Wyo. Code R. 057-0001-6
Effective Date: 04/10/2025 to Current
Rule Type: Current Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 057.0001.6.04102025
Section 1. Authority. These rules are promulgated pursuant to W.S. 21-18-202(d), W.S 21-18-202(c)(viii), W.S. 21-18-310, W.S. 21-18-312, and W.S. 21-18-407(b)(ii).
(a) The Commission reviews and approves or disapproves programs based on the WY Community College Commission Statewide Strategic Plan.
(b) Community colleges shall submit all proposed new long-term programs to the Commission for approval.
(c) Community colleges requesting approval for new programs shall submit an application addressing:
(i) The alignment of the program with the WY Community College Commission Statewide Strategic Plan objectives at the time of implementation and in future years;
(ii) Projected labor market demand for graduates in the state and region which includes a five (5) year period from the proposed implementation date;
(iii) Wage projections for program graduates who enter an occupation directly related to their earned academic certificate AAS degree;
(iv) Documented citizen, business and industry input in program design and assessment (AAS or credit certificate);
(v) A list of similar programs at other Wyoming community colleges;
(vi) New course descriptions, which include course content and instructional modes utilized, program student learning outcomes, suggested Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code, and where applicable, any program accreditation process;
(vii) The offering mode(s) for the requested program (face-to-face, online, hybrid or other);
(viii) The credit hours required for a program’s degree or certificate attainment;
(ix) Level of instruction code for courses that are new to the Wyoming community colleges;
(x) Additional resources that will be required to start the requested program and how the community college plans to provide those resources; and (d) The Program Review Committee shall render final approval or denial of a new stackable certificate program request composed of courses in an AAS degree previously offered by the requesting college.
(i) Within 10 business days of receipt of a stackable certificate program application, the Commission and applicable community college shall be informed in writing of the final decision.
(e) The Program Review Committee shall render final approval or denial of a new stackable certificate program request which is comprised solely of a sub-set of courses from a Commission approved AAS degree program that is currently offered by the college making the request.
(f) The Commission shall have final authority to approve, conditionally approve or deny requests for new associate degree programs and certificate programs that are not comprised solely of a sub-set of courses required in a previously Commission approved AAS degree.
(g) The Commission shall have final authority for any stackable workforce preparation certificate program denied by the Program Review Committee through the appeal process initiated by the affected college.
(h) The implementation of a program may begin immediately after the approval. Should conditional approval be granted, implementation shall not start until all identified conditions have been acceptably met and approved by the Program Review Committee.
(i) A community college district may request to change a program at any time. Program modifications that include program completer outcomes change, program intent change, or target audience change require approval by the Academic Affairs Council, Program Review Committee, and the Executive Council.
(j) A community college district that discontinues a program will notify the Commission within 30 calendar days of notifying the accrediting body of the cessation of that program, identifying the program and the date of discontinuation.
(a) To become eligible to offer Applied Baccalaureate (AB) programs, a college shall submit the following:
(i) Board of Trustees resolution supporting the AB programs.
(ii) Memo outlining how the proposed AB program fits the college mission, vision, and goals.
(iii) Letter(s) of Endorsement, or other formal documentation in support of the proposed program from local employers or other parties that will benefit from the new degree. To the fullest extent possible, support letters should include the employer's current and future employment needs and describe the expected involvement from local employers with the proposed program.
(iv) Anticipated program name for the likely first AB degree. An assessment plan showing that student learning outcomes for the AB program are distinct from those at the associate’s degree level.
(v) A definition of what constitutes and differentiates lower division from upper division course work.
(vi) A definition of faculty qualifications required for upper-division courses.
(vii) Demonstrated ability and capacity to provide adequate and appropriate support services to students enrolled in AB programs.
(viii) Demonstrated ability and capacity to provide adequate and appropriate academic services to students enrolled in AB programs.
