Iowa Admin. Code r. 281-21.2 - Administration
(1)
Policy manual. A community college board of directors will
develop and maintain a policy manual that adequately describes the official
policies of the institution.
(2)
Administrative staff. A community college will develop an
administrative staff appropriate to the size and the purpose of the institution
and one that permits the institution to function effectively and efficiently.
This administrative staff will provide effective leadership for the major
divisions of the institution including administrative services, adult and
continuing education, career and technical education, college parallel
education, and student services.
(3)
Chief executive officer.
A community college will have a chief executive officer who is also the
executive officer of the board of directors. The executive officer is
responsible for the operation of the community college with respect to its
educational program, its faculty and student services programs, and the use of
its facilities. The executive officer may delegate to the staff all necessary
administrative and supervisory responsibilities to ensure an efficient
operation of the institution.
(4)
Financial records and reports. The community college will
maintain accurate financial records and make reports in the form and pursuant
to the timeline prescribed by the department and other state
agencies.
(5)
Enrollment. A community college will meet minimum enrollment
requirements if it offers instruction as authorized in Iowa Code chapter 260C
and if, to the satisfaction of the state board of education, it is able to
provide classes of reasonable economic size as needed by students, meets the
needs of the students, and shows by its past and present enrollment and
placement record that it meets individual and employment needs.
(6)
Catalog. The catalog is
the official publication of the community college. It will include accurate
information on institutional policies, admissions requirements, procedures and
fees, refund policies, residency requirements, program enrollment and degree
requirements, due process procedures, affirmative action, and other information
as recommended by the department. Students' rights and responsibilities may be
included in the catalog or in a separate document.
(7)
Admissions and program/course
enrollment requirements. The community college will maintain an
open-door admission policy for students of postsecondary age. This admission
policy will recognize that students should demonstrate a reasonable prospect
for success in the program in which they are admitted. Applicants who cannot
demonstrate a reasonable prospect for success in the program for which they
apply should be assisted to enroll in courses where deficiencies may be
remediated or into programs appropriate to the individual's preparation and
objectives. The community college may set reasonable requirements for student
enrollment in specified programs and courses. Admissions and program enrollment
requirements established by each community college will be published in the
community college catalog.
(8)
Academic year. The academic year of the community college will
consist of semester, trimester, or quarter terms, and will be a period of time
beginning with the first day of the fall term and continuing through the day
preceding the start of the next fall term as indicated in the official college
calendar. A community college may offer instruction in units of length (i.e.,
days and weeks) consistent with the identified scope and depth of the
instructional content.
(9)
Award requirements. The director will approve all new credit
certificate, diploma, and degree award programs in accordance with Iowa Code
section 260C.14. Awards from a community
college will be certified by the issuance of appropriate recognition, pursuant
to award approval requirement guidelines issued by the department, indicating
the type of program the student has completed. The minimum number and maximum
number of credit hours required for each award type contained within this
subrule may be waived pursuant to paragraph 21.2(13)"i." Each
award will meet the expectations of statewide articulation agreements between
Iowa community colleges and public universities.
a.
Associate of arts (AA).
The degree is awarded upon completion of a college parallel (transfer) course
of study that provides a strong general education component to satisfy the
lower division general education liberal arts and sciences requirements for a
baccalaureate degree. An associate of arts degree consists of a minimum of 60
semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter)
credit hours.
b.
Associate
of science (AS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a course of
study that requires a strong background in mathematics or science. The degree
is intended to prepare students to transfer and initiate upper division work in
baccalaureate programs. An associate of science degree awarded upon completion
of an arts and sciences course of study consists of a minimum of 60 semester
(90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter) credit
hours.
c.
Associate of
general studies (AGS). The degree is awarded upon completion of an
individualized course of study that is primarily designed for the acquisition
of a broad educational background rather than the pursuit of a specific college
major or professional/technical program. The AGS is intended as a flexible
course of study and may include specific curriculum in lower division transfer,
occupational education, or professional-technical education. It will not
include a marketed course of study. An associate of general studies degree
consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of
64 semester (96 quarter) credit hours.
d.
Associate of applied science
(AAS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a state-approved
program of study that is intended to prepare students for entry-level career
and technical occupations. An associate of applied science degree consists of a
minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 86 semester
(129 quarter) credit hours. The general education component of the associate of
applied science degree program consists of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5
quarter) credit hours of general education and include at least one course from
each of the following areas: communications, social science or humanities, and
mathematics or science. A maximum of 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of
the required 15 general education credits may be embedded within an existing
course in the technical core. The technical core of the associate of applied
science degree will constitute a minimum of 50 percent of the course
credits.
e.
Associate of
applied arts (AAA). The degree is awarded upon completion of a
state-approved program of study that is primarily intended for career training
in providing students with professional skills for employment in a specific
field of work, such as arts, humanities, or graphic design. An associate of
applied arts degree consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit
hours and a maximum of 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hours. The general
education component of the associate of applied arts degree program will
consist of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) credit hours of general
education and include at least one course from each of the following:
communications, social science or humanities, and mathematics or science. A
maximum of 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of the required 15 general
education credits may be embedded within an existing course in the technical
core. The technical core of the associate of applied arts degree will
constitute a minimum of 50 percent of the course credits.
f.
Associate of professional studies
(APS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a state-approved
program of study that is intended to prepare students for transfer and upper
division coursework in aligned baccalaureate programs or immediate entry into
the workforce.
(1) To be eligible to offer
this award type, a college shall demonstrate that other award types cannot meet
needs and the associate of professional studies award is appropriate.
(2) An associate of professional studies
degree will consist of a minimum of 62 semester (93 quarter) credit hours and a
maximum of 68 semester (102 quarter) credit hours. The general education
component of the associate of professional studies degree will consist of a
minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) credit hours of general education including
3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of each of the following: speech,
mathematics, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, science; 6 semester (9
quarter) credit hours of writing; and 9 semester (13.5 quarter) credit hours
distributed among mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and
science. The technical core of the associate of professional studies degree
will consist of a minimum of 16 semester (24 quarter) credit hours of career
and technical coursework accepted by a receiving baccalaureate degree-granting
institution with an aligned program as applying toward a specific major or
program of study. The technical core of the degree will also consist of a
minimum of 16 additional semester (24 quarter) credit hours of career and
technical coursework accepted by the receiving institution as
electives.
