W. Va. Code R. § 135-20-2 - Purpose

2.1. The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education is responsible for the authorization of any institution, association or organization external to or within the State which offers credit-bearing courses or degree programs not above the associate level and which desires to offer such programs or courses of higher learning in the State of West Virginia. Authorization is required for all postsecondary providers that offer degrees at the associate level, and entities that use the term "academy," "college," "institution," "university" or similar title, hereafter referred to as institution.

2.2. Prior to offering any course or degree program not above the associate level in the State, the entity shall apply to the Council for authorization to operate in the State. The provisions of this rule shall also apply to any course or programs not above the associate level delivered in the State by an out-of-state institution via distance education-based instruction if the institution will have a physical presence in the State. An out-of-state institution that solely delivers a course or program in the state via distance online instruction with no physical presence in the State, as defined in section 3, is exempt from the provisions of this rule.

2.3. This rule is designed to protect consumers and to ensure consumers are offered quality education by postsecondary education providers within the State of West Virginia.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 135-20-2