(b) Once the Commission authorizes a college to offer AB degrees that college shall submit program approvals in accordance with Section 4 of this chapter. Colleges shall receive both authorization to offer AB programs and approval of the requested program(s) before submitting to the accrediting body.
(a) Community Colleges requesting approval of a new Applied Baccalaureate (AB) program shall submit an application containing the following:
(i) Section 2 (a), (b), (c) above.
(ii) Date of a Board of Trustees resolution to offer baccalaureate degrees.
(iii) Date the Commission authorized the college offer Applied Baccalaureate degrees.
(iv) Anticipated program start date.
(v) A 5-year business plan assessing the fiscal sustainability of the new program that includes the following:
(A) Estimated yearly program costs for faculty/staff salaries and benefits necessary to offer the new program.
(B) Estimated initial and ongoing costs for new equipment or facilities necessary to offer the program.
(C) Detailed financial estimates indicating the enrollment levels necessary for fiscal sustainability.
(D) Description of any additional funding sources required and available specific to the program beyond state aid, tuition, and local property tax levies.
(vi) Data that identifies the specific local, regional, or state-wide workforce needs the program will meet or fulfill.
(vii) Explanation of why a Baccalaureate-level program is necessary to meet the workforce needs outlined in Section 3 (a)(iii).
(viii) Assessment of whether the proposed program duplicates programs offered at UW or other Wyoming colleges, and reasons why existing programs are insufficient to meet the identified workforce needs.
(ix) Assessment of whether any proposed upper-level courses duplicate courses offered at UW or other Wyoming colleges, and, if so, reasons why existing coursework is insufficient to meet identified workforce needs.
(x) Adequate evidence to demonstrate faculty have played a significant role in developing and approving of the program.
(xi) List of industry partners involved in new program development and the number of anticipated employment opportunities available for graduates of the proposed program.
(xii) Description of the target student audience for the new program and how the program curriculum addresses this group’s needs.
(b) If a college requests approval for a third or more baccalaureate degree, the college shall also include, the appropriate any materials provided by accreditors regarding mission review as well as historical enrollment data on the initial two AB programs offered by the institution. The requirements under this subsection shall be required in addition to the requirements under subsection (a) of this section.
(c) When new AB programs are proposed all Baccalaureate-offering institutions can participate in relevant discussions and shall include, the Academic Affairs Council (AAC), the University of Wyoming Provost or their designee in relevant AAC meetings at which proposed AB programs are discussed. The UW representative will not have voting privileges.
(d) When a new AB program is proposed, the Commission shall request information from the University of Wyoming Provost regarding any active Baccalaureate degree programs at the University of Wyoming that meets the workforce needs addressed by the proposed AB program. The Commission will seek a response if an explanation is not received within 30 days. The request shall be documented.
(e) Applications for a new Applied Baccalaureate program will be submitted to the Commission and made available to the Provost/VPAA of each college and the University of Wyoming, and the public not less than 30 days prior to the next Commission meeting to allow sufficient time for comments. Any comments and feedback from relevant stakeholders will be provided to the Commission’s Chief Academic and Student Services Officer (CASSO) and included in the application packet.
(a) Community colleges shall submit approved credit programs and non-credit programs or courses to the commission for consideration for Wyoming Works approval.
(b) Credit programs are programs that lead to an industry-recognized certificate, license or permit, or certificates and degrees awarded by colleges that meet identified qualifications for working in an occupation identified as an economic or workforce need in Wyoming.
(c) Non-credit programs or courses are educational activities that lead to an government- or industry-recognized certificate, license or permit that meet identified qualifications for working in an occupation identified as an economic or workforce need in Wyoming.
(d) Community colleges submitting a program for Wyoming Works student funding shall submit a program approval coversheet addressing:
(i) the alignment of the credit program or non-credit program or courses with an economic and labor need in the community or region to be served as identified by a Next Generation Sector Partnership, ENDOW, or other data that supports a workforce need;
(ii) the proposed student award level;
(iii) projected enrollment numbers in the program or course for the next five (5) years; and projected time to completion of the program or course.
