Alabama Administrative Code Title 300 - ALABAMA COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 300, is dedicated to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE). ACHE is a pivotal state agency responsible for the overall statewide planning and coordination of public higher education in Alabama.
Mission and Core Responsibilities of ACHE (as reflected in its rules and functions):
ACHE's primary mission is to provide reasonable access to quality collegiate and university education for the citizens of Alabama. To achieve this, the Commission:
Statewide Planning and Coordination: Develops long-range plans for postsecondary education, conducting continuous study, analysis, and evaluation to establish statewide objectives and priorities.
Program Review and Approval: A crucial regulatory function. ACHE reviews and approves all new academic programs (units of instruction, research, or public service) proposed by public colleges and universities that are funded by state appropriations. This includes reviewing significant extensions or alterations to existing programs, and authorizing/regulating off-campus offerings.
Budget Recommendations: Prepares a unified budget recommendation for public higher education institutions to the Governor and the Legislature.
Data Collection and Information Systems: Designs and maintains a comprehensive statewide information system to collect, analyze, and disseminate data pertinent to higher education decision-making. This includes data on academics, finance, enrollment, degrees awarded, and workforce alignment.
Student Financial Aid Administration: Administers various state-sponsored student grant and scholarship programs (e.g., the Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program, as noted in the search results).
Accountability: Develops criteria for changing the classification of public institutions and reviews existing programs based on viability standards, which has historically led to the consolidation or termination of non-viable programs.
Advisory Role: Advises and counsels the Governor and Legislature on matters pertaining to postsecondary education.
Non-Alabama Institutions: Establishes policies and procedures for the review and approval or disapproval of postsecondary credit courses or programs offered in Alabama by institutions without a physical presence in the state.
Workforce Development: ACHE's efforts often involve aligning educational programs with the needs of the state's workforce and economy.
Key Chapters within Title 300:
The chapters within Title 300 detail these responsibilities and procedures. While the full list of chapters isn't always immediately obvious from search snippets, the types of rules you'd expect to find include:
Chapter 300-1-1: Organization and Authority: This foundational chapter outlines the creation, membership, goals, and general responsibilities of the Commission (e.g., Rule 300-1-1-.01).
Chapters related to Program Review and Approval (e.g., 300-2-1): These would detail the process for institutions to submit proposals for new academic programs, program extensions, or off-campus offerings. They specify the information required, the review criteria (e.g., demand, justification for duplication), and the timelines for approval. (e.g., Rule 300-2-1-.02 - Review Or Exemption From Review Of Proposed Postsecondary Course Offerings In Alabama By Non-Alabama Institutions).
Chapters related to Federal Programs (e.g., 300-2-6): As a designated State Agency for Higher Education (SAHE), ACHE administers various federal higher education programs (e.g., under the No Child Left Behind Act, Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund). Rules in these chapters would cover the administration of such programs in accordance with federal regulations and approved state plans (e.g., Rule 300-2-6-.02 - Administration of Federal Programs).
Chapters related to Specific Scholarship and Grant Programs (e.g., 300-4-8 for Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarship Program): These chapters would define the eligibility criteria, application procedures, and administration of state and federal financial aid programs for which ACHE is responsible.
Chapters related to Data Collection and Reporting: While not explicitly listed as chapter titles in the snippets, ACHE's role in information systems and data collection would necessitate rules on how institutions report data to the Commission.
Chapters related to Financial Needs and Budget Recommendations: Rules detailing ACHE's process for studying the financial needs of public higher education and developing its consolidated budget recommendation.
Significance of ACHE and Title 300:
ACHE, through its administrative code, ensures:
Coordinated Growth: Prevents unnecessary duplication of academic programs and facilities among institutions, promoting efficient use of state resources.
Quality Assurance: Establishes standards for academic programs, contributing to the overall quality of higher education in Alabama.
Accountability: Provides a framework for institutions to be accountable for their performance and use of public funds.
Student Access: Aims to ensure that all qualified citizens have reasonable access to higher education opportunities.
Strategic Development: Facilitates long-term planning for higher education in alignment with the state's economic and societal needs.
For the most accurate and up-to-date version of these rules, you should always consult official Alabama government sources, such as:
The Alabama Legislature's Administrative Code website: admincode.legislature.state.al.us
The official Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) website: www.ache.edu This website is an excellent resource for understanding ACHE's policies, programs, and often provides direct links to the administrative code.
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