(3) An associate of
professional studies degree program of study will have a minimum of three
program-to-program articulation agreements with baccalaureate degree-granting
institutions, at least one of which must be a public institution. A program
will have a minimum of one articulation agreement effective prior to program
implementation, provided all three agreements are effective within the
program's first year of student enrollment. The agreements will provide for the
application of no fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours toward the
graduation requirements of each articulated baccalaureate degree
program.
g.
Diploma. The diploma is awarded upon completion of a
state-approved program of study that is a coherent sequence of courses
consisting of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) credit hours and a
maximum of 48 semester (72 quarter) credit hours including at least 3 semester
(4.5 quarter) credit hours of general education. The general education
component may be embedded within an existing course in the technical core and
will be from any of the following areas: communications, social science or
humanities, and mathematics or science. The technical core of the diploma will
constitute a minimum of 70 percent of the course credits. A diploma may be a
component of and apply toward subsequent completion of an associate of applied
science or associate of applied arts degree.
h.
Certificate. The
certificate is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study
that is designed for entry-level employment and consists of a maximum of 48
semester (72 quarter) credit hours. A certificate may be a component of and
apply toward subsequent completion of a diploma or associate of applied science
or associate of applied arts degree and may be developed in rapid response to
the needs of business and industry. A certificate may consist of only career
and technical courses and no general education course requirements.
(10)
Academic
records. The community college shall maintain in perpetuity for each
student the complete academic record including every course attempted and grade
received. An official transcript must be created at the time of course
enrollment. The credit hour(s) and grade will be recorded on the student's
official transcripts upon completion of a community college course. These
records shall be kept in disasterresistant storage, unless other equivalent
safeguards are used, such as maintaining duplicate files (electronic or
otherwise) in separate facilities. The method of storage will be consistent
with current technology to ensure the ability to retrieve records. The
community college will implement a security plan that ensures the
confidentiality of student records.
(11)
Residency status and
tuition. A student who has been admitted to an Iowa community college
will be classified as a resident or as a nonresident for admission, tuition,
and fee purposes. A student classified as a resident will pay resident tuition
costs. A student classified as a nonresident will pay nonresident tuition
costs. Tuition rates are established by a community college's board of trustees
pursuant to Iowa Code section
260C.14(2).
a.
Tuition rates. Tuition
rates adopted by a community college's board of trustees will be consistent
with the following requirements:
(1) Resident
tuition.
1. Tuition for residents will not
exceed the lowest tuition rate per semester, or the equivalent, for a full-time
student charged by an institution of higher education under the state board of
regents.
2. For students of high
school age enrolled in a course through a contractual agreement with a school
district, the limit on resident tuition does not apply, and the amount of
tuition will be determined by the community college's board of trustees with
the consent of the school board.
3.
Resident tuition rates do not require department approval.
(2) Nonresident tuition. Tuition for
nonresidents will be not less than the marginal cost of instruction of a
student attending the college. The establishment of nonresident tuition rates
does not require department approval, with the exception of rates established
pursuant to numbered paragraph 21.2(11)"a"(2)"2" and "3" and
subparagraph 21.2(11)"a"(3).
1. International student tuition rates. A
separate nonresident rate for international students is permissible, provided
the rate is reasonable and reflects the cost of appropriate services.
2. Reciprocal agreements. A lower tuition
rate for nonresidents is permitted under a reciprocal tuition agreement between
a community college and an educational institution in another state, if the
rate established in the agreement is approved by the department.
3. Other nonresident rates. Other nonresident
tuition rates may be established for specific purposes provided the tuition
rate is greater than the resident tuition rate, the tuition rate is not less
than the marginal cost of instruction, and the arrangement is approved by the
department.
(3)
Consortia. A separate tuition rate for residents and nonresidents is permitted
for courses delivered through a consortia agreement for online, distance
education, or other coursework between Iowa community colleges, if the rate
established in the agreement is approved by the department. Tuition will not be
less than the lowest resident rate or higher than the highest nonresident rate
of institutions within the consortium.
(4) Noncredit course tuition. Tuition for
noncredit continuing education courses will be determined based on course costs
and market demand. Tuition rates for courses that are not credit-bearing do not
require department approval.
(5)
Department approval. For tuition rates requiring department approval, the
department will approve rates that comply with the requirements set forth in
this chapter. Before a rate is adopted by a community college's board of
trustees and charged to students, the community college will request and
receive approval for a tuition rate.
(6) Reporting. A community college will
annually report all tuition rates and mandatory fees in a manner prescribed by
the department.
(7) Notification. A
community college will inform all students about residency status
determinations, the appeal process, and tuition policies. Information will be
included in appropriate publications, such as the college's catalog,
registration materials, website, and student handbook.
b.
Determination of residency
status. In determining a community college resident or nonresident
classification, the primary determinant is the reason the student is in the
state of Iowa. The second determinant is the length of time a student has
resided in Iowa. If a student is in the state primarily for educational
purposes, that student is considered a nonresident. The burden of establishing
the reason a student is in Iowa for other than educational purposes rests with
the student.
(1) Procedure. The registrar or
officially designated community college office will require written documents,
affidavits, or other related evidence deemed necessary to determine why a
student is in Iowa. A student will be required to file at least two documents
from different sources to determine residency status. Examples of acceptable
documentation include: written and notarized documentation from an employer
that the student is employed in Iowa or a signed and notarized statement from
the student describing employment and sources of support; an Iowa state income
tax return; an Iowa driver's license; an Iowa vehicle registration card; an
Iowa voter registration card; or proof of Iowa Homestead credit on property
taxes. In all events, to be determined a resident of Iowa, the student must
document residing in the state of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the
beginning of the term for which the student is enrolling.
1. If a student gives misleading or incorrect
information for the purpose of evading payment of nonresident tuition, the
student must pay the nonresident tuition for each term the student was not
officially classified as a nonresident.
2. The procedures described in paragraph
21.2(11)"b" will be administered by the registrar or staff
designated by the community college.
(2) Residency of minor students. The domicile
of a minor follows that of the parent with whom the minor resides, except where
emancipation of said minor can be proven. The word "parent" includes legal
guardian or others in cases where the lawful custody of a minor has been
awarded to persons other than the minor's actual parents. A minor living with a
resident of Iowa who is legally responsible for the minor shall be granted
resident status if the minor has lived with the Iowa resident for at least 90
days immediately prior to enrollment. The residency status of an emancipated
minor is based upon the same qualifications established for a student having
attained majority.
