NACCAS 2011 CALL FOR
COMMENT
comparison
of proposed changes
to
standards, criteria, rules, appendices and by-laws
General
Notes on Changes:
1.
More than one Proposal may relate
to the same provision of NACCAS’ Standards, Policies, Rules of Practice and
Procedure, Appendices, By-Laws or Glossary. Unless otherwise noted, all proposals
relating to a given Standard, Policy, etc. are included in a comprehensive
mark-up of that provision.
2.
Language to be deleted is
overstruck (overstruck) and language to be added is in bold, underlined text.
3.
In general, footnotes to the
Standards, Policies, etc. in the attached Proposals have not been
included in this document except where they are marked to show changes
(such as deletion of the footnote).
Footnotes included in this document solely to explain a Proposal are in
BOLD
CAPS.
4.
Any
Proposal adopted under emergency action is given a Proposal Number with an
“E”. Effective dates for each such
Proposal are noted in the Call for Comment Survey
document.
5.
NOTE: The proposed changes under (1) Proposals
2011-37, -38, -44, -54 and -55 and (2) Proposal 2011-52E are sufficiently
extensive that blacklined text showing changes does not result in a readable
document. Interested parties are
urged to compare the text of these proposals against the current versions of the
applicable rules and appendices, available at http://www.naccas.org/.
Proposal 2011-01: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard II, Criterion 9 to clarify that each instructor must
receive a written performance evaluation at least once every 12
months.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard
II
II.
INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF
The
institution 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.
D 1. Instructors hold teaching
credentials demonstrating compliance with applicable state requirements.
A 2. Qualified substitute instructors
are familiar with the institution's curriculum, policies and procedures.
A 3. Qualified substitute instructors
are used when needed.
D 4. Instructors attend meetings
according to the institution’s policy.
A 5. Instructor meeting topics are
relevant to the institution’s stated mission and educational
objectives.
D 6. The institution has a written
plan for continuing education for all instructors.
D 7. The written plan requires all
instructors 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.
D 8. Continuing education, completed in
person or online, includes a minimum of 4 hours in teaching
methodology.
D 9. Each instructor receives a written
performance evaluation at least annually once every 12
months.
D 10. The evaluation includes, at a minimum,
teaching preparation and effectiveness.
Proposal 2011-02E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard III by adding new Criterion 17, requiring that any
information provided to applicants, enrollees, or students that is relevant to
their decision to enroll in the institution or to satisfactorily complete the
course and/or program must be available in the language in which the course will
be taught.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard
III
III.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The
institution 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.
D1. The institution is
legally authorized to provide training.
O 2. Appropriate licenses and
certificates issued by state and/or other regulatory authorities are publicly
displayed.
A/O/D
3. The institution complies with
applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations governing the
operations of the institution including the NACCAS Rules of Practice and
Procedure.
D 4. The institution has adopted
written operating policies and procedures.
A 5. The institution’s written
operating policies and procedures are implemented and maintained
effectively.
D 6. The institution effectively
administers all the student financial assistance programs in which the
institution participates.
D 7. The institution has current,
signed participation agreement(s) and Eligibility Certification Approval Report
(ECAR) listing approved courses and/or programs, if applicable;.
D 8. If participating in federal loan
programs, the institution maintains an official cohort default rate below the
threshold established by the U.S. Department of Education.
D/O 9.
Advertising for the institution is
factual.
D10.
Advertising conforms to the NACCAS Policy on
Advertising.
D 11. The institution maintains copies of any
training agreements with government agencies, school districts and/or other
entities, if applicable.
D 12. The institution guarantees each student
(or parent or guardian if the student is a dependent minor) access to that
student's records.
D 13. The institution complies with the Family
Education Right to Privacy Act.
D 14. The institution provides access to
student and other institution records as required for any accreditation process
initiated by the institution or by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts
and Sciences, or in response to a directive of the
Commission.
O
15. All institution records are
maintained and safeguarded against loss, theft, identify theft, or
damage.
A 16. The institution utilizes technologies and
practices that are effective in verifying the identity of a distance-learning
student who participates in class or coursework (such as a secure login and pass
code or proctored examinations) while protecting student privacy.
A/D 17.
Any information provided to applicants, enrollees, or students that is
relevant to their decision to enroll in the institution or to satisfactorily
complete the course and/or program must be available in the language in which
the course will be taught.
Proposal 2011-03: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV, Criterion 1(a) to clarify the (non-exhaustive)
list of evidence of successful completion of high school or its equivalent.
Proposal 2011-04: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV by adding new Criterion 2, providing that a
limited number of secondary students who are not enrolled under a training
agreement as described in Standard I, Criterion 1(d) (no more than 10% of the
number of students currently enrolled) may be admitted if the applicant meets
the state requirements for admission, obtains permission in writing from the
secondary institution in which the applicant is enrolled and successfully
completes a pre-enrollment evaluation as established by the institution.
Proposal 2011-05E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV by adding new Criterion 7, requiring
pre-enrollment disclosure of median loan debt, private education loan debt and
amounts owed under institutional financing plans, in each case on a program
basis.
Proposal 2011-06: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV by adding new Criterion 9, requiring that an
enrollment agreement must be fully executed prior to the enrollee starting
classes.
Proposal 2011-07E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV by adding new Criterion 17, requiring
pre-enrollment disclosure of the rationale for offering a program longer than
required by the state, and the benefits to students derived from the additional
training.
Proposal 2011-08E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IV by adding new Criterion 18, requiring
pre-enrollment disclosure of generally known prerequisites for employment and
factors that might preclude individuals from employment in the field for which
training is provided.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard IV
IV.
ADMISSIONS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
The
institution has published student admissions policies that are appropriate for
the educational courses and/or program(s), and the institution follows these
policies.
D 1. The institution'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 Proof of successful completion of high
school or its equivalent as evidenced by any of the items on the following
non-exhaustive list: copy of diploma, copy of GED certificate, copy of a
transcript showing high school completion, a self-certification by student (if
the school accepts self-certification, the policy must so state) or a
certificate of attainment (only applicable to non-Title IV recipients, etc.;
or
b.
Have a state-issued credential
for secondary school completion if home
schooled; or
c.
Have the ability to benefit from the
training, according to the NACCAS Ability to
Benefit Policy.
d.
If attending 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 2. A limited number of
secondary students who are not enrolled under a training agreement as described
in item d above (no more than 10% of the number of students currently enrolled)
may be admitted if the applicant meets the state requirements for admission,
obtains permission in writing from the secondary school in which the applicant
is enrolled and successfully completes a pre-enrollment evaluation as
established by the institution.
D 23. The institution’s written catalog
complies with the NACCAS catalog requirements.
D
34. Before accepting an applicant for
admission, the institution provides the applicant access to the
institution’s catalog.
D
45. Before enrollment each applicant is provided
access to written information that accurately reflects the most recent annual
report year statistics.
D
56. Before enrollment each applicant is
provided access to written information that accurately reports the certification
or licensing requirements of the jurisdiction for which it is preparing
graduates.
D 7. Before enrollment each
applicant is provided access to written information that accurately reports the
median loan debt incurred by students who completed each program identified
separately as Title IV loan debt, if applicable, and debt from private
educational loans and institutional financing plans based on what is owed when
students complete their programs for the most recent NACCAS Annual Report
year.
D
68. The institution uses an enrollment
agreement that complies with the NACCAS Enrollment Agreement Requirements.
D 9. The enrollment
agreement must be fully executed prior to the enrollee starting
classes.
D
710.
A copy of the fully executed
enrollment agreement is provided to the student enrollee and legal guardian, as
applicable.
D
811.
A copy of the fully executed enrollment agreement is maintained by the
institution.
D
912.
The institution's policies clearly state that the institution does not
discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, or ethnic origin
in admitting students.
D
103.
The institution has a policy that clearly defines how training or
education received at another
institution is applied to the receiving institution's course or program
requirements for graduation (including the possibility that no such transfer
credit is granted).
D
114.
The institution maintains a list of institutions with which they have
established an articulation agreement, if applicable.
D
125.
The institution's practices are consistent with its admissions policies
and requirements.
D
136.
The institution notifies distance-learning students at the time of
registration or enrollment of any
projected additional student charges associated with the verification of
student identity.
D 17. If an institution offers a program
that is longer than the state requirements, before enrollment, each applicant is
provided the rationale for completing the additional hours and the benefits to
be derived from the additional training.
D 18. Before enrollment, each applicant
is provided generally known prerequisites for employment and factors that might
preclude an individual from obtaining employment in the field for which training
is provided.
Proposal 2011-09E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VI by adding new Criterion 15, requiring that
distance education must be managed, controlled and delivered by the approved
institution.
Proposal 2011-10E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VI by adding new Criterion 16, requiring that
distance education cannot be used as a mode of delivery for more than 50% of any
program.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard
VI
VI. CURRICULUM
The
institution offers educational courses and/or programs congruent with the
mission of the institution and its educational objectives. Courses and/or programs incorporate job
market requirements in instruction through involvement with the institution’s
advisory committee. The institution
ensures that all courses and/or programs offered by the institution, regardless
of location or mode of delivery, are qualitatively consistent.
A/O
1.
Courses and/or programs are congruent with the mission of the institution
and its educational objectives.
A/O 2.
Courses and/or programs
meet the state requirements where the student is seeking licensure and/or
certification, if applicable.
D 3. Each student is provided with a
written program and/or course outline, at the beginning of the program and/or
course.
D 4. The course and/or program
outlines(s) must include each of the following elements:
a.
Name of the course or program;
b.
Course or program
description;
c.
Course or program educational objectives;
d.
Contents of the units of instruction and, as applicable, hours, credits
and/or competencies devoted to each unit;
e.
Instructional methods used to teach the course and/or program;
f.
Grading
procedures.
A/O 5.
In order to fulfill course and/or program
requirements, the institution makes available to students the
following:
a. Textbooks and/or text
materials,
b. Supplementary instructional resources,
c. Equipment, as applicable,
d. Products and supplies, as applicable.
A/O 6.
The institution provides students and
teachers with access to current written reference materials to support the
educational course and/or program(s) offered.
D 7. Courses and/or programs
offered by the institution comply with the applicable regulatory agency curriculum requirements. In
the absence of oversight agency regulations regarding curriculum, programs
and/or courses are designed to meet industry standards using feedback from the
institution’s advisory committee.
A 8. Each course or program
provides supervised instruction in the applicable skills and competencies.
D 9. Academic and practical
learning precede student salon or clinic activities, as applicable.
A/O 10.
Academic and practical learning methods (e.g. discussion, question and answer,
demonstration, cooperative learning, distance learning, problem solving,
interactive lecture, individualized instruction, student and classroom
presentations, labs and student salon activities, etc.) are used during the
program.
A/O 11.
Effective training aids and audiovisual materials are used to supplement
the instructional process.
D 12. Instruction in classrooms, labs, student
salons, and/or via distance learning, if applicable, is effectively organized as
evidenced by:
a. Program and/or course outlines
b. Lesson objectives
c. Evaluations
d. Other applicable instructional materials
D 13. To offer a course and/or program that exceeds
the required minimum course or program length by more than 50%, the institution
must justify the course or program length.
In accordance with the mission of the institution, the justification must
state how the course or program length is necessitated by the following
factors:
a. Industry
needs as determined and/or recommended by the institution's Advisory
Committee;
b. Special academic needs of the students served
D 14. If
an institution participates in an externship, the institution’s externship
complies with all applicable requirements established by the state regulatory
agency. In the absence of
regulations promulgated by the state regulatory agency, the institution’s
externship will comply with the NACCAS Externship Requirements Policy.
D 15. Distance education instruction must
be managed, controlled, and delivered by the approved
institution.
D 16. Distance education cannot be used
as a mode of delivery for more than 50% of any
program.
Proposal 2011-11E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII by eliminating Criterion 1 (as it is redundant).
Proposal 2011-12E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII, Criterion 2 to clarify that institutions
applying for initial accreditation must submit financial statements for the most
recent fiscal year.
Proposal 2011-13E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII, Criterion 3(b) to clarify that assets excluded
in the calculation of the composite score are also excluded in the calculation
of the acid test ratio and net worth.
Proposal 2011-14E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII, Criteria 3(c) and 3(d) to state that all
institutions must submit audited financial statements.
Proposal 2011-15E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII, Criterion 4 to clarify that institutions
participating in Title IV funding programs must submit financial statements in
accordance with federal auditing standards and guidelines.
Proposal 2011-16E: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard VII by eliminating Criterion 5 (as it is redundant
with revised Criterion 4).
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard
VII
VII.
