1. (a) In addition to the minimum standards prescribed in AS 14.48.060, an institution operating, or seeking authorization to operate, in Alaska shall adhere to the following general academic standards:

   1. (1) an institution that offers postsecondary education at a noncredit, continuing-education level for which continuing-education units (CEUs) are awarded shall use the standard measure for a continuing-education unit, which is one unit for every 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing-education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction;
   2. (2) an institution that offers postsecondary education for which credit is awarded shall meet the criteria for clock hour to credit hour conversion specified in 34 C.F.R. 600.2 and 668.8(k);
   3. (3) repealed 10/11/95;
   4. (4) an institution that offers collegiate-level degrees of masters and beyond will be treated on a case-by-case basis and will be thoroughly studied and reviewed by the commission before an authorization decision is made;
   5. (5) a postsecondary education institution that is not degree granting shall describe its programs in clock hours except as provided in this section; and
   6. (6) an accredited postsecondary educational institution that does not grant a degree may describe its programs in either clock hours or in credit hours as long as the credit hours are measured according to the standards set by the accrediting agency.
2. (b) Repealed 9/18/2022.
3. (c) An institution must have a clear and explicit statement of institutional purpose that describes measurable goals or outcomes.
4. (d) An institution shall provide a program consistent with the statement of institutional purpose.
5. (e) An institution shall establish and maintain minimum admission standards to determine that a prospective student is qualified to study in a course or program with a reasonable likelihood of success. If the field for which the student is to train requires the individual to meet specific requirements for occupational licensing under AS 08 or for employment, an institution shall assess the prospective student's ability to obtain qualifications in those areas. If the generally accepted employment standards of the field of study or AS 08 do not allow individuals to practice or obtain employment based on criminal background, health history, or the absence of particular qualifications, an institution shall require documentation of the prospective student's qualification in these areas before enrollment. An institution must demonstrate to the commission that its admission requirements establish a standard of competency, knowledge, and aptitude allowing a prospective student to complete the program of study and obtain employment in the field for which the training is preparatory. An institution providing instruction in an occupation for which licensure under AS 08 is required must document that the instruction offered by the institution meets the requirements of AS 08 applicable to that occupation, or must clearly indicate that the instruction is only avocational.
6. (f) A student may not be required to be employed as a course requirement, unless the commission determines that it is reasonably necessary to gain practical experience.
7. (g) An institution authorized to operate under this chapter shall operate in accordance with generally accepted good business practices and standards and in accordance with all applicable laws. If general liability insurance is not provided by a third party, a school shall maintain general liability insurance. A school maintaining a program in which the students, in the course of their instruction, work or study with, near, or in close proximity to equipment or training devices that could cause bodily harm or damage to the student shall also maintain accident insurance.
8. (h) Before a school is authorized to operate under this chapter, it must provide evidence of compliance with applicable state, municipal, and federal licensing, zoning, health, and safety requirements.
9. (i) Repealed 9/18/2022.
10. (j) Repealed 9/18/2022.
11. (k) Repealed 9/18/2022.
12. (l) Repealed 9/18/2022.

(Eff. 12/30/77, Register 64; am 5/10/78, Register 66; am 3/15/85, Register 93; am 8/20/86, Register 99; am 1/30/87, Register 101; am 3/25/90, Register 113; am 5/4/90, Register 114; am 10/11/95, Register 136; am 6/13/97, Register 142; am 4/24/98, Register 146; am 4/20/2000, Register 154; am 4/27/2001, Register 158; am 12/29/2010, Register 196; am 6/24/2012, Register 202; am 2/21/2014, Register 209; am 9/18/2022, Register 243)

Authority: AS 14.42.030, AS 14.48.050, AS 14.48.060, AS 14.48.070