(3) Residency of
students who are not citizens of the United States. The residency status of
students who are not citizens of the United States will be determined
consistent with the following procedures:
1. A
student who is a refugee or who is granted asylum by an appropriate agency of
the United States must provide proof of certification of refugee or asylum
grantee status. A student may be accorded resident status for admission and
tuition purposes when the student comes directly, or within a reasonable time,
to the state of Iowa from a refugee facility or port of debarkation and has not
established domicile in another state.
2. A student who has immigrant status, and
the student's spouse or dependents, may establish Iowa residency in the same
manner as a United States citizen.
3. A student who has nonimmigrant status and
who holds a nonstudent visa, and the student's spouse or dependents, may
establish residency in the same manner as a United States citizen. An alien who
has nonimmigrant status and whose primary purpose for being in Iowa is
educational is classified as nonresident.
4. A student who is a resident of an Iowa
sister state may be classified as a resident or nonresident, in accordance with
rules adopted by the college's board of directors.
(4) Residency of federal personnel and
dependents. A student, or the student's spouse or dependent child, who has
moved into the state of Iowa as the result of military or civil orders from the
federal government, and the minor children of such student, is immediately an
Iowa resident.
(5) Residency of
veterans and family members and individuals covered under Section 702 of the
Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. A veteran of a
uniformed service, a member of the National Guard, or the veteran's or member's
spouse or dependent child will be classified as an Iowa resident student and be
eligible for resident tuition and fee amounts, if the veteran or national guard
member meets the requirements of numbered paragraph
21.2(11)"b"(5)"1," "2," or "3."
1. The veteran has separated from a uniformed
service with an honorable or general discharge, is eligible for benefits, or
has exhausted benefits under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational
Assistance Act of 2008 or any other federal authorizing veteran educational
benefits program.
2. The individual
is an active duty military person or activated or temporarily mobilized
National Guard member.
3. The
individual is a covered person under Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice
and Accountability Act of 2014 or subsequent legislation, as effective on
February 7, 2024.
(6)
Reclassification of residency status. It is the responsibility of a student to
request a reclassification of residency status. If a student is reclassified as
a resident for tuition purposes, such classification is effective beginning
with the next term for which the student enrolls. In no case will
reclassification to residency status be made retroactive for tuition and fee
purposes, even though the student could have previously qualified for residency
status had the student applied.
(7)
Appeal. The decision on the residency status of a student for admission,
tuition, and fee purposes may be appealed to a review committee established by
the community college. The findings of the review committee may be appealed to
the community college's board of trustees, whose decision is a final
administrative decision.
(12)
Credit hours. Credit
hours will be determined consistent with the following procedures.
a. Specifically stated criteria are minimal
requirements only, which institutions may exceed at their discretion.
b. Conventional instruction is subdivided
into four instructional methods as herein defined.
(1) Classroom work - lecture and formalized
classroom instruction under the supervision of an instructor.
(2) Laboratory work - experimentation and
practice by students under the supervision of an instructor.
(3) Clinical practice - applied learning
experience in a health agency or office under the supervision of an
instructor.
(4) Work-based learning
- employment-related experience planned and coordinated by an institutional
representative and the employer, with control and supervision of the student on
the job being the responsibility of the employer. Planned and supervised
connections of classroom, laboratory and industry that prepare students for
current and future careers.
c. No registration or orientation hours may
be included when determining credit hours.
d. Institutions will take into account the
soundness of the learning environment being created by the scheduling sequence
and length of classroom, laboratory, clinical, and work-based learning
sessions. However, the final decision on these matters is left to the
institutional administration so long as minimal standards are met.
e. Only minutes for students officially
registered for courses or programs, including audit registration, may be
included when determining credit hours.
f. Each community college must establish a
policy that defines its methods of equating alternative instruction to credit
hours and the process for evaluating the effectiveness of the alternative
instruction to meet or exceed the expected student outcomes as if the course
were taught utilizing conventional methods in paragraph
21.2(12)"b." Colleges will be held accountable for evaluating
and maintaining high-quality programs, and their evaluations may be subject to
department review. Students will be expected to meet all approved course
requirements and will be expected to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge
and competencies/outcomes at the same level as those obtained in traditional
classroom settings, in the time frames set by the institution. Alternative
courses or programs of study must be approved by the college's review processes
including faculty review and input. Courses will be listed in the college
catalog. Instructional formats for which alternative methods of determining
credit hours are applicable include the following:
(1) Accelerated courses (study, programs).
Courses or programs of study that allow students to complete courses or
programs at a faster pace than if offered by conventional methods. Courses and
programs will be tailored to involve more student participation and
self-directed study. Instructors may teach in traditional classroom settings or
by alternative methods specified in this subrule.
(2) Distance education. Courses or programs
of study taught over the Internet, Iowa Communications Network (ICN), or other
electronic means that allow students to receive instruction in the classroom or
other sites, over personal computers, television, or other electronic means.
Courses may or may not be interactive with direct communication between the
teacher and students. Credit hours will be awarded in accordance with the
credit hours that would have been assigned if the course or program were taught
by conventional methods.
1. Correspondence
courses. Courses offered outside the classroom setting in which the instruction
is delivered indirectly to the student. Instruction is provided through another
medium, such as written material, computer, television, or electronic means.
Course materials are sent to a student who follows a detailed syllabus to
complete assignments. Students correspond with and transmit assignments to the
instructor by telephone, computer, mail, or electronic means. A third party may
administer tests.
2. Television
courses. Courses or programs delivered primarily via broadcast television, such
as Iowa Public Television, digital video disc, or other media allowing students
to receive instruction in a classroom or equipped remote location.
3. Video conference courses. Courses or
programs delivered via a closed synchronous audio-video conferencing system,
such as the Iowa Communications Network or similar system that allows students
to receive instruction in a classroom or any equipped remote location via an
audio-video feed to a television, computer, or other electronic
device.
4. Online courses. Courses
or programs delivered via the Internet. Courses may be taken using computers in
a classroom setting or using personal computers or other electronic devices
from the student's home or other location using an online learning management
system or mixed-media methods. Students may be linked at times directly with
the instructor or with other students electronically. Interaction may be direct
(synchronous) or indirect (asynchronous) allowing students to participate
during their own time frames.
