such regulations as may be necessary to implement the
provisions of this article, including (i) procedures by which a postsecondary
school may apply for Council approval to confer degrees in the Commonwealth;
(ii) measures designed to ensure that all postsecondary schools that are subject
to the provisions of this article meet the minimal standards established
pursuant to subsection B; (iii) protections for students pursuing postsecondary
education opportunities in postsecondary schools subject to the provisions of
this article; and (iv) information to assist persons who rely on postsecondary
degrees or certificates to judge the competence of individuals in receipt of
such degrees or certificates.

B. The Council shall establish minimal standards for postsecondary schools that
include standards for faculty preparation and experience, educational programs,
physical plants, additional locations, finances, guaranty instruments,
advertising and publications, maintenance of student records, personnel
qualifications, student services, the method for collecting and refunding
tuition and fees, library resources and services, organization and
administration, changes of ownership or control, procedures for student
admission and graduation, agent or solicitor requirements, consistency of a
postsecondary school’s stated purpose with the proposed offerings,
reporting requirements, and any other relevant standards or requirements adopted
by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

C. The Council shall prescribe the manner, conditions, and language to be used
by a postsecondary school or agent of such school to disclose or advertise that
the postsecondary school has received certification from the Council to offer
postsecondary programs in the Commonwealth.

D. The Council may establish separate certification criteria for various
postsecondary school classifications.

E. The Council may grant to its director the authority to take specific actions
on its behalf in furtherance of the provisions of this article.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 23-268; 1980, c. 658; 1996, cc. 691, 832; 2002, c. 178,
§ 23-276.3; 2004, c. 991; 2005, c. 447; 2016, c. 588.