The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. (1) Associate Degree Program--A grouping of courses designed to lead the individual directly to employment in a specific career, or to transfer to an upper-level baccalaureate program. This specifically refers to the associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied arts, associate of applied science, and the associate of occupational studies degrees. The term "applied" in an associate degree name indicates a program whose content primarily is technical.
2. (2) Board or Coordinating Board--The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
3. (3) Certificate Program--A grouping of courses designed for entry-level employment or for upgrading skills and knowledge within an occupation. Certificate programs serve as building blocks and exit points for AAS degree programs. This award is approved by the Coordinating Board at one of three levels, appears on the Workforce Program Clearinghouse Inventory, and is subject to the Coordinating Board program evaluation process.
4. (4) Commissioner of Higher Education or Commissioner--The chief executive officer of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
5. (5) Governing Board--The body charged with policy direction of any public community/junior college district, the technical college system, public senior college or university, or other educational agency including but not limited to boards of directors, boards of regents, boards of trustees, and independent school district boards.
6. (6) Institutional Effectiveness--A comprehensive statewide evaluation process for Texas public community and technical colleges and other institutions providing certificate or associate degree programs that takes into account the resources, processes, and results of an educational institution and its programs and services.
7. (7) Standards of Operation--The institutional policies and procedures in place which assist the institution in delivering quality educational programs. These standards are applicable to Texas public community and technical colleges and other institutions providing certificate or associate degree programs.
8. (8) Institutional Services--The services of an associate degree or certificate-granting institution to promote student access and achievement, retention, community service efforts, maintenance of facilities and equipment, quality academic areas, and success in transfer.
9. (9) Programs--All certificate and associate degree programs. See "Associate Degree Program" and "Certificate Program."

Source Note:The provisions of this §10.3 adopted to be effective June 2, 1998, 23 TexReg 5672.