5.
In-class hybrid courses. Courses or programs that combine traditional classroom
and computerbased instruction. In-class sessions are offered with online
instructional activities to promote independent learning and reduce seat
time.
(3) Self-paced
instruction. Courses or programs that permit a student to enter at variable
times or progress at the student's own rate of speed. Start and end dates may
or may not correspond to the official college calendar. Contact or credit hours
for self-paced programs or courses will be computed by assigning to each
registration the total number of credit or contact hours the student would have
received if the student enrolled in a conventional program or course with
stipulated beginning and ending dates.
(4) Arranged study. Instruction offered to
students at times other than stated or scheduled class times to accommodate
specific scheduling or program needs of students. Credit hours will be awarded
in accordance with the credit hours that would have been assigned if the course
or program were taught by conventional methods.
(5) Multiformat nontraditional instruction.
Instruction utilizing a variety of nontraditional methods that may incorporate
self-paced learning, text, video, computer instructional delivery, accelerated
training, independent study, Internet delivery, or other methods that do not
follow standard classroom work guidelines. Credit hours will be awarded in
accordance with the credit hours that would have been assigned if the course or
program were taught by conventional methods.
(6) Competency-based instruction. Programs
delivered using an outcomes-based approach, where the curriculum is structured
around specified competencies and satisfactory academic progress is expressed
as the attainment or mastery of the identified competencies.
g. Individualized learning
experiences for which an equivalent course is not offered will have the program
length computed from records of attendance using such procedures as a time
clock or sign-in records. Individualized learning experiences means independent
study courses in which an equivalent course is not offered by the college or
listed in the college catalog. Independent study permits in-depth or focused
learning on special topics of particular interest to the student.
h. Each course must have a minimum length of
one credit hour. A fractional unit of credit may be awarded, provided the
course exceeds the minimum length of one credit hour.
i. Each credit hour shall consist of a
minimum number of contact hours as defined in paragraphs
21.2(12)"h" to "m." One contact hour equals
50 minutes.
j. Classroom work.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester
hour of credit is 800 minutes (16 contact hours) of scheduled
instruction.
(2) The minimum
requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 533 minutes (10.7 contact hours)
of scheduled instruction.
k. Laboratory work.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester
hour of credit is 1,600 minutes (32 contact hours) of scheduled laboratory
work.
(2) The minimum requirement
for one quarter hour of credit is 1,066 minutes (21.3 contact hours) of
scheduled laboratory work.
l. Clinical practice.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester
hour of credit is 2,400 minutes (48 contact hours) of scheduled clinical
practice.
(2) The minimum
requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 1,599 minutes (32 contact hours)
of scheduled clinical practice.
m. Work-based learning.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester
hour of credit is 3,200 minutes (64 contact hours) of scheduled work-based
learning.
(2) The minimum
requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 2,132 minutes (42.6 contact
hours) of scheduled work-based learning.
(13)
Career and technical program
length.
a. Program length for the
associate of applied science (AAS) degree in career and technical education,
for the associate of applied arts (AAA) degree, and for the associate of
professional studies (APS) degree will consist of an academic program not to
exceed two academic years. All required course offerings are to be available
within two academic years. All required offerings in AAS and AAA degree
programs will not exceed a maximum of 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hours
unless the department has granted a waiver pursuant to paragraph
21.2(13)"i." All required offerings in APS degree programs
will not exceed a maximum of 68 credit hours. Programs will not exceed an
average of 19 credit hours per regular term.
b. All credit-bearing courses required for
program admittance or graduation, or both, will be included in the program
length credit hour maximum, with the exception of developmental course credit
hours. Prerequisites that provide an option to students for either credit or
noncredit shall be counted toward the program parameters. Prerequisite options
that are only offered for noncredit will not be counted toward program length
parameters. A high school course prerequisite is permissible and will not count
toward program length parameters, provided the prerequisite is reasonable. A
high school course prerequisite is reasonable if a community college
demonstrates that students entering the program predominantly meet the
requirement without prior college coursework.
c. Associate of applied science (AAS) and
associate of applied arts (AAA) programs that receive accreditation from
nationally recognized accrediting bodies may appeal maximum credit hour length
requirements to the department for consideration of a waiver. All AAS and AAA
degree programs over the 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hour maximum must
have approved program-length waivers pursuant to paragraph
21.2(13)"i."
d.
Associate of professional studies programs are not eligible for a
program-length waiver pursuant to paragraph
21.2(13)"i."
e.
All credit certificate and diploma programs as defined in subrule 21.2(9) will
not exceed 48 semester (72 quarter) credit hours.
f. Each course offered in the area of career
and technical education will be taught in the shortest practical period of time
at a standard consistent with the quality and quantity of work needed to
prepare the student for successful employment in the occupation for which
instruction is being offered.
g. A
full-time student in career and technical education is defined as a student
enrolling in 12 or more semester credit hours or the equivalent in career and
technical education.
h. Curricula
in full-time career and technical education programs will ordinarily be offered
on the basis of student workload of 20 to 30 contact hours per week.
i. Waiver process. A college may petition the
department to suspend in whole or in part a programlength requirement contained
in paragraphs 21.2(13)"a" to "e" as applied
to a specific program on the basis of the particular circumstances of that
program.
(1) Waivers are issued at the
director's sole discretion. Waivers will be narrowly tailored and granted for a
period no longer than two academic years, after which reapplication is
necessary. A waiver may be granted on a long-term basis, not to exceed ten
years, if issuing the waiver for a shorter period is not practical.
(2) All petitions for waiver must be
submitted in writing to the department and include the following information:
specific waiver request including scope and duration, the relevant facts that
the petitioner believes would justify a waiver, a detailed statement of the
impact on student achievement, any information known regarding the department's
treatment of similar cases, and any additional information deemed relevant by
the petitioner. The department will acknowledge a petition upon
receipt.
(3) The department will
ensure that, within 30 calendar days, notice of pendency of the petition and a
concise summary of its contents have been provided to a committee consisting of
the chief academic officers of each community college. In addition, the
department may give notice to other persons.
