Application Due Dates, Review, and Training
The initial authorization and application review process has been significantly changed due to recent legislation. See 2022 Tenn. Pub. Ch. No. 1044 relevant to the statutes governing institutional authorization.
Information on the legislation and related rules is available HERE.
STARTING JULY 1, 2022
Authorization End Date Adjustments and Related Filing Deadlines
On June 30, 2022, the Executive Director signed a memorandum extending authorization time periods effective July 1, 2022, in order to effectuate the purposes of 2022 Tenn. Pub. Ch. No. 1044, and set future filing deadlines as indicated in the below chart at the bottom of this page. The memorandum directed that it be posted on this website and Commission staff provide notification via email of the posting to all institutions. Emails were sent to all authorized institutions on June 30, 2022. Questions concerning the memorandum should be sent to Julie Woodruff at julie.woodruff@tn.gov or Marcie Mills at marcie.mills@tn.gov. The memorandum is available HERE.
Initial Authorization Applications
Please note, the Division of Postsecondary State Authorization (DPSA) of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) will not be accepting Initial Authorization (IA) Applications after September 30, 2023.
In accordance with Rule1540-01-02-.07(2)(a)(18), DPSA will begin implementing a mandatory IA Application Training for institutions seeking Regular Authorization in Tennessee. The training will: include an overview of the IA Application and the relevant statutes and rules governing postsecondary educational institutions and within the jurisdiction of THEC, identify the most common errors made when completing the IA Application, highlight the importance of Rule1540-01-02-.19, Fair Consumer Practices and Complaints, when creating institutional policies and give applicants the opportunity to ask questions specific to their institutions’ IA Application.
The training will commence in January of 2024. The specific date, when determined, will be posted below approximately thirty (30) days before the training. If you have questions, you may contact Stephanie Bellard Chase at stephanie.bellard@tn.gov or 615-532-7495.
Initial Authorization Applications will be reviewed by the staff of DPSA. If DPSA staff determines that the institution meets the minimum standards for authorization, then it will recommend that the Executive Director award the institution provisional authorization, subject to ratification by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at a regularly scheduled meeting. If necessary, the institution will have two (2) opportunities to correct its application. If the institution does not meet the minimum standards after the opportunity to submit corrections has been given, the application will be denied.
Initial Authorization Applications Training
A Q&A Session will be presented via WebEx to offer an opportunity for you to ask questions regarding the application and authorization process. A short presentation will be offered at the start of the session. The meeting will then be opened to participants to ask questions. We strongly encourage you to review the IA Application prior to the meeting and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
- Check here for future training dates.
Initial Authorization Training
Institutions receiving iniitial provisional authorization from the Executive Director must attend the Initial Authorization (IA) Training following the Commission meeting during which the institution’s provisional authorization is ratified. It is recommended that you attend this training with video and audio access. The presentation is considered interactive and questions are appreciated. Participants are encouraged to have the rules available during the presentation. The rules are available at 1540-01-02 (12-2022).pdf (tn.gov). If joining a TEAMS meeting for the first time, you may be prompted to download the app. As such, allow additional time for the download before joining the meeting. Contact THEC.RCD@tn.gov if you have questions or difficulties registering.
The IAT training dates are as follows:
- For institutions whose provisional authorization is ratified at the Thursday, November 16, 2023 Commission meeting: Friday, November 17, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CST/CDT. Institutions may register HERE.
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Optional Expedited Authorizations
Applications for Optional Expedited Authorization (OEA) of an institution with regular authorization or of an institution that is not currently authorized in Tennessee will be reviewed by the staff of the DPSA. If DPSA staff determines that the institution meets the minimum standards for authorization, then it will recommend that the Executive director award your institution provisional authorization, subject to ratification by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at a regularly scheduled meeting. If necessary, the institution will have two (2) opportunities to correct its application. If the institution does not meet the minimum standards after the opportunity to submit corrections has been given, the application will be denied.
Additional Applications
The following applications will be reviewed and acted upon by the staff of DPSA. If DPSA staff determines that the application complies in all respects with the applicable statutes and rules, then it will approve the application. If necessary, the institution will have two (2) opportunities to correct its application. If the institution does not meet the minimum standards after the opportunity to submit corrections has been given, the application will be denied.
o Application for Reauthorization of a regularly authorized institution
o Application for Optional Expedited Authorization (renewal)
o Program Registration Requests
o Certifications of Compliance
o for Regular Authorizaion
o for Optional Expedited Authorization
o Applications for Change of Ownership
o Personnel Applications
o Exemption Determination Requests
Assistance in completing the applications is available by emailing THEC.DPSA@tn.gov.
Optional Expedited Authorization for Regularly Authorized Institutions
Regularly Authorized (RA) institutions accredited by a USDOE recognized accreditor will be able to apply for OEA. OEA gives deference to accreditors for many of the tasks and consumer documentation. The application is succinct, and applicant institutions do not submit new program applications. The current OEA rules are available at Rule Chapter 1540-01-10 and the application is available HERE. DPSA will begin accepting new OEA Applications on Friday, May 27, 2022; however, no determinations will be made prior to July 1, 2022. If you are interested in more information regarding this option, please send an email to marcie.mills@tn.gov.