FINANCIAL PRACTICES AND MANAGEMENT
The
institution maintains a sound financial condition and has qualified financial
management.
D 1.
Institution financial
statements and accounting documents are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.
D
21. Financial statements must be submitted no
later than six months after the end of the institution’s fiscal year.
Institutions applying for initial accreditation must submit their financial
statements for the most recent fiscal
year at the time they submit their application for initial
accreditation.
D
32. The financial statements of the
institution 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 34 C.F.R. 668.171, or the successor regulation,
or
b.
A ratio of current assets to
current liabilities of one to one or greater (acid test); a positive tangible
net worth; and a profit in the most recent accounting year or in two of the most
recent three accounting years. Any assets of the institution that are
excluded in the calculation of the composite score shall also be excluded by
NACCAS in the calculation of the acid test ratio and net
worth.
In
accordance with Section 8.18 of the NACCAS Rules of Practice and
Procedure, an institution is required to bring itself into compliance with
accreditation requirements within the time frames established in the
Rules.
In
addition, the institution’s financial statements:
c.
are prepared audited by an independent
Certified Public Accountant;
d.
are prepared on an accrual basis, and in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), either compiled or
audited.
D
43. Institutions participating in Title IV funding
programs must submit audited financial statements in accordance with federal auditing
standards and guidelines.
D 5.
Audited financial
statements must be prepared in accordance with federal auditing standards and
guidelines.
D
64. Unless superseded by a state-, federal-
or program-mandated refund policy, the
institution shall
adopt a policy that complies with
the NACCAS Withdrawal and Settlement Policy and
Checklist.
D
75. For institutions participating in federal
Title IV financial aid programs, the institutional refund
policy applies in addition to applicable returns to Title IV
programs.
D
86. The institution applies the applicable
refund policy to all terminations for any reason, by either party,
including student decision, course and/or program cancellation, or institution
closure.
D
97. The institution accurately implements the
applicable refund policy.
D
108.
The institution complies with the NACCAS Policy on Extra Instructional
Charges, if applicable.
D/A
119. Staff working
with financial and accounting records is qualified by training and/or experience
in accounting and bookkeeping.
D/A 102. Staff working with
student financial aid is qualified by training and/or experience in applicable
laws and regulations.
Proposal 2011-17: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IX, Criterion 1 to include evaluation of attendance.
Proposal 2011-18: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IX, Criterion 2 to provide that written criteria for
evaluation include rubrics or similar means, and amend the Glossary to define
“rubric.”
Proposal 2011-19: The Commission
proposes to amend Standard IX by eliminating Criterion 4.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Standard
IX
IX.
EVALUATION OF STUDENTS
The
institution uses systematic student evaluation to assist student learning and to
demonstrate satisfactory student achievement before a certificate of completion
is awarded.
D 1 Each student is
evaluated periodically on attendance, academic and/or
practical learning, as applicable.
D 2. Practical learning is evaluated
using written criteria, such as
rubrics or similar means.
A 3. Student evaluation
results are provided to students.
D/A 4.
Students are apprised of their academic
performance, practical skills development, as applicable, and attendance at
least two times during the course and/or program of study.
D
54. The institution documents that each student who
graduates or is otherwise awarded a certificate of completion has fully met the
institution's published graduation requirements.
D
65. The institution’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
complies with the NACCAS Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and
Checklist.
D 76. The institution accurately evaluates student
progress according to the requirements of the NACCAS Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and
Checklist, if applicable.
Glossary
Rubric – An assessment tool
listing specific criteria for grading or scoring practical
skills.
Proposal 2011-20E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy III.02 to provide that all institutions are required to
be in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal oversight agencies
with respect to advertising the institution, attracting prospective students, or
promoting the institution for any reason whether using written copy, web-based
information, or any other media format.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY
III.02:
The National Accrediting
Commission of Cosmetology Arts & Sciences, recognizing the desire of schools to make known
their special offerings and resources, encourages schools to hold to a high
standard of truthfulness in advertising and requires schools, at a minimum, to meet the standards set out in this
policy on advertising. All institutions are required to be in
compliance with applicable local, state, and federal oversight agencies with
respect to advertising the institution, attracting prospective students, or
promoting the institution for any reason whether using written copy, web-based
information, or any other media format.
[NO OTHER CHANGES TO POLICY
III.02]
Proposal 2011-21E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IV.01 as described more fully below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY IV.01:
ADMISSIONS
POLICY
NACCAS
requires each institution to have in place an admissions policy that identifies
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:
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 high school completion, or a certificate of
attainment (only applicable for non-Title IV recipients), or self-certification;
or
b. Have a state-issued credential for
secondary school completion if homeschooled; or
c. Have the ability-to-benefit from the
training, according to the NACCAS Ability-To-Benefit
Policy.
d. 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.
High School
Diploma/GED
NACCAS
recognizes several equivalents to a high school diploma:
•
A GED;
•
A certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state-authorized
examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school
diploma;
•
An academic transcript of a student who has successfully completed at least a
two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree;
or
•
For a student who enrolls before completing high school, a high school
transcript indicating the student has excelled in high school. The student must
no longer be enrolled in high school, must satisfy your school’s written policy
for admitting such students, and must be starting a program that leads at least
to an associate’s degree or its equivalent.
• For a student who
is unable to provide the actual documentation of high school completion or
receipt of a GED certificate, students may self-certify their educational
degree/certification by signing a notarized statement listing the name and
address of the secondary school attended, and the approximate date they
graduated or were awarded a GED certificate, if the institution’s policy allows for
it.
Homeschooling
Though homeschooled
students are not considered to have a high school diploma or equivalent, they
are eligible for admission into a NACCAS-accredited school, if the school’s
policy so states, and if their secondary school education was in a home school
that state law treats as a home or private school. Some states issue a secondary
school completion credential to homeschoolers. If this is the case in the state
where the student was homeschooled, she must obtain this credential in order to
be eligible for enrollment.
Proof of
Age
Proof of age may be
documented by various means including, but not limited to, birth certificate,
drivers license, government issued identification, birth registration, passport,
etc.
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. The institution must also maintain the
name and address of the test administrator who administers the test and any
identifier assigned to the test administrator by the test publisher or the
state. An option to testing
prior to enrollment is after enrollment, the student may satisfactorily complete
6 credit hours or 225 clock hours, if applicable.
Policy on Training
Agreements
If a NACCAS-accredited
institution enters into a training agreement with a government agency, school
district, and/or other entity, it must ensure that the following conditions are
met:
1.
In order to comply with Section 1.2 of the Rules of Practice and
Procedure, accredited institutions must have at least one student who is
contracted under its own enrollment agreement separate and apart from any
training agreements.
2.
Students attending under a training agreement are not considered
enrollees of the NACCAS-accredited institution and are not counted in the NACCAS
Annual Report.
3. The
institution is not required to have a separate contract with each individual
student enrolled under the training agreement.
4.
The institution must maintain a copy of any training agreement with a
list of students enrolled through the agreement.
5.
The training agreement must specify what is expected of the
NACCAS-accredited institution with regard to the contractual relationship (i.e.
reporting of attendance and grades, etc.).
Proposal 2011-22E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IV.02 as described more fully below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Policy
IV.02:
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,
complete either:
a. prior to admission, complete a nationally recognized, standardized,
or industry developed test which meets the guidelines established by
NACCAS (see Part II, Implementation) and which that measures the applicant's
aptitude to complete successfully complete the program or course to which
he or she has applied, or
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
cb.
For courses and/or programs of
600 hours or more, after enrollment, satisfactorily complete 6 credit
hours or 225 clock hours, as applicable.
3. Remedial Instruction -
Students who are admitted only on the basis of
counseling,
or who are unable to satisfy the
institution's testing requirements, must be enrolled in an institutionally
prescribed program or course of remedial or developmental education, not to
exceed one academic year or its equivalent in length Such a program of remedial or
developmental education shall be offered by the institution itself or through
contracts with others. It shall be
offered prior to enrollment, or concurrently with the program of study
undertaken, but it must be completed prior to graduation. The remedial program shall include
programs of instruction or self-paced programs. Courses or programs of remedial or
developmental education shall provide each student with the basic skills
necessary, according to the individual's need, for satisfactory performance in
the training or education program which the student has chosen, such as reading
comprehension skills for cosmetology or massage education. Institutions adding
remedial/ developmental programs or courses or adding a remedial component to an
accredited program are subject to Part 4 Sub-Part D of the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure dealing
with addition of new program.
4.
General Education Diploma Alternative - Students who shall receive
the general education diploma prior to certification or graduation from the
program of study or prior to the completion of the first year of the program,
whichever is earlier, are not required to meet the requirements for testing,
counseling and remedial education.
II.
Implementation
1.
Tests - Tests which are used to determine a student's
Ability-to-Benefit may be of three types:
nationally recognized tests, standardized tests, or industry developed
tests, which are approved by the United States Department of Education. For the most current list of tests
recognized by the
2.
Institutional Policy – NACCAS accredited institutions must
develop, publish, and implement institutional policies which conform to NACCAS’
Ability-To-Benefit Policy. A general statement of the school’s
Ability-To-Benefit policy shall be published in the school catalog. If the
institution does not admit Ability-To-Benefit students, this should be stated.
Catalogs may incorporate paste-overs or inserts until the next required catalog
republication.
The institution must publish in
its procedures manual or a similar document, but not necessarily
in its catalog, the elements of its policy. If testing is the manner in which
the ability to benefit from the training is determined, then the policy must, at
a minimum state that the test publisher’s guidelines are followed.
If the school admits ATB students on the basis of remediation and
counseling, then the policy, at a minimum, must
include:
1.
The name of the counseling administrator;
2.
A description of the counseling procedures
3.
A description of the remediation time-frame
4.
The remediation guidelines; and
5.
The subject matter included in the developmental instruction.
If the school admits students who
will obtain the GED prior to graduation or within the first year of training,
the institution’s policy, at a minimum, must include an indication of the time
period in which such students must obtain their GED.
3.
Record Keeping: Institutions shall develop and retain the
necessary record keeping documents, including records of tests administered,
passing scores, student scores, counseling records, name of administrator, and
records pertaining to each student’s enrollment and progress in programs of
remedial or developmental instruction. These documents shall be retained for
a period minimum of
five six years
following the student’ completion of the program, and shall be made available
upon request to NACCAS on-site examiners.
[Appendix
A (“Tests Recognized as Being in Compliance”)
is
deleted in its entirety.]
Proposal 2011-23: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IV.03 to conform to new Standard IV, Criterion 9 and to
eliminate the reference to approval of an enrollment agreement being effective
for one year from the date of the letter of approval.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY
IV.03:
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 fully executed agreement to the
applicant before any payment is made enrollee prior to starting classes. Further, an institution may not collect
any payments from an applicant other than a non-refundable application
fee not to exceed $100.00 prior to
entering into an enrollment agreement. Any changes to terms 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.
It is not necessary for the
various elements to be stated in any special phraseology or listed in any
particular sequence, as long as the overall document conveys the terms of the
agreement in a manner that can be easily understood.
Required
Elements
These elements must be included
in each enrollment agreement. A
copy of the agreement is to be furnished to the applicant before any payment is
made other than a non-refundable application fee not to exceed $100.00. Since accrediting standards require that
each applicant be fully informed as to the nature of the obligations,
responsibilities, and rights under the contract before signing it, the applicant
should also have a copy of the institution’s catalog and any other necessary
supporting documents detailing the services outlined in the enrollment
agreement.
A copy of this checklist (or the
abbreviated version found in the NACCAS Samples and Guidelines booklet) is to
accompany each enrollment agreement copy sent to the Commission, and this form
is also a required exhibit for the Institutional Self-Study. For each of the
items below, review the relevant section of your enrollment agreement to
determine if it contains all of the information required by the item in the
NACCAS Enrollment Agreement Requirements. Then list the item number of your
enrollment agreement where the information can be found.
_____
1.
Title – Identified as a contract or enrollment
agreement.
_____
2.
Institution – Name and address of the institution to be
attended.
_____
3.
Course and/or
Program(s) – Program title(s) as identified in the
catalog.
_____
4.
Length of Course and/or
Program – Number of clock hours, credit hours, or
competencies in each program or course and an approximate number of weeks
or months
required for completion.
_____ 5.
Cost –
_____ a. Tuition – Total
tuition for the course.
_____ b. Books and
Supplies – Must be actual cost to the student.
_____ c. Fees
– Must be separately identified.
_____ d. Other
Costs – All other costs and charges must be
identified.
_____ e. Payment –
Methods and terms of payment of monies owed to the institution must be
identified.
_____
6.
Starting Date – Scheduled class starting
date.