(4) A committee consisting of the chief
academic officers of a majority of community colleges will review the waiver
request and provide a recommendation to the department regarding whether
approval should be granted. Within 90 calendar days of receiving the
recommendation, the department will review the petition and issue a ruling.
Failure of the department to grant or deny a petition within the required time
period is deemed a denial of that petition. If a waiver is issued, the
department will provide a description of the precise scope and operative period
to all interested parties.
(14)
Faculty organization.
The faculty shall be organized in such a way as to promote communication among
administration, faculty and students and to encourage faculty participation in
the development of the curriculum, instructional procedures, general policies,
and such other matters as are appropriate.
Notes
State regulations are updated quarterly; we currently have two versions available. Below is a comparison between our most recent version and the prior quarterly release. More comparison features will be added as we have more versions to compare.
(1) Policy manual. A community college board of directors will develop and maintain a policy manual that adequately describes the official policies of the institution.
(2) Administrative staff. A community college will develop an administrative staff appropriate to the size and the purpose of the institution and one that permits the institution to function effectively and efficiently. This administrative staff will provide effective leadership for the major divisions of the institution including administrative services, adult and continuing education, career and technical education, college parallel education, and student services.
(3) Chief executive officer. A community college will have a chief executive officer who is also the executive officer of the board of directors. The executive officer is responsible for the operation of the community college with respect to its educational program, its faculty and student services programs, and the use of its facilities. The executive officer may delegate to the staff all necessary administrative and supervisory responsibilities to ensure an efficient operation of the institution.
(4) Financial records and reports. The community college will maintain accurate financial records and make reports in the form and pursuant to the timeline prescribed by the department and other state agencies.
(5) Enrollment. A community college will meet minimum enrollment requirements if it offers instruction as authorized in Iowa Code chapter 260C and if, to the satisfaction of the state board of education, it is able to provide classes of reasonable economic size as needed by students, meets the needs of the students, and shows by its past and present enrollment and placement record that it meets individual and employment needs.
(6) Catalog. The catalog is the official publication of the community college. It will include accurate information on institutional policies, admissions requirements, procedures and fees, refund policies, residency requirements, program enrollment and degree requirements, due process procedures, affirmative action, and other information as recommended by the department . Students' rights and responsibilities may be included in the catalog or in a separate document.
(7) Admissions and program/course enrollment requirements. The community college will maintain an open-door admission policy for students of postsecondary age. This admission policy will recognize that students should demonstrate a reasonable prospect for success in the program in which they are admitted. Applicants who cannot demonstrate a reasonable prospect for success in the program for which they apply should be assisted to enroll in courses where deficiencies may be remediated or into programs appropriate to the individual's preparation and objectives. The community college may set reasonable requirements for student enrollment in specified programs and courses. Admissions and program enrollment requirements established by each community college will be published in the community college catalog.
(8) Academic year. The academic year of the community college will consist of semester, trimester, or quarter terms, and will be a period of time beginning with the first day of the fall term and continuing through the day preceding the start of the next fall term as indicated in the official college calendar. A community college may offer instruction in units of length (i.e., days and weeks) consistent with the identified scope and depth of the instructional content.
(9) Award requirements. The director will approve all new credit certificate , diploma, and degree award programs in accordance with Iowa Code section 260C.14. Awards from a community college will be certified by the issuance of appropriate recognition, pursuant to award approval requirement guidelines issued by the department , indicating the type of program the student has completed. The minimum number and maximum number of credit hours required for each award type contained within this subrule may be waived pursuant to paragraph 21.2(13)"i." Each award will meet the expectations of statewide articulation agreements between Iowa community colleges and public universities.
a. Associate of arts (AA). The degree is awarded upon completion of a college parallel (transfer) course of study that provides a strong general education component to satisfy the lower division general education liberal arts and sciences requirements for a baccalaureate degree. An associate of arts degree consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter) credit hours.
b. Associate of science (AS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a course of study that requires a strong background in mathematics or science. The degree is intended to prepare students to transfer and initiate upper division work in baccalaureate programs. An associate of science degree awarded upon completion of an arts and sciences course of study consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter) credit hours.
c. Associate of general studies (AGS). The degree is awarded upon completion of an individualized course of study that is primarily designed for the acquisition of a broad educational background rather than the pursuit of a specific college major or professional/technical program. The AGS is intended as a flexible course of study and may include specific curriculum in lower division transfer, occupational education, or professional-technical education. It will not include a marketed course of study. An associate of general studies degree consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 64 semester (96 quarter) credit hours.
d. Associate of applied science (AAS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study that is intended to prepare students for entry-level career and technical occupations. An associate of applied science degree consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hours. The general education component of the associate of applied science degree program consists of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) credit hours of general education and include at least one course from each of the following areas: communications, social science or humanities, and mathematics or science. A maximum of 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of the required 15 general education credits may be documented through an integrated, embedded, and interdisciplinary model adopted by the chief academic officers of the 15 community colleges in consultation with the department . The technical core of the associate of applied science degree will constitute a minimum of 50 percent of the course credits.
e. Associate of applied arts (AAA). The degree is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study that is primarily intended for career training in providing students with professional skills for employment in a specific field of work, such as arts, humanities, or graphic design. An associate of applied arts degree consists of a minimum of 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hours. The general education component of the associate of applied arts degree program will consist of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) credit hours of general education and include at least one course from each of the following: communications, social science or humanities, and mathematics or science. A maximum of 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of the required 15 general education credits may be documented through an integrated, embedded, and interdisciplinary model adopted by the chief academic officers of the 15 community colleges in consultation with the department . The technical core of the associate of applied arts degree will constitute a minimum of 50 percent of the course credits.
f. Associate of professional studies (APS). The degree is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study that is intended to prepare students for transfer and upper division coursework in aligned baccalaureate programs or immediate entry into the workforce.
(1) To be eligible to offer this award type, a college shall demonstrate that other award types cannot meet needs and the associate of professional studies award is appropriate.
(2) An associate of professional studies degree will consist of a minimum of 62 semester (93 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 68 semester (102 quarter) credit hours. The general education component of the associate of professional studies degree will consist of a minimum of 30 semester (45 quarter) credit hours of general education including 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of each of the following: speech, mathematics, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, science; 6 semester (9 quarter) credit hours of writing; and 9 semester (13.5 quarter) credit hours distributed among mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and science. The technical core of the associate of professional studies degree will consist of a minimum of 16 semester (24 quarter) credit hours of career and technical coursework accepted by a receiving baccalaureate degree-granting institution with an aligned program as applying toward a specific major or program of study. The technical core of the degree will also consist of a minimum of 16 additional semester (24 quarter) credit hours of career and technical coursework accepted by the receiving institution as electives.
