Application Due Dates, Review, and Training

APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS

The initial authorization and application review process was significantly changed due to legislation effective July 1, 2022. See 2022 Tenn. Pub. Ch. No. 1044  relevant to the statutes governing institutional authorization.  

  Information on the legislation and related rules is available.

STARTING JULY 1, 2022

Authorization End Date Adjustments and Related Filing Deadlines

On June 30, 2022, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) 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. The memorandum is available.

INITIAL AUTHORIZATION APPLICATION PROCESS AND TRAININGS

Initial Authorization Training

In accordance with Rule1540-01-02-.07(2)(a)(18), for institutions seeking Regular Authorization in Tennessee, The Division of Postsecondary State Authorization (“DPSA”) of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (“THEC”) will not receive or review new Initial Authorization Applications ("IA") unless the institution has attended the mandatory Initial Authorization Training (“IAT”). The IAT will be held semiannually in January and July; it is a two-day training.

The training will be presented virtually via Webex and will: include an overview of the IA 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 and highlight the importance of Rule1540-01-02-.19, Fair Consumer Practices and Complaints, when creating institutional policies. The training will also include an overview of the Program Registration Request (PRR).

Institutions will be given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the applications and the authorization process. It is strongly encouraged that Rule Chapter 1540-01-02 , the Initial Authorization Application and the Program Registration Request are thoroughly reviewed prior to the meeting so that applicants may ask questions specific to their institution.

Once a representative(s) of the institution has attended the IAT, in its entirety, the institution will have one year, from the date of the training, to submit an IA. After one year, the institution must re-attend the IAT before submitting an IA.

IAT Training Dates:                                                                                                                       

            Wednesday, February 11, 2026 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. CST/CDT. Register for the Webex training.

AND
            Thursday, February 12, 2026 1:00 - 4:00p.m. CST/CDT. Register for the Webex training.

The dates for each semiannual two-day training will be posted 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

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. If you have questions, you may contact Stephanie Bellard Chase at stephanie.bellard@tn.gov or 615-532-7495. The IA and related applications are locatied on the DPSA and Forms webpage.

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Post-Initial Authorization Training 

Institutions receiving provisional authorization from the Executive Director must attend the Post-Initial Authorization Training ("PIAT") 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 intended to be interactive, and questions are appreciated. Participants are encouraged to have the rules available during the presentation. The rules are available at Rule Chapter 1540-01-02. 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. 

2026 dates are not available at this time.

PIAT Training Dates:

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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. 

Application Due Dates by Authorization End Dates

Table Description

This table gives you the filing deadlines and the Application Due Dates by Authorization End Dates. 

Meaning of Abbreviations

• CC – Certification of Compliance
• RA – Reauthorization Application
• AOEA – Application for Optional Expedited Authorization