_____
7.
Calculated Completion Date.
_____
8.
Class Schedule – Identify full time or part time and the actual
hours per week the
student
is scheduled to attend.
_____
9.
Termination by Institution – Grounds for termination by the
institution and applicable administrative fee (not to exceed
$150.00).
_____
10. Refund
Policy – Must comply with the NACCAS Minimum Cancellation and
Settlement Policy and any state or federal mandated policies. (See
Separate
Policy and Checklist)
_____
11. Graduation
Requirements – List any special conditions or
requirements.
_____
12. Employment
Assistance – A clear statement that the institution does not guarantee
employment. A description of the
extent and nature of employment
assistance.
_____13.
Acknowledgement – Acknowledgement that signers have read and
received a
copy of the contract.
_____14
Applicant Signature – Date and signature of the applicant (and/or
parent or other
sponsor if the applicant is below legal age).
_____
15. Institution
Signature – Acceptance date and signature of appropriate institution
official.
_____
16. Other
Elements – Other elements required by various governmental bodies (such
as state
licensing and approval agencies).
_____
17. Conditional
Elements – The enrollment agreements (contract) must also disclose and outline any
other conditions, circumstances, or qualifications imposed by the
institution.
_____18. The
contract must be in the language in which the program will be taught.
The program will be
taught in __________; the contract is in____________.
All enrollment agreements
(contracts) must meet with state and federal truth-in-lending
requirements.
Approval of any institution’s
enrollment agreement is effective for one year from the date on the letter of
approval.
Proposal 2011-24: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IV.04 to require that catalogs include the Standard
Occupational Classification codes of the occupations for which training is
provided (and other minor technical changes).
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY IV.04:
A prospective student is entitled
to sufficient data to make an informed choice of training opportunities and
institutions. An institution is
therefore obligated to provide sufficiently detailed information in advance of
enrollment to assure that prospective students clearly understand their
opportunities, limitations, and obligations.
Prior to signing an enrollment
agreement (contract), an institution is required to provide each applicant with
access to a written publication which is readily identifiable as a catalog. The catalog provided to the student must
be written in the language in which the program(s) will be taught. The catalog is designed, written and
printed to convey an accurate and dignified impression of the institution. It avoids false, misleading and
exaggerated statements.
Illustrations and copy pertain directly to the institution, and sources
of illustrations are clearly identified.
A copy of this checklist (or the
abbreviated version found in the NACCAS Samples and Guidelines booklet) is to
accompany each catalog copy sent to the Commission, and this form is also a
required exhibit for the Institutional Self-Study (ISS). 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.
The catalog must be an organized
collection of the items listed below; however, it is not necessary to adhere to
any particular sequence or phrasing when including this information. Items marked with one asterisk (*)
must appear both in the catalog and on the contract.
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.
_____ 1.
The catalog must be written in
the language in which the program(s) will be taught.
_____ 2.
Name and address of the
institution for each location. An
unaccredited institution must be identified as such or omitted from the
catalog.
_____ 3.
Date of
publication.
_____ 4.
The school’s mission
statement.
_____ 5.
The admission requirements
(criteria) used by the institution for each program or course. The institution's admission policy must
comply with the NACCAS ability-to-benefit policy.
_____ 6.
The admission requirements used
by the institution state how training or education received at another
institution is applied.
_____ 7.
The name of each course and/or
program and the name, nature and level of occupations, identified by Standard Occupational
Classification codes (SOC), for which training is provided must be
identified.
_____ 8.
Length of Course and/or
Program: Number of clock hours,
credit hours, or competencies in each program offered by the institution in
sufficient detail to show the scope and sequence of units included. (Clearly identify the coverage of each
program or course).
_____ 9.
Description of the institution's
general facilities and equipment.
_____ 10.
The grading system used by the
institution. Identify the full
range of grades that students may earn. (Must be consistent with the
institution's Satisfactory Academic
Progress Policy).
_____ 11.
Graduation requirements for each
course and/or program. List any
special conditions or requirements.
_____ 12.
Type of document (certificate,
diploma, etc.) awarded upon graduation from each program.
_____ 13.
Refund Policy: Refund policy must comply with the
NACCAS Cancellation and Settlement Policy and Tuition Adjustment Schedule and
state or federal mandated policies.
_____ 14.
Employment Assistance: A clear statement that the institution
does not guarantee employment.
Describe employment assistance.
_____ 15.
A school calendar of beginning
dates of classes for each course and/or program. Indicate holidays and school
closures.
_____ 16.
Statement that the institution
does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, color, ethnic origin, or
religion.
_____ 17.
Name(s) of the
owner(s).
_____ 18.
The institution's policy
guaranteeing the right of students to gain access to their
files.
_____ 19.
The institution's policy for
releasing information about an individual student.
_____ 20.
Scholarship and fee waiver
policies (if applicable).
_____ 21.
Specifics describing the extent
of other available services, such as housing (if applicable), career counseling,
etc.
_____ 22.
The name(s), address(es), and
telephone number(s) of the appropriate state agency(ies) which license the
institution, as well as the name(s), address(es) and telephone number(s) of the
agency(ies) which accredit the institution.
_____ 23.
Any other material facts
concerning the institution or the program of instruction which are likely to
affect the decision of the student to enroll therein.
The following items may appear on
a dated catalog insert as long as there is a clear indication in the catalog's
table of contents that this information is so provided. If an institution chooses to use a catalog
format which is comprised of inserts or separate pages, all pages or inserts
must be dated and numbered. The
main body of the catalog must contain a complete table of contents which clearly
indicates all inserts or separate pages and the corresponding page
numbers.
_____ 24.
Policies related to tardiness,
excused and unexcused absences, make-up work, conduct, termination and other
rules and regulations of the institution.
_____ a.
Tardiness
_____ b. Excused
and unexcused absences
_____ c. Make up
work
_____ d.
Conduct
_____ e.
Termination
_____ f.
Other rules and regulations of the institution
_____ 25.
Administrative staff and
faculty.
_____ 26.
Costs for each program or
course:
_____ a. Tuition
– Total tuition for each course;
_____ b. Books
and supplies – Must be actual cost to the student;
_____ c. All fees
– Must be separately identified;
_____ d. Other
costs; and
_____ e. Payment
– Methods and terms of payment of monies owed to the institution
must
be identified.
If One Catalog Is Used For
Several Institutions
_____ 27.
All institutions which use a
common catalog must be of common ownership and this must be
indicated.
_____ 28.
Any pictures of the physical
facilities must be captioned to identify the particular institution
depicted.
_____ 29.
The members of the headquarters
administration who have supervisory responsibilities for the institutions must
be clearly identified.
_____ 30.
Any information contained in the
catalog which is not common to all institutions must be clearly
identified.
_____ 31.
The names and addresses of the
institutions which utilize the catalog must be
included.
Proposal 2011-25: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IV.05 to clarify NACCAS’ requirements for a teach-out
plan.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY
IV.05
ADMISSION POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES:
TEACH-OUT POLICY AND
CHECKLIST
Institutions may submit draft
versions of a Teach-Out Agreement to the Commission for an advisory opinion
prior to the Agreement being finalized.
A favorable opinion by the Commission will not constitute approval of the
Agreement, and does not excuse the institution from undergoing the review and
approval process once the final Agreement has been executed. The Teach-Out Plan
and/or Agreement applies also to programs which are
discontinued.
If an institution accredited by
NACCAS closes without a Teach-Out Plan or Teach-Out Agreement, NACCAS shall work
with the U.S. Department of Education and/or the appropriate state agency, to
the extent feasible, to assist students in finding reasonable opportunities to
complete their education without additional
charges.
If NACCAS approves a Teach-Out
Plan or Teach-Out Agreement that includes a program that is accredited by
another recognized accrediting agency, NACCAS will notify the other accrediting
agency of its approval.
When
developing a Teach-Out Plan and entering into a Teach-Out Agreement, the school
must follow the NACCAS Teach-Out Policy and Checklist as
follows:.
The
Teach-Out Plan notifies students about additional charges, if any, and complies
with the following:
_____
Provides students access to the program
and services without requiring them to move or travel
substantial distances.
_____
The teach-out institution(s) has the
necessary experience, resources, and support services
.
_____
The teach-out institution(s) provides an
educational program of acceptable quality.
_____
The teach-out institution has a program
that is reasonably similar in content, structure, and scheduling to the closing
institution or program.
_____
The teach-out institution is stable, can
carry out its mission, and meet all obligations to existing
students.
_____ The closing school (or program) is
responsible for submitting to NACCAS a list of students who were enrolled at the
time of closure and indicate the arrangements made for each affected
student.
_____ The closing school (or program) will
comply with applicable state and/or federal laws regarding records
maintenance.
_____ 1.
If no closure of an institution or program has occurred, an accredited
institution
must submit to NACCAS the Teach-Out Agreement entered into with another institution not later
than 15 days after entering into such
Agreement.
_____ 2.
The Teach-Out Plan and Agreement must be submitted for approval not later than 15 days following the
occurrence of a Teach-Out Event.
_____ 3.
In the event of the closure of an institution or program, the Teach-Out
Plan
and Agreement must be submitted 30 days prior to the closure
date.
_____ 4.
A copy of the enrollment agreement for each institution that will receive
students under the Teach-Out
Agreement must be submitted.
_____ 5.
A copy of the catalog for each institution that will receive students
under the
Teach-Out Agreement must be submitted.
_____ 6.
A copy of the Teach-Out institution’s license issued by the state
regulatory
agency must be submitted.
_____ 7.
Any additional information, if applicable, must be
submitted.
_____ 8.
The Teach-Out Plan notifies students about additional charges, if
any.
_____ 9.
The Teach-Out Plan provides students access to the program and services
without requiring them to move or travel substantial
distances.
10. The
Teach-Out institution(s) has the necessary experience, resources, and support
services.
11. The
Teach-Out institution(s) provides an educational program of acceptable quality
as
evidenced by state approval.
12. The
Teach-Out institution(s) has a program that is reasonably similar in content,
structure, and scheduling to the closing institution or
program.
13. The
Teach-Out institution(s) is stable, can carry out its mission, and meet all
obligations to existing students.
_____ 14. If an
institution that is party to a Teach-Out Agreement has learned that another party to the Agreement plans to close,
NACCAS must be notified.
_____ 15. The closing
school (or program) is responsible for submitting to NACCAS a
list of students who were enrolled at the time of closure and indicate
the
arrangements made for each affected
student.
_____ 16. The closing
school or program complies with applicable state and/or federal laws
regarding records maintenance.
Proposal 2011-26E: The Commission
proposes to adopt a new Policy IV.06 (Leave of Absence Policy).
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY IV.06:
An
authorized leave of absence (LOA) is a temporary interruption in a student’s
program of study. LOA refers to the specific time period during a program
when a student is not in attendance. An LOA is not required if a student is not
in attendance only for an institutionally scheduled break. However, a scheduled
break may occur during an LOA.
An LOA must meet
certain conditions to be counted as a temporary interruption in a student’s
education instead of being counted as a withdrawal requiring an institution to
perform a refund calculation.
In
order for an LOA to qualify as an approved LOA (if the institution elects to
offer LOAs):
1.
The institution must have a formal written policy regarding leaves of
absence requiring that all requests for leaves of absence be submitted in
advance in writing, include the reason for the student’s request, and include
the student signature.
a.
The policy must require a student to apply in advance for an LOA unless
unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from doing so. For example, if a
student were injured in a car accident and needed a few weeks to recover before
returning to institution, the student would not have been able to request the
LOA in advance.
b.
An institution may grant an LOA to a student who did not provide the
request prior to the LOA due to unforeseen circumstances if the institution
documents the reason for its decision and collects the request from the student
at a later date. In this example, the
beginning date of the approved LOA would be determined by the institution to be
the first date the student was unable to attend the institution because of the
accident.
2.
The student must follow the institution’s
policy in requesting the LOA;
3.
There must be a reasonable expectation that the student will return from
the LOA;
4.
Approval of the student’s request for an LOA is in accordance with
the institution’s policy;
5.
The institution may not assess the student any additional
institutional charges as a result of the LOA;
6.
The LOA together with any additional leaves of absence must not exceed a
total of 180 days in any 12-month period;
7.
A student granted an LOA that meets these criteria is not considered to
have withdrawn, and no refund calculation is required at that
time.
8.
The institution must extend the student’s maximum time frame and the
contract period by the same number of days taken in the LOA. Changes to the
contract period on the enrollment agreement must be initialed by all parties or
an addendum must be signed and dated by all
parties.
9.
