Virginia Law

A. The certification criteria shall include, but not be limited to (i) procedures by which a postsecondary school may apply for certification and (ii) criteria designed to ensure that all postsecondary schools that are subject to this chapter meet minimal academic or career-technical standards.

B. Postsecondary schools, by notarized signature of the chief executive officer, will be responsible for certifying total compliance with certification criteria on an initial and annual basis.

C. Postsecondary schools must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal statutes, laws, and codes.

D. Initial site visit. Council staff shall conduct an initial site visit prior to certification. The school shall demonstrate that the facilities conform to all federal, state, and local building codes and that it is equipped with classrooms, instructional and resource facilities, and laboratories adequate for the size of the faculty and student body and adequate to support the education programs offered by the school.

E. Provisional certification. An initial certification applicant may be granted provisional certification for a period not to exceed one year during which time the institution shall meet all conditions established by council for provisional certification. During the period of provisional certification, the school:

1. May advertise, provided that all advertisements and promotional materials state that the school is Provisionally Certified to Operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia;

2. May recruit and register students, however, may not collect more than an initial nonrefundable fee of $100 from each student;

3. May recruit and hire faculty and staff; and

4. May not offer postsecondary instruction or confer certificates, diplomas or degrees.

F. If the institution has not complied with all necessary standards and conditions within the period specified by the provisional certification, a new application for certification must be submitted.