1. (a)

   1. (1) The Division of Higher Education is entitled to recover administrative fees related to the certification process.
   2. (2) These fees include an application processing fee and travel expenses for the review team.
   3. (3) All fees are nonrefundable.

2. (b) The processing fee must be submitted with applications for certification of:

   1. (1) Established institutions to offer college-level courses/degree programs; and
   2. (2) A newly established college/university or branch campus location in Arkansas.

3. (c)

   1. (1) A fee will not be assessed for colleges/universities participating in the Southern Regional Education Board reciprocity programs and/or SARA.
   2. (2) Distance technology courses/programs offered by colleges/universities through recognized regional education compacts such as the Southern Regional Education Board and/or through a reciprocity agreement such as SARA will be exempt from Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification/authorization and fees.
   3. (3) A fee will not be assessed for colleges/universities or entities offering only church-related training and/or nonacademic courses/programs.

4. (d)

   1. (1) Institutions applying for certification will be responsible for the travel expenses of the review team when a team is assigned to review the certification application.
   2. (2) The review team may make an on-site visit to the institution or institutional representatives may be required to meet with the review team at the division unless the division staff determines that the review can be conducted by telephone conference call or remote/electronic technology.

Codification Notes: “SARA” means the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.