At an institution that is not required to take attendance, if a student
does not return to the institution at the expiration of an approved LOA (or a
student takes an unapproved LOA), the student’s withdrawal date is the date the
student began the LOA. At an institution required to take attendance, the
withdrawal date for the purpose of calculating a refund is always student’s last
day of attendance. (See the NACCAS Withdrawal and Settlement Policy and
Checklist).
Proposal 2011-27E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy VII.01 to require that the institution must identify
whether refund calculations are based on scheduled or actual hours.
Proposal 2011-28E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy VII.01 to require that the date of withdrawal
determination shall be the earlier of the scheduled date of return from the
leave of absence or the date the student notifies the institution that the
student will not be returning.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY VII.01:
FINANCIAL PRACTICES &
MANAGEMENT:
WITHDRAWAL AND SETTLEMENT POLICY
AND CHECKLIST
The intent
of the NACCAS Withdrawal and Settlement Policy & Checklist is to see that
each applicant/student is assured minimum conditions of refund, and that the
institution will be assured of its integrity if it meets these standards. When
calculating refunds, the school must use the policy mandated by state and/or
federal regulatory agencies for each student. In the absence of such mandated
policies, the school must apply a fair and equitable policy that contains all
the elements of this Checklist and is at least as liberal as the NACCAS Tuition
Adjustment Schedule. Schools may have more liberal policies and the Commission
encourages such practices.
A copy of
this checklist is to accompany each catalog and enrollment agreement sent to the
Commission, and this form is also a required exhibit for the Institutional
Self-Study for Standard VII. For
the applicable items below, you will review the relevant section of your refund
policy in both your catalog and enrollment agreement to determine if it contains
all of the information required. Then list the item number in the refund policy
in your catalog or enrollment agreement where the information can be found. If
the Commission receives information that an institution is not complying with a
mandated policy, it shall take appropriate action pursuant to the Rules of
Practice and Procedure.
All
Policy Requirements
The
Policy:
____
1.
Is stated in clear language that can be easily
understood.
____
2.
Applies to all terminations for any reason, by either party, including
student decision, course or program cancellation, or school
closure.
____
3.
Complies with the mandated policy.
____
4. Requires that refund calculations are performed
and refunds made timely.
NACCAS
Refund Policy Requirements (Schools using a mandated state
and/or federal regulatory agency or special programs, will not complete the
remainder of the checklist).
The policy
requires that:
____ 5. The institution must identify
whether refund calculations are based on actual hours or scheduled
hours.
____
56.
Monies due the applicant or
student are refunded within 45 days of official cancellation or
withdrawal.
Official
cancellation or withdrawal shall occur on the earlier of the dates
that:
____
67. An
applicant is not accepted by the school and is entitled to a refund of all
monies except a non- refundable application fee.
____
78. A student
or legal guardian cancels the contract and demands his/her money back in
writing, within three business days of signing the enrollment agreement
regardless of whether the student has actually started training. All monies
collected by school are refunded except a non-refundable application fee.
____
89. A student
cancels the contract after three business days of signing, but prior to entering
classes. In this case student is entitled to a refund of all monies paid to the
school less an application fee, if applicable, and registration fee of (state
the amount for each course of study).
____
910. A student notifies the institution
of his/her withdrawal.
____ 110. A student
on an approved leave of absence notifies the school that he or she will not be
returning. The date of withdrawal determination shall be the
earlier of the scheduled date of
return from date of expiration of the leave of absence or the
date the student notifies the institution that the student will not be
returning.
____ 121. A
student is expelled by the school.
____ 132. In type 7,
8, 9 or 10 official cancellations or withdrawals, the cancellation date will be
determined by the postmark on written notification, or the date said information
is delivered to the school in person.
The Policy
Requires that:
____ 143. Unofficial
withdrawals for clock hour students are determined by the school through
monitoring clock hour attendance at least every thirty
days.
____ 154. For a
school that is required to take attendance, the required date of the refund is
determined by counting from the date the withdrawal was determined. However, for
clock hour schools, the refund is calculated based on the student’s last date of
attendance.
____ 165. Unofficial
withdrawals for non-clock hour students are determined by the school through
monitoring of students’ completion of class participation in learning activities
such as class assignments, examinations, tutorials, computer-assisted
instruction, participation in academic advisement, or other academically-related
activities.
____ 176. Any monies due a
student who withdraws from the institution shall be refunded within 45 days of a
determination that a student has withdrawn, whether officially or
unofficially.
____ 187. When situations
of mitigating circumstances are in evidence, schools are encouraged to adopt a
policy wherein the refund to the student may exceed the Tuition Adjustment
Guidelines.
____ 198. All extra costs, such
as books, equipment, graduation fees, etc., that are not included in the
tuition price are stated and any
non-refundable items are identified.
____
1920. A non-refundable application fee
does not exceed $100.00, if applicable.
Program
or Course Cancellation Policy
____ 210. If a program or
course is canceled subsequent to a student’s enrollment, and before instruction
in the program or course has begun, the school shall at its
option:
____ a. Provide a full refund of all monies paid;
or
____ b. Provide completion of the program or
course.
Collection Policy requires
that:
____ 221. Collection
procedures reflect good taste and sound, ethical business
practices.
____ 232. The name of
the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences is not used
in the institution’s refund policy nor in any of its collection
efforts.
____ 243. Collection
correspondence regarding cancellation and settlement from the institution
itself, banks, collection agencies, lawyers, or any other third parties
representing the institution clearly
acknowledges the existence of the withdrawal and settlement
policy.
____ 254. If
promissory notes or contracts for tuition are sold or discounted to third
parties, the third party must comply with the cancellation and settlement policy
of the institution.
____ 265. The NACCAS Minimum
Tuition Adjustment Requirements are followed.
School
Closure Policy
If a school
closes permanently and ceases to offer instruction after students have enrolled,
and instruction has begun, the school must make arrangements for
students.
The Policy
requires that:
____ 276. A pro-rata refund of tuition is
made.
____ 287. A list of all students who were enrolled
at the time of school closure including the amount of each pro rata refund is
submitted to NACCAS.
Minimum Tuition Adjustment
Schedule
For
students who enroll in and begin classes, the following schedule of tuition
adjustment will be considered to meet minimum standards for
refunds:
PERCENTAGE
LENGTH COMPLETED TO
AMOUNT OF TOTAL TUITION
TOTAL
LENGTH OF PROGRAM OR COURSE,
OWED
TO THE SCHOOL
SEMESTER OR
TERM
0.01% to
4.9%
20%
5% to 9.9%
30%
10% to
14.9%
40%
15% to
24.9%
45%
25% to
49.9%
70%
50% and
over
100%
Proposal 2011-29E: The Commission
proposes to adopt a new Policy VIII.01 (Policy on Disasters).
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY
VIII.01:
Your
institution may qualify for temporary relief from compliance with NACCAS
standards and other accreditation requirements if it has been affected by
floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fires, earthquakes, or other disaster, and
is located in a disaster area designated by the Federal Emergency Management
Administration or the governor of the state in which it is
located.
You
must notify NACCAS immediately if:
1.
The school or a significant part of its facilities have been
destroyed.
2.
You have ceased teaching students for any days not listed in your
catalog.
3.
There are circumstances that might affect your ability to comply with
accreditation standards or procedures.
Send
your notice to:
Executive
Director
NACCAS
These
notices are required under Section 5.3 of NACCAS’ Rules of Practice and
Procedure.
If you
would like the Commission to waive or grant an extension or postponement for any
requirement, please specify this in your notice.
Example: If your school must be closed for a few
days for repairs, the Commission will grant a temporary waiver of the
requirement that the institution be continuously open and operating and training
students.
The
Commission also advises you to notify your case management team at the United
States Department of Education without delay. The Department grants relief on a
case-by-case basis.
Proposal 2011-30E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IX.01 as described more fully below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY IX.01:
Evaluation of Students:
Satisfactory Academic 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. For each of the items below, review the relevant
section of your policy to determine if it contains all of the information
required. Then list the item number on your policy where the information can be
found. Enter an N/A for any item that does not
apply to the institution’s policy.
For example, a school may not offer federal financial aid
programs.
The
Institution’s Policy:
____ 1.
Is written and identified as a Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy.
____ 2.
Applies to any student receiving Title IV federal student
financial aid (the institution may choose to apply Satisfactory
Progress Standards to all students including non-Title IV recipients) enrolled in a NACCAS-approved
program.
____ 3.
Is provided to applicants prior to enrollment.
____ 4.
Is applied consistently to all applicable students enrolled in a
specific program and scheduled for a particular category of attendance
(part-time/full time).
____ 5.
Includes both quantitative (attendance) and qualitative (academic performance) elements
that are evaluated on a cumulative basis at the designated evaluation periods
throughout the course or program of study.
____ 6.
Includes a maximum time frame in which a student must complete the
educational course or program that is no longer than 150% of the
published NACCAS-approved length of the
educational course or program (based on a 100% attendance
schedule) measured in academic years, non-standard terms, or clock hours
completed.
____ 7.
Ensures that a leave of absence extends the student’s contract period and
maximum time frame by the same number of days taken in the leave of
absence.
____ 8.
Contains qualitative factors that will be evaluated to determine academic
performance using a reasonable system of grades and/or work projects completed
and/or comparable factors measurable against a norm.
____ 9.
Contains a grading scale that includes a minimum acceptable level of
progress requiring at least the equivalent of a 70% cumulative grade average or
project completion rate, or a letter
grade of C, or have an academic standing consistent with the institution’s
requirements for graduation, whichever is greater.
____ 10.
Establishes evaluation periods, whether in clock hours, weeks, or months,
that are similar in length.
____ 11.
Establishes evaluation periods that require an evaluation at least by
the mid-point of the academic year or course/program, whichever comes first, for
students enrolled in clock hour programs The first evaluation must occur no
later than the mid-point of: the academic year or the course and/or program,
whichever occurs sooner.
____ 12.
Specifies that only students who maintain satisfactory progress are
eligible to receive Title IV assistance Identifies whether evaluation periods
are based on actual hours completed or scheduled hours.
____ 13.
Specifies that students who meet the minimum requirements for attendance
and academic performance are considered to be making satisfactory progress until
the next scheduled evaluation.
____ 14.
May allow for Probation (Optional) and consider students not meeting the
minimum requirements for attendance or academic performance to be making
satisfactory progress during the first probationary period. If the policy allows probation,
the policy:
____ a.
States the requirements students must meet to have the probationary
status lifted.
____ b.
States whether students on probation are considered to be making
satisfactory progress and eligible to receive Title IV
funds.
____ c.
States that if the student is placed on a second, consecutive probation,
the student will be determined as not making satisfactory
progress.
____ 14. May allow for an initial
status of satisfactory academic progress warning for students who are not
considered meeting minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress. (The
institution may elect to place the student on satisfactory academic progress probation without first placing the
student on warning. See item
below.)
____ 15. Indicates how a student can
re-establish satisfactory academic progress and/or financial aid eligibility, if
applicable.
____ 16. May allow for the status of probation for students who are not
considered meeting minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress
if:
____ 16a. The institution evaluates the student’s
progress and determines that the student did not make satisfactory academic
progress during the warning or
previous evaluation period; and
____ 16b. The student appeals the negative progress
determination at the beginning of the probationary period;
and
____ 16c. The institution determines that
satisfactory academic progress standards can be met by the end of the subsequent
evaluation period.
____ 17. May allow a student to appeal
a satisfactory academic progress determination. If the institution permits a
student to appeal a satisfactory academic progress determination, the policy
must describe:
____ 17a. How the student may re-establish
eligibility for financial aid, if applicable;
____ 17b. The reasons for which a student may
appeal such as the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or
other allowable special circumstances;
____ 17c. Documentation the student must submit
regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what
has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the achievement of
satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation;
and
____ 17d. How the results of the appeal are
documented in the student’s file.
____ 18. States that a student who
does not achieve the minimum standards is no longer eligible for Title IV, HEA
program funds, if applicable, unless the student is on warning or has prevailed upon appeal of
the determination that has resulted in the status of probation.
____ 19. Requires the institution to
notify students of any evaluation that impacts the student’s eligibility for
financial aid, if applicable.
____
1520. Details reasonable
provisions regarding temporary interruptions or Leaves of
Absence.
____ 216. Addresses
the status of students re-entering institution and requires that students
re-entering in less than six months 180 calendar days from the date
of interruption, enter in the same progress status as when they
left.
____
1722. States whether course
incompletes, withdrawals, or
repetitions and non-credit remedial courses apply to the institution, and
if so, states the policy.
____
1823. States that course
incompletes, repetitions, and non-credit remedial courses have no effect upon
the institution’s satisfactory academic progress standards if
the institution has no such items or
policies.