(a) When programs undergo curricular or programmatic change, the college shall submit information for review and approval as follows:
(i) For minor program changes of less than 25%, colleges shall report those changes and when they will be effective to the AAC.
(ii) For program modifications of 25% but less than 50%, colleges shall report those changes and when they will be effective, to the AAC, the EC, and the Commission to approve these changes.
(iii) If a program is changed by 50% or more it is a new program and shall be subject to the new program approval process, and the requirements under either subsection (ii), subsection (iv), or subsection (b) of this section, based on the type of program being changed.
(iv) Percentage change will be assessed in comparison with the program's original proposal to the Commission on which the Commission granted its initial or last program approval.
(b) For the purposes of this section, the percentage change to a program is based on changes to the curriculum, program title, or the credits and outcomes of the program, as determined by the Commission.
(i) The Commission shall provide an application for the formation of a new community college district containing the following minimum elements:
(A) A request for a statement of purpose detailing the goals for forming a new community college district, how the new college will have greater benefit to the community than educational services currently provided, and how the new college will compliment and not detract from the current educational opportunities available across Wyoming.
(B) Application questions pertaining to the location of the proposed district, proposed name, submitting agency or entity, contact information for the proposing entity and the primary representative.
(C) A questionnaire focused on the demographic composition and educational needs of the proposed district including but not limited to:
(I) Detailed information regarding district boundaries.
(II) Projected date of district establishment.
(III) Current and expected future district area populations.
(IV) Current and expected future student populations.
(V) Current and future workforce, technical education, academic programs.
(D) A questionnaire focused on the educational programing and student support to be provided in the proposed district including but not limited to:
(I) Certificate and degrees to be offered through the proposed district and their appropriateness for an institution of higher education.
(II) Identity of and justification for academic transfer programs.
(III) Identity of and justification for career-technical education (CTE) programs.
(IV) Identity of and justification for non-credit workforce training and or continuing education programs.
(V) Identity of and justification for community service programs.
(VI) Identification of distance education programs and the proposed institution’s capacity to meet student learning and support needs.
(VII) Identify student support services to be established on the campus, their implementation, and continued support for sustaining.
(VIII) Identify academic programs currently offered in the proposed district by other institutions.
(E) A summary or detail identifying the steps to establish institutional accreditation, including but not limited to:
(I) For existing campuses discuss steps and legal operating agreements with existing accredited with an existing Wyoming community college district to provide educational services, including but not limited to curriculum, student support, transfer credits and credential awarding;
(II) Detail the plan and timeline to develop a catalog and institutional information including, but not limited to personnel and provided academic programs;
(III) Detail the plan and timeline to develop clearly articulated learning goals for all programs;
(IV) Provide a timeline for development of the district’s general education minimum requirements;
(V) Provide an assurance that meets federal requirements for credit described in the institutional accreditation compliance program.
(F) A questionnaire that explores current and future, facilities and physical resources, including but not limited to:
(I) Identification of existing facilities capable of hosting instructional programs, student support services and administration;
(II) Identification of facilities needed to house future instructional programs, student support services and administration;
(III) For existing campus or facilities, identification of property ownership;
(IV) For existing campuses or facilities that operate under an existing college district, identify the process for transfer of ownership or planned lease agreements for continued campus operation;
(V) Detail a plan and timeline for implementing and administrative computing system including but not limited to administrative and student records system.
(G) A questionnaire that includes a request for a plan and detail for the proposed district to have a financial base to support its operations and sustain operations in the future including, but not limited to, financial operations, administrative capacity, fiscal management, budgeting, and debt management:
(I) Assessed and expected property valuation in five-year increments for ten years from the date of application;
(II) Projected revenue in five-year increments for ten years from Motor Vehicle Tax, Investments, and Other Funds;
(III) Projected tuition and fee revenue;
(IV) Projected state Supplemental Funds.
