The Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

Postsecondary institutions choose to begin the accreditation process on a voluntary basis. In order to become accredited, institutions and programs must demonstrate that they meet certain standards established by the accrediting agency. Each accrediting agency develops its own standards. There are two types of accrediting agencies: institutional accrediting agencies that establish standards for the entire school and specialized accrediting agencies that establish standards for programs in specific fields of study such as nursing or engineering. The federal government does review and recognize accrediting associations.
Who serves on the NPEC Board?
The Commission is composed of 12 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. One member is appointed from each of the eleven congressional districts and one member is appointed at-large. The term of office is three years. Two members of the commission are appointed to represent degree-granting nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions and two members are appointed to represent nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions which grant certificates only. The remaining members are not to be employed by or otherwise represent or have an interest in any nonpublic postsecondary educational institution. The Commission meets on a quarterly basis. Additional meetings may

be called by the chair. Meetings of the Commission are open to the public.
How are student complaints handled by NPEC?
NPEC regards the prompt resolution of complaints by students as being a high priority of the agency. Standards Administrators consult with the individual submitting the complaint, appropriate school officials, and others upon receipt of complaints and visit institutions to resolve such complaints.
What is the Tuition Guaranty Trust Fund (TGTF)?
Since July 1992 authorized institutions are required to make annual payments to the Tuition Guaranty Trust Fund (TGTF). The TGTF is designed to provide reimbursement to students at institutions which close and fail to honor commitments to complete the students' programs of study. Basically, the TGTF serves as an insurance fund for student protection.
What is NPEC'S Role in Maintaining a Student's Academic Record in the Event of a College or
School Closure?

NPEC places great emphasis on requiring authorized postsecondary institutions to maintain student academic records, so that in the event of a closure, the transfer of records to the state can be accomplished with minimum difficulty. In the NPEC office, a staff member is assigned the responsibility of obtaining individual transcripts on request by students for closed institutions.
For additional information please write or call:
Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission 2189 Northlake Parkway Suite 100, Building 10 Tucker, GA 30084-4113
770/414-3300 770/414-3309 (fax) E-Mail: billc@mail.npec.state.ga.us
Revised 1/16/02

THE GEORGIA NONPUBLIC
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION COMMISSION
Why was NPEC Created?
The Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (NPEC) was created in 1990. NPEC's primary purpose is to ensure that each authorized college or school is educationally sound and financially stable. Specifically, NPEC works to 1) assure prospective and enrolled students that the program of study and supporting elements of the institutions meet minimum standards, 2) assure prospective employers that graduates have acquired appropriate job skills, 3) assure the general public, federal and other state agencies that programs meet minimum standards.
What is NPEC's Role?
The Commission administers the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 by providing standards, procedures, and evaluation for the oversight of postsecondary institutions. The staff reviews and authorizes each college or school annually, provides consumer information and protection, resolves

student complaints, manages institution closures and resulting student records, prepares required publications and grants exemptions as applicable. The staff also develops new and/or revised standards, procedures, regulations and schedules in response to changing laws, needs and circumstances.
What are the Legal Requirements for Operating a Postsecondary Institution in Georgia?
Legal Requirements for Operating Nonpublic, Degree Granting
Postsecondary Educational Institutions in Georgia
The Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 provides that a postsecondary educational institution must apply for and be granted a Certificate of Authorization before beginning operation or advertising in Georgia. NPEC must authorize each degree program. Following initial authorization, the institution's Certificate must be renewed annually. Any institution operating or advertising to begin operation without acquiring the necessary Certificate of Authorization is in violation of Georgia law, and shall be subject to civil penalties.

Legal Requirement for Operating Nonpublic, Non-Degree Granting Postsecondary Institutions in Georgia
Any instructional program defined as a proprietary school according to the Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 must apply for and be granted a Certificate of Authorization before beginning operation or advertising in Georgia. Following initial authorization, the institution's Certificate must be renewed annually. Any institution operating or advertising to begin operation without acquiring the necessary Certificate of Authorization is in violation of Georgia law, and shall be subject to civil penalties.
What Postsecondary Institutions are Exempt from Regulation by
NPEC?
Certain postsecondary institutions are exempt from NPEC regulation. There are specific exemptions identified regarding traditional private colleges and universities, public colleges and universities, and public technical institutes. Examining Boards under the Georgia Secretary of State regulate other occupational schools and educational institutions, such as cosmetology, nursing, barbering, real estate, and others. Truck driving schools within the state, either for profit or non-profit, are regulated by the State Department of Public Safety.

What are the Procedures used by NPEC to Authorize a
Postsecondary Institution?
The procedures used to authorize a postsecondary institution may be obtained by writing to NPEC and requesting an application forms packet. The fee for the packet it $25.00. A brief summary of the application procedures is as follows:
A potential postsecondary institution forwards a $25.00 check to NPEC requesting the application forms packet.
A Standards Administrator is assigned to serve as a liaison to the applicant.
Once the application is completed, a preliminary evaluation conference with NPEC representatives is scheduled at the NPEC office in Tucker.
After the preliminary evaluation conference, the applicant is either given the approval to proceed with the preparation of the formal application or given specific recommendations the applicant is to correct before proceeding further.
Once the formal application is satisfactorily completed, an evaluation committee is appointed to visit the proposed school on site. The purpose of the visit is to insure that the proposed

institution has adequate facilities, equipment, personnel and academic programs to comply with NPEC standards.

The entire process generally takes a

minimum of one year for degree-

granting postsecondary institutions, and

a minimum of three months for

certificate-granting

postsecondary

institutions before authorization is

granted.

All institutions are visited by their assigned NPEC Standards Administrator during the annual renewal process. The purpose of the annual review is to confirm that all NPEC standards do and continue to exist. Most institutions receive at least one other visit during the year. Some visits are unannounced, while others are in response to specific complaints or other identified problems.

Does NPEC Accredit Postsecondary Institutions?

NPEC is not an accrediting agency but does authorize postsecondary institutions to operate under Georgia law. However, most accrediting agencies verify compliance with state law, including authorization when required, prior to granting initial accreditation.