____ 19.
Establishes procedures available to a student to appeal a negative
progress determination.
____
20.
Requires that cases of appeals are documented.
____ 21.
Outlines specific procedures whereby Title IV aid will be reinstated to
students who have re-established satisfactory progress
status.
____ 24. Establishes that transfer
hours from another institution that are accepted toward the student’s
educational program are counted as both attempted and completed
hours.
____ 25. Describes how students have
access to satisfactory academic progress evaluation
results.
Proposal 2011-31E: The Commission
proposes to amend Policy IX.02 as described more fully below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
POLICY IX.02:
EVALUATION OF STUDENTS:
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS POLICY AND
CHECKLIST
FOR PROGRAMS MEASURED IN CREDIT
HOURS
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. For each of the items below, review the relevant
section of your policy to determine if it contains all of the information
required. Then list the item number on your policy where the information can be
found. Enter an N/A for any item that does not
apply to the institution’s policy.
For example, a school may not offer financial aid
programs.
The
School’s Policy:
____ 1.
Is written and identified as a Satisfactory Academic Progress
Policy.
____ 2.
Applies to any student receiving Title IV federal student financial
aid (the school may choose to apply Satisfactory
Progress Standards to all students including non-Title IV recipients) every student enrolled in a
NACCAS-approved program.
____ 3.
Is provided to applicants prior to enrollment.
____ 4.
Is applied consistently to all applicable students enrolled in a
specific program and scheduled for a particular category of attendance
(part-time/full-time).
____ 5.
Includes both quantitative (academic terms) and qualitative
(academic performance)
elements that are evaluated on a cumulative basis at the designated evaluation
periods throughout the course or program of study.
____ 6.
Includes a maximum time frame in which a student must complete the
educational course or program that is no longer than 150% of the NACCAS-approved published length
of the educational course or program (based on 100% attendance schedule)
measured in academic years, non-standard terms, or clock hours completed based on the number of credit hours to
complete the program measured in quarter or semester
terms.
____ 7.
Ensures that a leave of absence extends the student’s contract period and
maximum time frame by the same number of days taken in the leave of
absence.
____ 8.
Contains qualitative factors that will be evaluated to determine academic
performance using a reasonable system of grades and/or work projects completed
and/or comparable factors measurable against a norm.
____ 9.
Contains a grading scale that includes a minimum acceptable level of
progress requiring at least the equivalent of a 70% cumulative grade average or
project completion rate, or a letter
grade of C, or have an academic standing consistent with the institution’s
requirements for graduation, whichever is greater.
____ 10.
Monitors the academic progress of students at the midpoint and end of each term.
____ 11.
Specifies that only students who maintain satisfactory progress are
eligible to receive Title IV assistance. Establishes that a school participating
in Title IV, HEA programs, states a student’s successful course completion
percentage is based on the number of successfully completed credit hours (those
with a grade of 70% or higher or as otherwise defined by the institution)
divided by the cumulative number of credit hours attempted by the student at
that time.
____ 12.
Specifies that students who meet the minimum requirements for
successful course completion and academic progress academic performance are
considered to be making satisfactory academic progress until the next
scheduled evaluation.
____
13.
A student’s successful course completion percentage is based on the
number of successfully completed credit hours (those with a grade of 70% or
higher or as otherwise defined by the institution) divided by the cumulative
number of credit hours attempted by the student at the that time (those credits
for which a student has incurred a financial
obligation.
____ 14.
May allow for Probation (Optional) and consider students not meeting the
minimum requirements for attendance or academic performance to be making
satisfactory progress during the first probationary period. If the policy allows probation,
the policy:
____ a.
States the requirements students must meet to have the probationary status
lifted.
____ b.
States whether students on
probation are considered to be making satisfactory progress and eligible to
receive Title IV funds.
____ c.
States that if the student is placed on a second, consecutive probation, the
student will be determined as not making satisfactory
progress.
____ 13. May allow for an initial status of
satisfactory academic progress warning for students who are not
considered meeting minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress. (The
institution may elect to place the student on satisfactory academic progress probation without first placing the
student on warning. See item
below.)
____ 14. Indicates how a student can re-establish
satisfactory academic progress and/or financial aid eligibility, if
applicable.
____ 15. May allow for the
status of probation for students who
are not considered meeting minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress
if:
____ 15a. The institution
evaluates the student’s progress and determines that the student did not make
satisfactory academic progress during the warning or previous evaluation period;
and
____ 15b. The student
appeals the negative progress determination at the beginning of the probationary
period; and
____ 15c. The institution
determines that satisfactory academic progress standards can be met by the end
of the subsequent evaluation period.
____ 16. May allow a student to appeal a
satisfactory academic progress determination. If the institution permits a
student to appeal a satisfactory academic progress determination, the policy
must describe:
____ 16a. How the student
may re-establish eligibility for financial aid, if
applicable;
____ 16b. The reasons for
which a student may appeal such as the death of a relative, an injury or illness
of the student, or other allowable special circumstances;
____ 16c. Documentation the
student must submit regarding why the student failed to make satisfactory
academic progress and what has changed in the student’s situation that will
allow the achievement of satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation;
and
____ 16d. How the results
of the appeal are documented in the student’s
file.
____ 17. States that a student who does not
achieve the minimum standards is no longer eligible for Title IV, HEA program
funds, if applicable, unless the student is on warning or has prevailed upon appeal of
the determination that has resulted in the status of probation.
____ 18. Requires the institution to notify
students of any evaluation that impacts the student’s eligibility for financial
aid, if applicable.
____ 195. Details
reasonable provisions regarding temporary interruptions or Leaves of
Absence.
____ 2016. Addresses the
status of students re-entering school and requires that students re-entering in
less than six months 180
calendar days from the date of interruption, enter in the same progress
status as when they left.
____ 217. States whether
course incompletes, withdrawals,
or repetitions and non-credit remedial courses apply to the
school, and if so, states the policy.
____ 2218. States that course
incompletes, repetitions, and non-credit remedial courses have no effect upon
the school’s satisfactory academic
progress standards if the school has no such items or
policies.
____ 19.
Establishes procedures available to a student to appeal a negative
progress determination.
____
20.
Requires that cases of appeals are documented.
____
21.
Outlines specific procedures whereby Title IV aid will be reinstated to
students who have re-established satisfactory progress
status.
____ 23. Establishes that transfer credit hours
from another institution that are accepted toward the student’s educational
program are counted as both attempted and
completed.
____ 24. Describes how students have access to
satisfactory academic progress evaluation results.
Proposal 2011-32: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 1.2(c)(3) to conform to Rules Section
2.2(a)(iii), requiring institutions whose accreditation has been withdrawn (or
voluntarily relinquished while in withdrawal) to pay outstanding fees before
being re-admitted to candidate status.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section
1.2
Institutional General Eligibility Requirements
(c) Exceptions
to the “two years in operation” and general eligibility requirements:
(3) An
institution whose accreditation has been withdrawn by NACCAS (all appeal rights
exhausted) or which voluntarily relinquishes accreditation while in withdrawal
status may apply for candidate status immediately but must wait one (1) year
before reapplying for accreditation and, subject to the requirements of
Section 2.2(a)(iii) of these Rules, shall be treated as a new school for
all other purposes.
Proposal 2011-33: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 1.3 and 4.16(c)(6) to provide for NACCAS
approval of courses for continuing education or professional development of 150
hours or less.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section
1.3
Programs and/or Courses 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) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) Any
course for continuing education or professional development, of 150 hours or
less, taught or sponsored by the institution which the institution wishes to be
listed by NACCAS as an approved course.
Section 4.16 Definitions of
Non-Substantive Changes
(c)
Non-substantive additions or changes to program offerings:
(6) A
course is offered to prepare persons who have already graduated from
programs in the cosmetology arts and sciences or massage to prepare for state
licensing for continuing
education or professional development.
Proposal 2011-34: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 2.1(c)(4) and
2.5(b)(5) to eliminate the references to sustaining fees being billed
separately.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 2.1 Application
for Candidate Status
(c) To
initiate the application process, send to the Executive Director of NACCAS a
complete application that includes:
(1) The
application form completely filled out;
(2)
Application fee;
(3) Required
exhibits; and
(4)
Sustaining fee (billed separately).
Section 2.5 Application
for Initial Accreditation
(b)
Submit the application form to NACCAS headquarters. In order to be complete and ready for
processing, the application must include:
(1)
Application form, completely filled out;
(2) All
required exhibits;
(3)
Application fee;
(4) Deposit
toward the on-site evaluation fee submitted by certified check
and
(5)
Sustaining fee (billed separately).
Proposal 2011-35: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 3.3(b) to provide that the Executive Director
has the authority to waive the requirements of Section 3.3(b).
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 3.3 On-Site
Evaluators
(b)
Evaluator in the Field of Administration: In order to qualify as an evaluator in
the Field of Administration, a candidate must:
(1) Have a minimum of
two years of experience in an administrative position in
a NACCAS accredited school and be active in school operations;
or
(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.
The
Executive Director shall have the authority to waive the requirements of this
Section 3.3(b).
Proposal 2011-36: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.5 to eliminate the 45-day prior notice
requirement for a Category 1 change of location.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.5 Requirements
Specific to Category 1 Relocation
(a)
45
Days: A
school must notify the Commission of an anticipated change of location at least
forty-five
(45) days prior to the relocation.
Such notification shall be in writing and be sent to the Executive
Director of NACCAS.
(ab) 30
Days: An Application for Change of Location (Appl. #11) must be
completed and returned to the Executive Director of NACCAS thirty (30)
days prior to
the date the school plans on
relocating.
Proposal 2011-37: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.8 to provide that failure to timely notify
NACCAS of a change of ownership results in relinquishment of accreditation in
accordance with Section 8.13(c)(2) of the Rules.
Proposal 2011-38: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 4.8 and 4.16, Appendix #9 and the Glossary of
the NACCAS Handbook to state that NACCAS requires approval of changes of
ownership resulting in a change of control.
Proposal 2011-44: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.16(a)(3) to clarify that a change of ownership
of less than 10% is a non-substantive change provided it does not result in a
change of control.
Proposal 2011-54: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #9 to eliminate the provision stating that Commission
may order a change of ownership visit to an institution, where the new owner is
a family member with less than two years current involvement with the management
of the institution.
Proposal 2011-55: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #9 to provide that for a Category 5 Change of
Ownership, the ISS must be submitted within 90 days of the change of ownership,
or workshop attendance, whichever comes first.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.8 Change of
Control
(a) 30
days: The New Controlling Owner
must complete and return the appropriate Change of Control application and send
it to the Executive Director of NACCAS at least thirty (30) days prior to
the effective date of the Change of Control, together with the applicable
fee.
(b)
Within 6 Months: The Commission shall carry out a visit (announced
or unannounced) at the institution within six months after the effective date of
the Change of Control.
(c) When
a Change of Control takes place, if the application for a Change of Control is
not received, the accreditation of the institution shall have been relinquished
(1) in accordance with Section 8.13(c)(2) of these Rules or (2) the date the New
Controlling Owner states, in writing, the intention of not continuing as an
accredited institution, whichever comes first. An accredited institution undergoing a
Change of Control which submits the required application when due shall remain
in accredited status until such time as NACCAS denies the application and the
institution subsequently fails to appeal or has exhausted its appeal
rights.
Section 4.16 Definitions of
Non-Substantive Changes
(a)
Changes of Ownership Not
Resulting in a Change of Control:
(1)
Transfer of Non-Voting
Interests.
(2)
Transfer of less than 50% of
Voting Interests, without any Change of Control.
(3)
Transfer of Voting Interests
among existing Owners, without any Change of Control.
(4)
Transfer of the Voting Interests
of an Owner who has died or retired,
to (a) a Family Member of the deceased or retiring Owner or (b) one or
more of the remaining Owners; provided that, in either case, the person to whom
such Voting Interests are transferred
(i) is a Natural Person who (ii) has been involved in management of the
institution for at least two years preceding the transfer and who (iii) has
established and retained an Ownership Interest in the institution for at least
two years prior to the transfer.
APPENDIX
#9
CHANGE OF CONTROL CATEGORIES AND
REQUIREMENTS
|
Warning: When
a Change of Control occurs, the institution is subject to the voluntary
relinquishment provisions of Section 8.13 of the Rules UNLESS the New
Controlling Owner complies with all the requirements for a Change of
Control. |
The Commission must know, at all
times, who is in Control of an accredited institution. The Commission must be notified
of any change in the direct or indirect ownership of an institution (whether by
transfer of Voting Interests or otherwise) and must approve any Change of
Control (including any change in ownership that results in a Change of
Control). The accreditation process
that will follow a Change of Control will depend on the category into which the
Change of Control falls. The three
general categories of Change of Control are described below. Any person or entity that proposes to
acquire an ownership interest in an accredited institution is urged to contact
the Commission before the proposed acquisition becomes effective, in order to
verify the category that fits a contemplated Change of Control.