(3) An associate of professional studies degree program of study will have a minimum of three program-to-program articulation agreements with baccalaureate degree-granting institutions, at least one of which must be a public institution. A program will have a minimum of one articulation agreement effective prior to program implementation, provided all three agreements are effective within the program's first year of student enrollment. The agreements will provide for the application of no fewer than 60 semester (90 quarter) credit hours toward the graduation requirements of each articulated baccalaureate degree program.
g. Diploma. The diploma is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study that is a coherent sequence of courses consisting of a minimum of 15 semester (22.5 quarter) credit hours and a maximum of 48 semester (72 quarter) credit hours including at least 3 semester (4.5 quarter) credit hours of general education. The general education component will be from any of the following areas: communications, social science or humanities, and mathematics or science. The technical core of the diploma will constitute a minimum of 70 percent of the course credits. A diploma may be a component of and apply toward subsequent completion of an associate of applied science or associate of applied arts degree.
h. Certificate . The certificate is awarded upon completion of a state-approved program of study that is designed for entry-level employment and consists of a maximum of 48 semester (72 quarter) credit hours. A certificate may be a component of and apply toward subsequent completion of a diploma or associate of applied science or associate of applied arts degree and may be developed in rapid response to the needs of business and industry. A certificate may consist of only career and technical courses and no general education course requirements.
(10) Academic records. The community college shall maintain in perpetuity for each student the complete academic record including every course attempted and grade received. An official transcript must be created at the time of course enrollment. The credit hour(s) and grade will be recorded on the student's official transcripts upon completion of a community college course. These records shall be kept in disasterresistant storage, unless other equivalent safeguards are used, such as maintaining duplicate files (electronic or otherwise) in separate facilities. The method of storage will be consistent with current technology to ensure the ability to retrieve records. The community college will implement a security plan that ensures the confidentiality of student records.
(11) Residency status and tuition. A student who has been admitted to an Iowa community college will be classified as a resident or as a nonresident for admission, tuition, and fee purposes. A student classified as a resident will pay resident tuition costs. A student classified as a nonresident will pay nonresident tuition costs. Tuition rates are established by a community college's board of trustees pursuant to Iowa Code section 260C.14(2).
a. Tuition rates. Tuition rates adopted by a community college's board of trustees will be consistent with the following requirements:
(1) Resident tuition.
1. Tuition for residents will not exceed the lowest tuition rate per semester, or the equivalent, for a full-time student charged by an institution of higher education under the state board of regents.
2. For students of high school age enrolled in a course through a contractual agreement with a school district, the limit on resident tuition does not apply, and the amount of tuition will be determined by the community college's board of trustees with the consent of the school board.
3. Resident tuition rates do not require department approval.
(2) Nonresident tuition. Tuition for nonresidents will be not less than the marginal cost of instruction of a student attending the college. The establishment of nonresident tuition rates does not require department approval, with the exception of rates established pursuant to numbered paragraph 21.2(11)"a"(2)"2" and "3" and subparagraph 21.2(11)"a"(3).
1. International student tuition rates. A separate nonresident rate for international students is permissible, provided the rate is reasonable and reflects the cost of appropriate services.
2. Reciprocal agreements. A lower tuition rate for nonresidents is permitted under a reciprocal tuition agreement between a community college and an educational institution in another state, if the rate established in the agreement is approved by the department .
3. Other nonresident rates. Other nonresident tuition rates may be established for specific purposes provided the tuition rate is greater than the resident tuition rate, the tuition rate is not less than the marginal cost of instruction, and the arrangement is approved by the department .
(3) Consortia. A separate tuition rate for residents and nonresidents is permitted for courses delivered through a consortia agreement for online, distance education, or other coursework between Iowa community colleges, if the rate established in the agreement is approved by the department . Tuition will not be less than the lowest resident rate or higher than the highest nonresident rate of institutions within the consortium.
(4) Noncredit course tuition. Tuition for noncredit continuing education courses will be determined based on course costs and market demand. Tuition rates for courses that are not credit-bearing do not require department approval.
(5) Department approval. For tuition rates requiring department approval, the department will approve rates that comply with the requirements set forth in this chapter. Before a rate is adopted by a community college's board of trustees and charged to students, the community college will request and receive approval for a tuition rate.
(6) Reporting. A community college will annually report all tuition rates and mandatory fees in a manner prescribed by the department .
(7) Notification. A community college will inform all students about residency status determinations, the appeal process, and tuition policies. Information will be included in appropriate publications, such as the college's catalog, registration materials, website, and student handbook.
b. Determination of residency status. In determining a community college resident or nonresident classification, the primary determinant is the reason the student is in the state of Iowa. The second determinant is the length of time a student has resided in Iowa. If a student is in the state primarily for educational purposes, that student is considered a nonresident. The burden of establishing the reason a student is in Iowa for other than educational purposes rests with the student.
(1) Procedure. The registrar or officially designated community college office will require written documents, affidavits, or other related evidence deemed necessary to determine why a student is in Iowa. A student will be required to file at least two documents from different sources to determine residency status. Examples of acceptable documentation include: written and notarized documentation from an employer that the student is employed in Iowa or a signed and notarized statement from the student describing employment and sources of support; an Iowa state income tax return; an Iowa driver's license; an Iowa vehicle registration card; an Iowa voter registration card; or proof of Iowa Homestead credit on property taxes. In all events, to be determined a resident of Iowa, the student must document residing in the state of Iowa for at least 90 days prior to the beginning of the term for which the student is enrolling.
1. If a student gives misleading or incorrect information for the purpose of evading payment of nonresident tuition, the student must pay the nonresident tuition for each term the student was not officially classified as a nonresident.
2. The procedures described in paragraph 21.2(11)"b" will be administered by the registrar or staff designated by the community college.