(V) A plan and detailed timeline for employing faculty and other personnel appropriately;
(VI) Detail a plan and timeline for securing access to learning resources and support services (research labs, supplies, libraries/librarians, online resources, and other).
(H) An application for formation of a new community college district shall be accompanied by a subscription of not less than five hundred (500) or twenty-five percent (25%), whichever is smaller, of qualified electors residing within each county sought to be organized into a community college district.
(ii) The proposed district shall, within sixty days of filing of the application, submit a Statement of Assurances signed by the county commissioners stating that the proposed district will:
(A) Cooperate with other educational institutions and agencies and with all levels and agencies of government in the interest of effective utilization of all resources, programs, and services.
(B) Submit academic and vocational programs to the Commission for approval or termination based upon student demand, cost effectiveness, duplication, and accreditation by an academic accreditor, industry, or professional groups.
(C) If a district is approved by the Commission with no projected requirement for state funds, submit its local budget to the Commission annually as other colleges receiving state funds and in the same format, with detailed revenue, expenditure and program information as required for all colleges.
(D) Cooperate in establishing and maintaining composite data about the community college to promote the collection and analysis of accurate, cost-effective information about the community colleges system including an analysis of space utilization at each college.
(E) File the community college budget with the Commission for public review as described in W.S. 16-4-111(d).
(F) Operate within a Commission approved and standardized tuition structure for resident, nonresident, Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and Nebraska students.
(b) Commission responsibilities upon receipt of a completed application:
(i) The Commission shall conduct a survey that includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the need for a community college in the proposed district, the need for the community college in the state, the financial ability of the proposed district to support a college, the education soundness of the proposed community college plan, and any other matters which might assist the commission in the disposition of the application.
(ii) The Commission shall, within 30 days of receipt of an application, gather the following data;
(A) Research from the Economic Analysis Division detailing population by age and economic statistics forecasted for ten years from the date of application.
(B) Research from the Department of Workforce Services detailing job demand by occupation for the state and proposed district projected for ten years from the date of application.
(C) A forecast from the Economic Analysis Division of economic conditions including per capita and state government income which reflects state, individual, and proposed district income projected ten years from the date of application.
(D) A projection from existing community colleges and the University of Wyoming describing the effects on student demand, program demand, potential cost, and income reductions on existing institutions if a new district is established. The projection shall include the number of students from the proposed district presently enrolled in the existing institutions and their courses of study.
(E) A verification from the State Board of Equalization that the assessed property valuation in the proposed district is not less than one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) as of the date of the application.
(F) Verification from the Department of Education that not fewer than fifteen hundred students are enrolled in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) in the proposed district as of the date of the application.
(G) Written and oral testimony from public hearings, conducted within sixty (60) days of the date of application. Hold at least one public hearing in the proposed district and hold at least one public hearing in a non-petitioning county.
(I) All hearings shall be advertised in a major state newspaper by paid display advertising fourteen (14) days prior to the hearings.
(II) The Commission Chair, or a Commission member so designated by the Chair, shall preside over the hearings.
(III) The oral testimony presented at the hearing shall be recorded.
(IV) All Legislators shall receive written notification of the hearings.
(iii) Following the public hearings and the accumulation of all data required in this process, the attorney for the Commission shall submit to the Commission proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order.
(c) Decision on the Application. The Commission shall render its decision within 90 days from the date of receipt of the complete application.
(d) The Commission shall hold a meeting at least seven days prior to the termination of the 90 day review period for the purpose of;
(i) Considering the petition for a new community college district.
(ii) The Commission shall issue its final decision with Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order. The document shall be sent to the party or parties representing the petitioners and to the Legislative Service Office. This decision is the final agency action.
(a) Process to consider annexation of a county into an existing district that shares, or does not share, a common border.
(i) The Commission shall develop and provide an application for the annexation of an additional county(s) into an existing community college district.