1.
Change
in organizational structure from (a) a Sole Proprietorship or General
Partnership to another form of Business Entity (or vice versa) or (b) from one
form of Business Entity to another form of Business Entity, without either the
Owners or their respective Ownership Interests changing.
1.
A
Controlling Owner ceases to Control an institution.
2.
An
existing Minority Owner becomes a Controlling Owner.
3.
A
person or Business Entity which currently Controls a NACCAS-accredited
institution acquires Control of another NACCAS-accredited institution or
multiple NACCAS-accredited institutions from the same
Owner(s).
4.
Acquisition
of Control by a person who has worked for five years or longer in a management
position at the applicable institution.
5.
Acquisition
of Control by a person who has overseen the applicable institution for five
years or longer in an administrative position at the home office of multiple
NACCAS-accredited institutions.
6.
Division
of one institution into two or more institutions.
2.
Acquisition
of Control by a person or Business Entity that has not Controlled a
NACCAS-accredited institution within the past five years.
3.
A
person or Business Entity acquires Control of an institution that has been in
(non-administrative) withdrawal status within the past eighteen months.
When
a Change of Control has characteristics in more than one Category, it will fall
in the higher numbered Category.
Change
of Control Process by Category
Requirements
Specific to Category 1
1.
At least 30 days before the effective date of the Change of Control,
submit the required application form together with:
a.
A
non-refundable application fee.
b.
Copy
of state license issued in the name of the new Owners (to be submitted within 30
days after the change in structure).
c.
If
the institution is organized as (or is a Subsidiary of) a Business Entity, a
copy of the certificate of incorporation, articles of formation or equivalent
State authorization for the formation of such Business
Entity(ies).
d.
A
report of any changes that have been made or will be made in the near future by
the institution’s New Controlling Owner (e.g., curriculum, staff, materials,
equipment, location, etc.).
e.
A
balance sheet for the institution as of the effective date of the Change of
Control (to be submitted within 30 days after the effective date of the Change
of Control), compiled by an independent certified public accountant on an
accrual basis of accounting according to GAAP.
2.
The NACCAS Board of Commissioners, a delegated Committee, or staff may
request other pertinent information.
This should be submitted within 15 days of receipt of the request.
3.
For Category 1 there is no on-site evaluation visit is
required.
Requirements
General to Categories 2 and 3
1.
At least 30 days before the expected effective date of the Change of
Control, submit the required application form, together with:
a.
A non-refundable application fee.
b.
Fully-executed copies of the Transfer Agreement and all other closing
documents, which include all of the terms of the transfer. (The closing
documents must be submitted within 7 days after the effective date of the Change
of Control). (If the New
Controlling Owner is entering into a lease agreement, a copy of the lease
agreement must also be submitted.)
c.
A copy of the state license showing the Owner(s) or statement from the
state licensing agency accepting the new Owner(s) for licensing (to be submitted
within 30 days after the effective date of the Change of Control).
d.
Biographies of the new Owner(s).
Indicate any family relationships to the former Owner(s). Indicate any business or employment
relationships with the former Owner(s) and the institution acquired or another
NACCAS-accredited institution.
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 for the institution as of the effective date of the Change of
Control (to be submitted within 30 days after the effective date of the Change
of Control), compiled by an independent certified public accountant on an
accrual basis of accounting according to GAAP.
g.
A signed statement indicating whether (i) the new Owner(s) or (ii) the
previous Owner(s) assume(s) the responsibility for refunds due to students
attending the institution prior to the effective date of the Change of
Control.
2.
The institution can request an early renewal of accreditation to combine
the Change of Control evaluation with an up-coming renewal process. The
Institutional Self-Study must be submitted not later than 90 days after the
effective date of the Change of Control, to permit the on-site visit to occur
within the required six-month timeframe.
3.
The NACCAS Board of Commissioners, a delegated Committee, or staff may
request other pertinent information.
This should be submitted within 15 days of receipt of the request.
Requirements
Specific to Category 2
1. The institution
shall undergo a partial team on-site evaluation, at the institution’s expense,
within six months after the effective date of the Change of
Control.
Requirements
Specific to Category 3
1.
The institution shall undergo a consultation prior to submitting the
Institutional Self-Study and undergoing the Change of Control visit. The consultation can be at a NACCAS
workshop, the institution, or the NACCAS office.
2.
The institution must submit an Institutional Self-Study within 90 days
after the date of approval of the Change of Control.
3.
The institution shall undergo a full-team on-site evaluation, at the
institution’s expense, within six months after the effective date of the Change
of Control.
GUIDE TO CHANGE OF CONTROL
CATEGORIES OF CHANGE AND THEIR
REQUIREMENTS
|
Requirements |
Category of
Change | ||
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
Submit application form at
least 30 days before the effective date of the Change of
Control. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Submit a non-refundable fee
with the application. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Submit a copy of the
certificate of incorporation (or applicable organizational document) for
the new Business Entity created.
If an existing Business Entity was dissolved, submit a copy of the
certificate of dissolution. |
X |
|
|
|
List Owner(s) with
specifics on any family relationships to the former Owner(s). Indicate any business or
employment relationships with the former Owner(s) and the institution
acquired, or another NACCAS-accredited
institution. |
|
X |
X |
|
Submit biographies of the
new Owner(s).
|
|
X |
X |
|
Submit the name of the
Owner or employee designated as liaison with NACCAS for accreditation
processes.
|
|
X |
X |
|
Evidence that the liaison
has attended a workshop within the previous 24 months, or evidence the
liaison is registered to attend a workshop within 90 days of the
application date. |
|
|
X |
|
Submit a signed statement
indicating which of (1) the new Owner(s) or (2) the previous Owner(s)
assumes the responsibility for refunds due to students attending the
institution prior to the effective date of the Change of
Control. |
|
X |
X |
|
Submit a list of shortened
versions of the institution name and where they will be used.
|
X |
X |
X |
|
The NACCAS Board of
Commissioners, a delegated Committee, or staff may request other pertinent
information. This should be
submitted within 15 days of receipt of the
request. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Within 7 days after the
effective date of the Change of Control, submit fully-executed copies of
the Transfer Agreement and all other closing documents, which include all
the terms of the transfer of Ownership Interests. (If a lease agreement, a
copy of the lease agreement must be submitted.) |
|
X |
X |
|
Within 30 days after the
effective date of the Change of Control, submit a copy of the state
license showing the new Owner(s), or a statement from the state licensing
agency accepting the new Owner(s) for licensing. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Within 30 days after the
effective date of the Change of Control, submit a balance sheet for the institution as
of the effective date of the Change of Control (to be submitted within 30
days after the effective date of the Change of Control), compiled by an
independent certified public accountant on an accrual basis of accounting
according to GAAP. |
X |
X |
X |
|
Undergo a consultation at a
NACCAS Workshop, the institution, or the NACCAS
headquarters. |
|
|
X |
|
Submit an ISS within 90
days after the effective date of the Change of Control or attendance at an
Accreditation Workshop, whichever comes first. |
|
|
X |
|
The institution may request
an early renewal of accreditation to combine the Change of Control
evaluation with an up-coming renewal process. The ISS must be submitted not
later than 90 days after the approval of the Change of Control, to permit
the on-site visit to occur within the required six-month
timeframe. |
|
X |
X |
|
Within six months after the
effective date of the Change of Control, undergo a partial-team on-site
evaluation |
|
X |
|
|
Within six months after the
effective date of the Change of Control, undergo a full-team on-site
evaluation. |
|
|
X |
ADDITIONS/CHANGES TO
GLOSSARY
Business
Entity – A
Corporation, Limited Liability Company, General Partnership, Limited
Partnership, trust or any other form of business organization organized under
state law.
Change
of Control –
(1) Any event or change constituting a “change in ownership and control” under
34 CFR 600.31(c) or any successor regulation or (2) any other event whereby a
person or entity gains Control of an institution, except (in each case) as
exempted under 34 CFR 600.31(e) or any successor
regulation.
Control --
The (direct or indirect) possession of the power to direct or cause the
direction of the management and policies of an institution through the ownership
of a Controlling Voting Interest.
Any trustee having the (exclusive or nonexclusive) power to direct the
management or operations of a trust, including the power to dispose of trust
assets or vote securities held by the trust, shall be deemed to Control the
trust.
Controlling Owner --
The person or Business Entity, if any, having direct or indirect ownership of a
Controlling Voting Interest in an institution.
Controlling Voting
Interest –
More than 50% (by voting power) of the Voting Interests of an institution;
provided, however, that the largest shareholder of a Public Corporation
shall be deemed to hold a Controlling Voting Interest in such corporation so
long as that shareholder owns or controls at least 25% of the outstanding voting
securities of the institution.
Corporation – A
Business Entity organized as a corporation under state
law.
Family
Member --
A parent, sibling,
spouse or child, grandchild, spouse’s parent, sibling, child or grandchild, any
of the aforementioned in a “step” relationship, or sibling’s or child’s
spouse.
Former
Controlling Owner –
The person or Business Entity who (or which, as applicable) will cease to
Control an institution on the effective date of a Change of Control. Note that there will be no “Former
Controlling Owner” if there was no Controlling Owner prior to the Change of
Control.
General
Partnership – An unincorporated
Business Entity having two or more Owners.
Limited
Liability Company – A
Business Entity organized as a limited liability company under state
law.
Limited
Partnership – A
Business Entity organized as a limited partnership or limited liability
partnership under state law.
Minority
Owner – An
Owner who is not a Controlling Owner.
Natural
Person – An
actual human being (i.e., not a corporation or other Business Entity recognized
by law as capable of taking legal acts in its own name). Unless otherwise indicated, as used in
this Handbook “person” means Natural Person.
New
Controlling Owner –
The Owner who will acquire Control of an institution on the effective date of a
Change of Control.
Non-Voting
Interest – A
legal right to share in the profits derived from the operation of an
institution, that is not a Voting Interest.
Owner –
For NACCAS’ purposes, an “Owner” is the legal owner of voting securities or
voting rights in a Business Entity.
In the case of a Sole
Proprietorship, the Owner of the entity is the sole proprietor. In the case of a General Partnership or
Limited Partnership, the Owners are the partners with voting rights. In the case of a Corporation, the Owners
are the stockholders with voting rights.
In the case of a Limited Liability Company, the Owners are the members
with voting rights.
Ownership
Interest – A
legal interest in a Business Entity.
An Ownership Interest may be either a Voting Interest or a Non-Voting
Interest.
Parent
Entity – A
Business Entity that owns 100% of the Ownership Interests of another Business
Entity.
Public
Corporation – A
Corporation whose securities are required to be registered with the United
States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Sole
Proprietorship –
A business that has a single Owner (who is a Natural Person) and that is not
organized under a State statute.
Subsidiary – A
Business Entity, 100% of the Ownership Interests of which are owned by another
Business Entity.
Transfer
Agreement – The
written agreement by which a transfer of Ownership Interests is legally
effected.
Voting Interest – Securities or contractual
voting rights giving the owner the right to vote concerning the management and
operation of an institution.
Proposal 2011-39: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.9 to expressly provide for “branch-to-branch”
redesignations.
Proposal 2011-40E: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.9(b) to clarify that branch campuses are not
approved to offer less than 100% of a program.
Proposal 2011-41: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.9(c) to clarify that a branch campus must
receive an on-site visit within 6 months of receiving provisional branch
accreditation.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.9 Branch
Campus
(a)
Definitions:
(1) A
“main campus” is a school of cosmetology arts and sciences which has been
accredited by NACCAS for the two (2) most recent years. Any change in location of the main
campus must comply with the procedures set out in Sub-Part 4A.1 of these Rules. The main campus includes facilities
located within a two (2) mile radius of the primary training
site.
(2) A
“branch campus” is an additional training location of the main campus which
provides the same administrative services as the main campus, and at least one
complete program related to the programs offered at the main campus. A branch campus must be located further
than two (2) miles from the main campus or any other branch campus which is
under the same ownership and financial structure.
(b) A
school seeking to have a branch campus approved within the accredited status of
the main campus (school) must formally request such approval from the Commission
by filing an Application for Provisional Branch Campus and undergoing a
two-tiered review process. Schools
seeking such approval must:
(1)
Comply with the Separate Facilities Policy;
(2) Be
licensed, open and operating prior to submitting an application for provisional
branch campus accreditation;
(3) May
offer any complete
program(s)course(s) related to the programs offered at the main
campus;
(4) Must offer only complete program(s) (i.e.,
may not offer less than 100% of any program
offered).