(2) Residency of minor students. The domicile of a minor follows that of the parent with whom the minor resides, except where emancipation of said minor can be proven. The word "parent" includes legal guardian or others in cases where the lawful custody of a minor has been awarded to persons other than the minor's actual parents. A minor living with a resident of Iowa who is legally responsible for the minor shall be granted resident status if the minor has lived with the Iowa resident for at least 90 days immediately prior to enrollment. The residency status of an emancipated minor is based upon the same qualifications established for a student having attained majority.
(3) Residency of students who are not citizens of the United States. The residency status of students who are not citizens of the United States will be determined consistent with the following procedures:
1. A student who is a refugee or who is granted asylum by an appropriate agency of the United States must provide proof of certification of refugee or asylum grantee status. A student may be accorded resident status for admission and tuition purposes when the student comes directly, or within a reasonable time, to the state of Iowa from a refugee facility or port of debarkation and has not established domicile in another state.
2. A student who has immigrant status, and the student's spouse or dependents, may establish Iowa residency in the same manner as a United States citizen.
3. A student who has nonimmigrant status and who holds a nonstudent visa, and the student's spouse or dependents, may establish residency in the same manner as a United States citizen. An alien who has nonimmigrant status and whose primary purpose for being in Iowa is educational is classified as nonresident.
4. A student who is a resident of an Iowa sister state may be classified as a resident or nonresident, in accordance with rules adopted by the college's board of directors.
(4) Residency of federal personnel and dependents. A student, or the student's spouse or dependent child, who has moved into the state of Iowa as the result of military or civil orders from the federal government, and the minor children of such student, is immediately an Iowa resident.
(5) Residency of veterans and family members and individuals covered under Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. A veteran of a uniformed service, a member of the National Guard, or the veteran's or member's spouse or dependent child will be classified as an Iowa resident student and be eligible for resident tuition and fee amounts, if the veteran or national guard member meets the requirements of numbered paragraph 21.2(11)"b"(5)"1," "2," or "3."
1. The veteran has separated from a uniformed service with an honorable or general discharge, is eligible for benefits, or has exhausted benefits under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or any other federal authorizing veteran educational benefits program.
2. The individual is an active duty military person or activated or temporarily mobilized National Guard member.
3. The individual is a covered person under Section 702 of the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 or subsequent legislation, as effective on February 7, 2024.
(6) Reclassification of residency status. It is the responsibility of a student to request a reclassification of residency status. If a student is reclassified as a resident for tuition purposes, such classification is effective beginning with the next term for which the student enrolls. In no case will reclassification to residency status be made retroactive for tuition and fee purposes, even though the student could have previously qualified for residency status had the student applied.
(7) Appeal. The decision on the residency status of a student for admission, tuition, and fee purposes may be appealed to a review committee established by the community college. The findings of the review committee may be appealed to the community college's board of trustees, whose decision is a final administrative decision.
(12) Credit hours. Credit hours will be determined consistent with the following procedures.
a. Specifically stated criteria are minimal requirements only, which institutions may exceed at their discretion.
b. Conventional instruction is subdivided into four instructional methods as herein defined.
(1) Classroom work - lecture and formalized classroom instruction under the supervision of an instructor.
(2) Laboratory work - experimentation and practice by students under the supervision of an instructor.
(3) Clinical practice - applied learning experience in a health agency or office under the supervision of an instructor.
(4) Work-based learning - employment-related experience planned and coordinated by an institutional representative and the employer , with control and supervision of the student on the job being the responsibility of the employer . Planned and supervised connections of classroom, laboratory and industry that prepare students for current and future careers.
c. No registration or orientation hours may be included when determining credit hours.
d. Institutions will take into account the soundness of the learning environment being created by the scheduling sequence and length of classroom, laboratory, clinical, and work-based learning sessions.
However, the final decision on these matters is left to the institutional administration so long as minimal standards are met.
e. Only minutes for students officially registered for courses or programs, including audit registration, may be included when determining credit hours.
f. Each community college must establish a policy that defines its methods of equating alternative instruction to credit hours and the process for evaluating the effectiveness of the alternative instruction to meet or exceed the expected student outcomes as if the course were taught utilizing conventional methods in paragraph 21.2(12)"b." Colleges will be held accountable for evaluating and maintaining high-quality programs, and their evaluations may be subject to department review. Students will be expected to meet all approved course requirements and will be expected to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and competencies/outcomes at the same level as those obtained in traditional classroom settings, in the time frames set by the institution. Alternative courses or programs of study must be approved by the college's review processes including faculty review and input. Courses will be listed in the college catalog. Instructional formats for which alternative methods of determining credit hours are applicable include the following:
(1) Accelerated courses (study, programs). Courses or programs of study that allow students to complete courses or programs at a faster pace than if offered by conventional methods. Courses and programs will be tailored to involve more student participation and self-directed study. Instructors may teach in traditional classroom settings or by alternative methods specified in this subrule.
(2) Distance education. Courses or programs of study taught over the Internet, Iowa Communications Network (ICN), or other electronic means that allow students to receive instruction in the classroom or other sites, over personal computers, television, or other electronic means. Courses may or may not be interactive with direct communication between the teacher and students. Credit hours will be awarded in accordance with the credit hours that would have been assigned if the course or program were taught by conventional methods.
1. Correspondence courses. Courses offered outside the classroom setting in which the instruction is delivered indirectly to the student. Instruction is provided through another medium, such as written material, computer, television, or electronic means. Course materials are sent to a student who follows a detailed syllabus to complete assignments. Students correspond with and transmit assignments to the instructor by telephone, computer, mail, or electronic means. A third party may administer tests.
2. Television courses. Courses or programs delivered primarily via broadcast television, such as Iowa Public Television, digital video disc, or other media allowing students to receive instruction in a classroom or equipped remote location.
3. Video conference courses. Courses or programs delivered via a closed synchronous audio-video conferencing system, such as the Iowa Communications Network or similar system that allows students to receive instruction in a classroom or any equipped remote location via an audio-video feed to a television, computer, or other electronic device.
4. Online courses. Courses or programs delivered via the Internet. Courses may be taken using computers in a classroom setting or using personal computers or other electronic devices from the student's home or other location using an online learning management system or mixed-media methods. Students may be linked at times directly with the instructor or with other students electronically. Interaction may be direct (synchronous) or indirect (asynchronous) allowing students to participate during their own time frames.
5. In-class hybrid courses. Courses or programs that combine traditional classroom and computerbased instruction. In-class sessions are offered with online instructional activities to promote independent learning and reduce seat time.