(ii) A complete copy of the petition submitted to the Board of Trustees of the existing community college district shall accompany the application.
(iii) The Commission shall, during a regular meeting, consider the petition for a new county be annexed into an existing community college district.
(iv) The Commission shall issue its final decision with Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, Decision and Order. The document and certificate of service shall be sent to the party or parties representing the petitioning county and the existing community college district board of trustees. This decision is the final agency action.
(a) Pursuant to 1991 Post Secondary Omnibus Act, Wyoming Session Laws Chapter 228, the Commission took official action on December 10, 1991 to establish seven service areas with geographical boundaries in conjunction with Wyoming community colleges. Service areas as established by the Commission on December 10, 1991 may be modified according to the procedures in this section
(b) The Commission may modify community college service areas on its own initiative or if requested by any community college or any Wyoming board of county commissioners.
(c) If the Commission considers modifying service districts on its own initiative, it shall notify each college and board of county commissioners of the public hearing, including the date and location, no less than thirty (30) days before the hearing.
(d) Before applying for a modification, the colleges or counties requesting a service area change, shall consult with each impacted college and county to explore operational changes that may alleviate the need to modify services areas. Colleges or counties requesting a service area change resulting in a county being added to a different college's service area shall seek approval from the potentially receiving district.
(e) Any college or county requesting a service area modification shall submit an application to the Commission. The application shall include:
(i) A statement describing consultation efforts undertaken pursuant to subsection (d) of this section;
(ii) An explanation of how the service area modification illustrating how the requested modification benefits Wyoming community college students; and
(iii) An explanation of how the service area modification aligns with state priorities as expressed in the Wyoming Community College System Statewide Strategic Plan.
(iv) Any county pursuing inclusion into an existing service area must have a contiguous border to a county within that service area or be contiguous with the existing community college district and must encompass an entire county pursuant to 2000 Wyoming Session Laws, Chapter 73
(f) The Commission shall conduct a public hearing to consider the application and any public comments for or against the service area modification as part of its next regular meeting, but in no event less than 30 days from the date it receives the modification application.
(g) The Commission shall issue its final decision articulating the reasons for that decision within 120 days of the public hearing. The decision shall include an effective date. This decision is final agency action.
(a) Community colleges shall submit new capital construction project proposals, pursuant to W.S. 21-18-202(d)(v)(A),(B) and (C) and W.S. 21-18-225, to the Commission in accordance with Chapter 5, Section 11 of Commission Rules.
(b) A Level I study shall be completed prior to submission of any capital construction project for authorization or approval.
(c) Each community college shall maintain a 5-year master plan for its campus and other facilities, and it shall be submitted to the Commission whenever an existing plan is updated or amended or when the plan is completely re-written.
(d) Submission of a capital construction project proposal shall be in a format approved by the Commission and shall include:
(i) Specific identification of the proposed project and its priority within the community college’s master plan along with assurance that the proposed project supports the WY Community College Commission Statewide Strategic Plan.
(ii) Estimated gross square footage by space use code as recognized by the Postsecondary Education Facilities Inventory and Classification Manual.
(iii) Estimated construction, design and contingency costs, as well as any costs not directly related to construction (demolition, land acquisition, special assessment, required landscaping and furnishings not considered fixtures, furniture and equipment).
(iv) Specific identification and rating of projects that address life safety issues.
(v) Provision of a facilities condition index as described in the Facilities Handbook and the Users' Manual for the capital construction database model.
(e) Community colleges shall provide assurance that the cost of meeting standards for all environmental, health or safety code liabilities associated with the acquisition of previously owned buildings or renovation of acquired facilities would be the responsibility of the community college involved.
(f) The Contingency Reserve Account shall be used to supplement community college budgets for emergency repairs and preventative maintenance as provided in the funding allocation model (Chapter 5, Commission Rules). Contingency Reserve Account funds shall be allocated as approved by the Commission, and as they become available.