(c) Visits to
Branch Campuses and Institutional Self-Study:
(1)
Visit within 6 months:
Within six months of establishment of a branch campus the branch campus receiving provisional
branch campus accreditation, the institution shall undergo an on-site
evaluation.”
(2)
Institutional Self-Study within 6 months: Within six months after the branch
campus receives provisional initial accreditation, it must submit to the
Commission an institutional self-study.
(3)
Between 12 and 18 months:
Between 12 and 18 months after provisional branch campus accreditation
status is granted the institution shall undergo a regular on-site
evaluation.
(d) Establishment of a Branch by a New
Owner. In the event of a
change of ownership of a main campus, a new branch may not be established off
the main unless the new owners have completed the change of ownership process
including an on-site evaluation, review and approval by the
Commission.
(e)
Change of Ownership of a Branch Campus. In the event that a branch campus is
sold and/or transferred independently of the main facility, the accreditation of
such branch campus is terminated as of the date of such sale or transfer. An application for accreditation may be
submitted to the Commission should accreditation be terminated under such
circumstances. The application must
be consistent with requirements for an initial applicant or a branch of another
facility.
(f)
Change from Branch to Freestanding Institution. In order for a branch campus to become
an accredited freestanding
institution, such branch must have achieved full branch status.
(g)
Re-designation of main campuses as branches. In order for a main campus
(or campuses) to be re-designated as branches of another main campus, the
campuses must comply with the requirements for a branch set out in Sections
4.9(a) and (b) of these Rules.
(h)
Shifting the designation of a main campus and its branch. An institution
may request a re-designation of a main campus as a branch and its branch as a
main campus if the branch campus has achieved full branch status from NACCAS.
(i)
Branch-to-branch re-designation. An institution may request that a branch
of a main campus be re-designated as a branch of a different main campus under
the same ownership.
(ji) Renewal of
Accreditation. The anniversary date of a branch campus and its main campus shall
coincide.
Proposal 2011-42: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 4.12 and 4.16 to
clarify the terms of the “Test Market Exception.”
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section
4.12
(a) NACCAS approves
programs offered by institutions within the aegis of institutional accreditation
granted. Substantive additions or changes to program offerings which were not
approved during an institution’s most recent initial or re-accreditation
evaluation may not be advertised (unless approved under the Test Market
Exception, detailed below) or offered until they are approved in
accordance with the procedures established in this section and the NACCAS
Addition or Change of Program Policy.
(1)
Test Market
Exception: An institution may advertise a maximum of one new program a year
before it receives approval from NACCAS. However, the course must be
advertised program must comply
with the following:
(a) Be advertised in accordance with
NACCAS Policy on Advertisement; and
(b) An
application for approval must be submitted within 15 days
of
the start of the
first class;
and.
(c)
Subsequent class starts must have received NACCAS
approval.
In all
other particulars, the course is subject to this section of the Rules and
related sections, policies, and accreditation
requirements.
Section 4.16 Definitions of Non-Substantive
Changes
(c)
Non-substantive additions or changes to program
offerings:
(7) Test Market
Exception: An institution may advertise a maximum of one new program a year
before it receives approval from NACCAS (must comply with Section
4.12(a)(1)).
Proposal 2011-43E: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.14 to state that when NACCAS approves a
teach-out plan that includes a program that is accredited by another recognized
accrediting agency, it must notify that accrediting agency of its approval.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.14
Teach-Out and Teach-Out
Agreements
(g) In the
event that, pursuant to Section 4.14(a) of these Rules, the Commission approves
a Teach-Out Plan or Teach-Out Agreement that includes a program that is
accredited by another recognized accrediting agency, NACCAS shall notify the
other accrediting agency of its approval.
Proposal 2011-45: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 4.18(b) to provide that the Executive Director
may approve substantive changes at an institution prior to the date it undergoes
an initial on-site evaluation visit in connection with its application for
initial accreditation.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.18 Changes after Submission
of Application for Candidate Status or Initial
Application
(a)
School in Candidate Status: If an institution which has applied for or
been granted candidate status undergoes any of the changes indicated in this
Part, it must submit the appropriate application to the NACCAS Executive
Director for approval. No fee will be charged.
(b) If an
institution which has applied for or been granted candidate status undergoes any
of the changes indicated in this Part prior to undergoing an initial onsite
evaluation visit in connection with its application for accreditation, it must
submit the appropriate application to the NACCAS Executive Director for
approval. No fee will be charged.
(cb) If an initial
applicant undergoes any of the changes indicated in this Part after undergoing an initial onsite evaluation
visit in connection with its submitting the application for
accreditation, a corresponding application for the change must also be submitted
to the Commission for approval, including payment of required fees.
Proposal 2011-46E: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 8.1(c) to clarify that the Commission will not
grant an approval retroactively.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
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.
(b)
Commission decisions denying or withdrawing accreditation that are
appealable but are not appealed, shall become effective 20 days after the
institution receives notification of the denial or withdrawal, in accordance
with section 8.17 of these Rules.
(c) In
exceptional circumstances, the Commission may establish different effective
dates where such action is necessary to serve the equitable interests of the
school and the students; provided
that in no case will such effective date be
retroactive.
Proposal 2011-47E: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 8.3(d) to expressly state that if NACCAS grants
or renews accreditation of an institution notwithstanding the fact that the
institution is subject to an adverse action by another accreditor or state
agency, NACCAS will provide the
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 8.3 Basis for
Status Decisions
(d)
NACCAS shall not renew the accreditation of any institution for which the
Commission has received information from the appropriate State agency, or
another accrediting agency, that the institution is subject to any of the
following actions:
(1) An
interim action by a recognized institutional accrediting agency potentially
leading to the suspension, revocation, or termination of
accreditation;
(2) A
threatened loss of accreditation and the due process procedures required by the
action have not been completed; or
(3) An
interim action by a State agency potentially leading to the suspension,
revocation, or termination of the institution’s legal authority to provide
postsecondary education;
(4) A
threatened suspension, revocation, or termination by the state of the
institution’s legal authority to provide postsecondary education, and the due
process procedures required by the action have not been
completed.
If the Commission grants initial
accreditation or reaccreditation to an institution notwithstanding the
threatened, interim or final adverse actions taken against the institution by
another recognized institutional accrediting agency or State agency, the
Commission shall provide the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, within 30 days of such action,
with a thorough explanation, consistent with the Commission’s accreditation
standards, why the previous action by the institutional accrediting agency or
State does not preclude the Commission’s action.
Proposal 2011-48E: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 8.7 and 11.4 to expressly require that denial,
withdrawal and probation notices be given within 30 days of the Commission’s
decision and to state that NACCAS will give “same time” notices of Probation
actions.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 8.17 Official Notification of Commission
Action
Whenever the Commission takes an
action on an applicant or accredited school pursuant to these Rules, the
Commission shall notify the affected Institution, in writing of that action,
within 45 days; provided, however,
that written notice of any action to deny or withdraw accreditation, or to place
a school’s accreditation on probation shall be given with 30 days. The notice shall be sent to the chief
executive officer or designated official of the institution via certified mail,
return receipt requested, or other traceable means.
* *
* * *
Section 11.4 Notification to Government
Entities
NACCAS shall inform the U.S.
Department of Education and the appropriate State oversight agency, at the same
time that it notifies the institution, of any final denial or withdrawal
actions, and of any action to place
an institution’s accreditation on probation, taken pursuant to Parts 4 and 8 of the Rules. A final decision is one reached
after an institution has exhausted the appeals process provided for under Part 9
of these Rules, or which is entered
after an institution has failed to avail itself or its appeal rights with the
prescribed time frame. No later than 60 days after a final decision to deny or
withdraw accreditation, NACCAS shall make available to the U.S. Department of
Education and the appropriate State oversight entity a brief statement
summarizing the reasons for the Commission’s decision and the comments, if any,
that the affected institution submits with regard to that decision.
NACCAS shall notify the United
States Department of Education and the appropriate State oversight agency,
within 30 days, of any decision to grant initial accreditation, renewal of
accreditation, place an institution on probation, or approve a change
under Parts 4 and 8 of the Rules.
Also, NACCAS shall notify these government entities, within 30 days, of an
institution’s decision to voluntarily relinquish its accreditation and the
effective date of that relinquishment.
NACCAS shall inform the United
States Department of Education of the name of any institution or program
accredited by the agency with the Commission, upon review of the team report and
response, interim visit report, compliant and response to complaint allegations
or annual report information, has reason to believe is failing to meet its Title
IV, HEA program responsibilities or is engaged in fraud or abuse and the reason
for the Commission’s concern.
Proposal 2011-49: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Section 8.10 (“Accreditation on Probation”) as described
more fully below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 8.10 Status: Accreditation on
Probation
(a) The Commission shall assign to an
institution the accreditation statusThe classification of
“Accreditation on Probation” shall be granted to currently accredited
institutions against which one or more actions are pending in whenever any one or more of the
following events occurs
categories:
(1) A
program review, financial or compliance audit, audited financial statement, or
other information provided by the Secretary of Education to NACCAS calls into
question the institution’s compliance with NACCAS’ standards and other
accreditation requirements;
(2) A
state or federal agency imposes an emergency or disciplinary action on the
institution;
(3) An
on-site evaluation by NACCAS results in findings of non-compliance with NACCAS’
Standards and Criteria or other accreditation requirements which can be
remedied, with monitoring.
(b) Any
currently accredited institutions that does not respond, or submits an
incomplete response, to an administrative “show cause” order issued in
accordance with Section 7.1(b) of these Rules.
(1)
The institution’s accreditation
is withdrawn, with the right to appeal;
(2)
The institution is within six (6)
months of the deadline for showing compliance with NACCAS’ Standards, Criteria,
Rules and/or other accreditation requirements (collectively, “NACCAS’
Accreditation Requirements”) established by Section 8.18 of these
Rules;
(3)
The institution has failed to
respond, or to respond adequately, to a Commission show cause order or
directive;
(4)
The Commission has determined
that the institution has engaged in fraud; or
(5)
The Commission has otherwise
determined that the institution has failed to comply with one or more of NACCAS’
Accreditation Requirements, and that the noncompliance is sufficiently serious
that withdrawal of accreditation is warranted if corrective action is not taken
immediately.
(b) The
accreditation status of “Accreditation on Probation” shall not be assigned for
any reason other than as set forth in Section 8.10(a) above. The Commission is not required to issue
a show cause order to an institution before placing the institution’s
accreditation on Probation. The
Commission is not required to place an institution’s accreditation on Probation
before withdrawing the institution’s
accreditation.
(c) When
an institution’s accreditation is placed on
Probation:
(1)
The institution shall be notified
of the specific facts which led the Commission to take this action, including
any specific findings of noncompliance with NACCAS’ Accreditation
Requirements.
(2)
The Commission shall not approve
any substantive changes at the institution or any branch of the institution:
provided, however, that the Commission may approve a change of ownership if, but
only if, the institution has made a clear and convincing case that new ownership
will substantially resolve the institution’s compliance problems. Approval of a change of ownership shall
not, by itself, result in the institution’s removal from Probationary
status.
(3)
The Commission may require the
institution to undergo early renewal.
(d) An
institution shall be removed from Probationary status only upon a determination
by the Commission that the institution is compliant with NACCAS’ Accreditation
Requirements. Such a determination
shall be based on actual evidence of compliance. The Commission may obtain such evidence
using any investigatory method or monitoring method provided for in these Rules,
but may not rely on any evidence (a) that is more than six months old or (b)
that is contradicted or called into question by more recent
evidence.
(e) An
institution whose accreditation is placed on Probation shall remain in the
status of Accreditation on Probation until it has shown compliance with NACCAS’
Accreditation Requirements.
However:
(1)
The Commission shall take adverse
action against the institution if the institution has failed to show compliance
within the time limits established by Section 8.18;
and
(2)
The Commission may establish a
deadline for showing compliance that is shorter than the deadline imposed by
Section 8.18.
Proposal 2011-50: The Commission
proposes to amend Rules Sections 4.8 and 8.13 as described more fully
below.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Section 4.8 Change of
Ownership (Control)
When a change of ownership takes
place, if the application for a change of ownership is not received, the
accreditation of the institution shall have been voluntarily relinquished
(1) in accordance with Section
8.13(c)(2) of these Rules , without any further requirement,
effective the day following the due date for the application or (2) on the date the new owner
states, in writing, the intention of not continuing as an accredited
institution, whichever comes first.