(3) Self-paced instruction. Courses or programs that permit a student to enter at variable times or progress at the student's own rate of speed. Start and end dates may or may not correspond to the official college calendar. Contact or credit hours for self-paced programs or courses will be computed by assigning to each registration the total number of credit or contact hours the student would have received if the student enrolled in a conventional program or course with stipulated beginning and ending dates.
(4) Arranged study. Instruction offered to students at times other than stated or scheduled class times to accommodate specific scheduling or program needs of students. Credit hours will be awarded in accordance with the credit hours that would have been assigned if the course or program were taught by conventional methods.
(5) Multiformat nontraditional instruction. Instruction utilizing a variety of nontraditional methods that may incorporate self-paced learning, text, video, computer instructional delivery, accelerated training, independent study, Internet delivery, or other methods that do not follow standard classroom work guidelines. Credit hours will be awarded in accordance with the credit hours that would have been assigned if the course or program were taught by conventional methods.
(6) Competency -based instruction. Programs delivered using an outcomes-based approach, where the curriculum is structured around specified competencies and satisfactory academic progress is expressed as the attainment or mastery of the identified competencies.
g. Individualized learning experiences for which an equivalent course is not offered will have the program length computed from records of attendance using such procedures as a time clock or sign-in records. Individualized learning experiences means independent study courses in which an equivalent course is not offered by the college or listed in the college catalog. Independent study permits in-depth or focused learning on special topics of particular interest to the student.
h. Each course must have a minimum length of one credit hour. A fractional unit of credit may be awarded, provided the course exceeds the minimum length of one credit hour.
i. Each credit hour shall consist of a minimum number of contact hours as defined in paragraphs 21.2(12)"h" to "m." One contact hour equals 50 minutes.
j. Classroom work.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester hour of credit is 800 minutes (16 contact hours) of scheduled instruction.
(2) The minimum requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 533 minutes (10.7 contact hours) of scheduled instruction.
k. Laboratory work.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester hour of credit is 1,600 minutes (32 contact hours) of scheduled laboratory work.
(2) The minimum requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 1,066 minutes (21.3 contact hours) of scheduled laboratory work.
l. Clinical practice.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester hour of credit is 2,400 minutes (48 contact hours) of scheduled clinical practice.
(2) The minimum requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 1,599 minutes (32 contact hours) of scheduled clinical practice.
m. Work-based learning.
(1) The minimum requirement for one semester hour of credit is 3,200 minutes (64 contact hours) of scheduled work-based learning.
(2) The minimum requirement for one quarter hour of credit is 2,132 minutes (42.6 contact hours) of scheduled work-based learning.
(13) Career and technical program length.
a. Program length for the associate of applied science (AAS) degree in career and technical education, for the associate of applied arts (AAA) degree, and for the associate of professional studies (APS) degree will consist of an academic program not to exceed two academic years. All required course offerings are to be available within two academic years. All required offerings in AAS and AAA degree programs will not exceed a maximum of 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hours unless the department has granted a waiver pursuant to paragraph 21.2(13)"i." All required offerings in APS degree programs will not exceed a maximum of 68 credit hours. Programs will not exceed an average of 19 credit hours per regular term.
b. All credit-bearing courses required for program admittance or graduation, or both, will be included in the program length credit hour maximum, with the exception of developmental course credit hours.
Prerequisites that provide an option to students for either credit or noncredit shall be counted toward the program parameters. Prerequisite options that are only offered for noncredit will not be counted toward program length parameters. A high school course prerequisite is permissible and will not count toward program length parameters, provided the prerequisite is reasonable. A high school course prerequisite is reasonable if a community college demonstrates that students entering the program predominantly meet the requirement without prior college coursework.
c. Associate of applied science (AAS) and associate of applied arts (AAA) programs that receive accreditation from nationally recognized accrediting bodies may appeal maximum credit hour length requirements to the department for consideration of a waiver. All AAS and AAA degree programs over the 86 semester (129 quarter) credit hour maximum must have approved program-length waivers pursuant to paragraph 21.2(13)"i."
d. Associate of professional studies programs are not eligible for a program-length waiver pursuant to paragraph 21.2(13)"i."
e. All credit certificate and diploma programs as defined in subrule 21.2(9) will not exceed 48 semester (72 quarter) credit hours.
f. Each course offered in the area of career and technical education will be taught in the shortest practical period of time at a standard consistent with the quality and quantity of work needed to prepare the student for successful employment in the occupation for which instruction is being offered.
g. A full-time student in career and technical education is defined as a student enrolling in 12 or more semester credit hours or the equivalent in career and technical education.
h. Curricula in full-time career and technical education programs will ordinarily be offered on the basis of student workload of 20 to 30 contact hours per week.
i. Waiver process. A college may petition the department to suspend in whole or in part a programlength requirement contained in paragraphs 21.2(13)"a" to "e" as applied to a specific program on the basis of the particular circumstances of that program.
(1) Waivers are issued at the director 's sole discretion. Waivers will be narrowly tailored and granted for a period no longer than two academic years, after which reapplication is necessary. A waiver may be granted on a long-term basis, not to exceed ten years, if issuing the waiver for a shorter period is not practical.
(2) All petitions for waiver must be submitted in writing to the department and include the following information: specific waiver request including scope and duration, the relevant facts that the petitioner believes would justify a waiver, a detailed statement of the impact on student achievement, any information known regarding the department 's treatment of similar cases, and any additional information deemed relevant by the petitioner. The department will acknowledge a petition upon receipt.
(3) The department will ensure that, within 30 calendar days, notice of pendency of the petition and a concise summary of its contents have been provided to a committee consisting of the chief academic officers of each community college. In addition, the department may give notice to other persons.
(4) A committee consisting of the chief academic officers of a majority of community colleges will review the waiver request and provide a recommendation to the department regarding whether approval should be granted. Within 90 calendar days of receiving the recommendation, the department will review the petition and issue a ruling. Failure of the department to grant or deny a petition within the required time period is deemed a denial of that petition. If a waiver is issued, the department will provide a description of the precise scope and operative period to all interested parties.
(14) Faculty organization. The faculty shall be organized in such a way as to promote communication among administration, faculty and students and to encourage faculty participation in the development of the curriculum, instructional procedures, general policies, and such other matters as are appropriate.