An accredited school undergoing a change of ownership which submits the
required application shall remain in accredited status until such time as NACCAS
denies the application and the institution subsequently fails to appeal or has
exhausted its appeal rights.
Section 8.13 Voluntary
Relinquishment of Accreditation
An accredited institution may at
any time request voluntary relinquishment of NACCAS accreditation status by
submitting a written request to the Executive Director of the Commission via
certified mail.
(a) An
accredited institution may at any time request voluntary relinquishment of
NACCAS accreditation status by submitting a written request to the Executive
Director of the Commission via certified mail. Such request shall specify the date upon
which the school wishes the voluntary relinquishment to be effective and contain
a statement to the effect that the school official requesting the voluntary
relinquishment of accreditation has the authority to do so.
(b) The
following actions shall constitute the voluntary relinquishment of
accreditation of an institution if there is no response to an order to “show
cause” or a response to “show cause” does not warrant another action:
(1) The
institution closes or ceases operation as an educational institution (See
Section 1.2(b)(3) of these Rules.);
(2) The
institution lost its license to operate in the state in which it is located (See
Section 1.2(b)(2) of these Rules.);
(3) The
institution changes name without complying with the procedures
established by Section 4.2 of these Rules;
In addition, the institution will
be fined $5,000.
(c) The
following actions shall constitute the relinquishment of accreditation of an
institution if there is no response to an order to “show cause” or a response to
“show cause” does not warrant another action:
(14) The institution
relocates without complying with the procedures established by Part 4, Sub-Part
4A.1 of these Rules.
(25) The institution
undergoes a Category 5 change of
control, and the parties to the change of control is sold and the
parties to the sale do not comply with the notice and application
requirements set forth in Part 4, Sub-Part 4A.2 of these Rules.
In the case of the actions
specified in this Section 8.13(c), the institution can come into compliance with
NACCAS’ requirements by submitting the appropriate change application within the
show cause period. In addition, the
institution will be fined $5,000.
Proposal 2011-51: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #3 to provide that an accredited institution not
satisfying the NACCAS workshop requirements will be assessed a penalty fee of
$300.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Appendix
#3
Accredited
Institutions
Workshop attendance for an
accredited institution is based on the school's accreditation anniversary
date. The owner or designee of an
accredited institution must attend a NACCAS Accreditation Workshop at least nine
(9) months prior to its next anniversary date, but no longer than twenty
four (24) months prior to,
the next reaccreditation anniversary date.
An institution (re)accredited
subsequent to a Commission deferral, show cause or denial action also must
attend a NACCAS Accreditation Workshop within nine (9) months of the Commission
action. (This does not apply if the deferral, show cause or denial action was
rendered mainly for financial reasons or failure to pay fees). The institution is also required to
follow its regular workshop requirement schedule.
Any institution that does not
satisfy this workshop attendance requirement within the timeframe described
above will be assessed a penalty fee of $300.
Proposal 2011-52E: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #4 to conform to the requirements of new federal
regulations enacted effective July 1, 2011.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Appendix
#4
1.
Academic Measurement
Institutions accredited by the
National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) may
express their academic measurement in terms of:
a.
Clock Hours
b.
Competencies
c.
Credit Hours
2.
Notification
The
institution must notify NACCAS of its academic measurement at the following
points:
a.
Application for Initial Accreditation (main campus or branch
campus)
b.
Before a change from one form of measurement to another or before adding
a form of measurement
c.
Annual Report
3.
Definitions
Clock Hours: Clock hour is
defined as a minimum of 50 minutes of instruction during a 60 minute
period.
Competencies: Competencies are skills and knowledge a
person needs to acquire in order to obtain a license or certification to work in
the field of cosmetology arts and sciences, massage, or related or unrelated
areas.
Competency-based program: A self-paced program measured by the student’s
acquisition of knowledge and skills (competencies) rather than seat
time.
Non-standard term semester credit
hour: At least 37.5 hours of instruction (theory, practical and
laboratory).
Non-standard term semester
program: A student-centered program
with many start dates throughout the year (e.g., the second Monday of every
month) which may be shorter than one academic year in length, equal to one or
more academic years, or longer than one or more academic years with the
remainder more or less than one half of an academic year in
length.
Quarter: An academic period of 10 to 12
weeks.
Non-standard term quarter credit
hour or quarter hour: At least 25
clock hours of instruction (theory, practical or laboratory) = 1 quarter credit
hour
Semester: An academic period of approximately 15
weeks.
4.
Validity of Academic Measurement
A school must
decide which of its academic programs will be offered on a clock hour basis,
competency basis, non-standard term basis, semester basis, or quarter
basis. While for many years
institutions of cosmetology arts and sciences have generally measured their
academic programs in terms of clock hours, as provided in state laws, more and
more institutions are also measuring on the basis of competencies or credit
hours. No matter which academic
measurement a school uses, it must establish the educational validity of the
program.
a.
A program measured in competencies must link acquisition or demonstration
of knowledge and competencies to a curriculum developed around minimum state
licensure or certification requirements, state minimum requirements augmented by
recommendations from its Advisory Committee, or skills necessary for entry-level
employment according to skills standards developed by a national body with
recognized expertise in this area that go beyond minimum state
requirements.
b.
Competencies must be linked to the curriculum through grades, a point
system, or similar assessment measure. Methods for assessing competency may
include:
i. Initial
assessment of the student’s knowledge and skills at time of enrollment, with
advanced placement if eligible
ii. Written or oral
examinations
iii. Observation and
assessment of practical
skills
iv. Observation and
assessment of work performed in an externship, if
applicable
v. Assessment of student
portfolios
vi. Assessment of special
projects
c.
A program measured in credit hours must satisfy at a minimum, the
following requirements:
i.
Academic Program measured on non-standard term
basis:
1
credit hour = At least 37.5 clock hours Theory (academic learning),
Practice/Demonstration, and/or Laboratory Experience
ii.
Academic Program measured on semester (approximately 15 weeks)
basis (Minimum):
1
credit hour = At least 37.5 clock hours Theory (cognitive/lecture),
Practice/Demonstration, and/or Laboratory Experience
iii.
Academic Program measured on quarter (10 – 12 weeks)
basis (Minimum):
1 credit
hour = at least 25 clock hours of Theory (cognitive/lecture),
Practice/Demonstration, and/or Laboratory Experience
iv. If a
state mandates a specific conversion rate, that conversion rate should be
used.
5.
Conversion to or Addition of Credit Hour or Competency-Based
Programs
a.
An institution which measures its academic programs on a clock hour basis
may convert to a credit hour or competency-based academic measurement, by
complying with the procedure set out in Section 4.11 of the NACCAS Rules of Practice and Procedure, the
procedures set out in Section 5b of this policy, and the following conversion
formula.
i.
In establishing the appropriate conversion, a school must determine
whether to organize its academic programs and the courses offered at the school
in competencies, non-standard terms, semesters or quarters and how many weeks
there will be in each semester or quarter. It must then divide the clock hours of
the program by 37.5 (non-standard term
semester) or 25 (non-standard term quarter) to determine the number of
credit hours. Credits must be expressed in whole numbers and rounded down as
needed. A school must then develop curricula, lesson plans, and course schedules
in conformance with the new measure of academic programs and NACCAS standards
and criteria.
ii. If a
state mandates a specific conversion rate, that conversion rate should be
used.
b.
Procedure to obtain approval for changes and conversions are outlined in
the required application found on the NACCAS website.
c.
Sample
Conversions
Non-Standard Term
Sample: 1450-hour basic cosmetology
program
·
1450 ÷ 37.5 = 38.66 which rounded
down = 38 credits
Non-Standard Term Quarter Credits
Sample: 1450-hour basic cosmetology
program
·
1450 hours ÷ 25 = 58 quarter credits
6.
Review
A change or conversion from clock hours to credit hours must be approved
by the Commission according to Section 4.11 of the Rules of Practice and
Procedure.
Proposal 2011-53: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #8 to reduce the percentage of a program that can be
contracted out to a non-accredited institution to 10%, eliminate the requirement
for a survey and eliminate the requirement that NACCAS be provided with a copy
of the contract between the institutions.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Appendix
#8
NACCAS
encourages accredited schools to institute separate classrooms and/or branches
to accommodate overflow problems.
However, in the event that an accredited school wishes to contract with
another institution, school or organization, accredited or otherwise, for
educational program(s) or course(s), the institution must notify NACCAS
according to 4.17 of the Rules and
the following applies
guidelines apply:
1.
There must be a written contract or agreement between the accredited
institution and other institution, school or organization. A copy of such agreement shall be
filed with the Commission.
2.
Credit shall be given by the accredited institution for programs or
courses contracted as if the institution itself were offering these programs or
courses.
3.
The applicant must demonstrate that students are informed of the
arrangement. The school catalog
must reflect the educational arrangement.
4.
The applicant must demonstrate that the contractual arrangement does not
conflict with any applicable state licensure laws and
regulations.
5.
The first 25% of a course or program cannot be contracted outside the
school. (Note: Remedial courses or
programs excepted).
6.
In the event that an accredited institution contracts with a
non-accredited institution, in addition to the foregoing, the total contracted
portion cannot exceed 25 10% of a student's total course
or program of study and a survey shall be undertaken in a manner and form
specified by NACCAS to demonstrate that the contracted course(s) or program(s)
complies with NACCAS accreditation requirements.
Proposal 2011-56: The Commission
proposes to amend Appendix #10 to provide that a branch campus must only submit
one copy (not two copies) of its Institutional Self-Study.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Appendix
#10
APPROVAL PROCEDURE FOR BRANCH
CAMPUSES
7.
Six months after provisional branch campus accreditation has been
granted, one (1) copy two
(2) copies of the Institutional Self-Study (ISS) for the branch must be
submitted. The ISS must include
information concerning the educational programs; faculty, physical, financial
and other resources for its support; admission and graduation requirements;
compliance with state laws evidencing authority to operate the branch campus;
number of students; administrative structure of the branch campus; and any
additional information which may assist in the review of the school’s
programs.
Proposal 2011-57: The Commission
proposes to amend the Glossary to define “Practical Grading Criteria.”
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
Practical Grading Criteria –
Specific criteria used by an instructor to determine whether a skill is
performed with the required degree of competency and accuracy. Practical grading criteria should be
written in a way that ensures that two different instructors evaluating the same
practical skills performance will assign the same
grade.
Proposal 2011-58: The Commission
proposes to amend Article III, Section IV of NACCAS’ By-Laws to provide that
non-owner administrators are eligible candidates for the “at-large” position of
Owner/Administrator Commissioner.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
ARTICLE III – BOARD OF
COMMISSIONERS
SECTION IV - Eligibility: Qualifications and
Commissioners
A.
All candidates for Commissioner
representing schools in fields of training within NACCAS’ scope as a condition
precedent to nomination shall document that they meet the following
qualifications:
1.
Have a total of at least five (5)
years of administrative/supervisory experience in a school accredited by the
Commission (of which the experience set forth in subparagraph 2 below may be
counted as a part);
2.
Have been active in the
day-to-day operation of school(s) accredited by the Commission in
an administrative/supervisory capacity for the three (3) years immediately
preceding his/her election; and
3.
Have no interest in any
institution, which has had its accreditation withdrawn (appeal rights exhausted)
or which has voluntarily relinquished accreditation while the institution was in
withdrawal status, during the past five years.
4.
Also: In addition, all candidates for the six
(6) Commissioner positions elected by zones pursuant to Article III, Section
III.A of these By-Laws must:
I.
Be sole owner of school(s)
accredited by the Commission; or
II.
With respect to a partnership or
a privately held corporation be a person who owns at least a 10% interest in a
school(s) accredited by the Commission and have a direct and abiding interest in
the performance of the school and the quality of education which it offers. The Nominating Committee shall be vested
with the responsibility of determining whether such an interest exists, subject
to the review of the full Commission; or
III.
Be an officer of a publicly held
corporation, which owns school(s) accredited by the
Commission.
Candidates for the at-large
Commissioner position are not required to satisfy the requirements of this
Article III, Section IV.A(4).
Proposal 2011-59: The Commission
proposes to amend Article VII, Section I of NACCAS’ By-Laws to remove references
to selection of the Appeal Review Panel by the Executive Committee.
PROPOSED
REVISIONS
ARTICLE VIII - DUTIES OF
COMMITTEES
SECTION
I
The Executive Committee shall
implement Commission policies and transact the business of the Commission during
the intervals between meetings, as determined by the policies and directives of
the Commission. It shall be the
duty of the Executive Committee to oversee formation of the list of appeal
review Panelists, and to select names from the pool of qualified Panelists to
form Appeal Review Panels