Code of Colorado Regulations 1504 - Department of Higher Education
Code of Colorado Regulations — Title 1504: Department of Higher Education
1. Overview
Title 1504 of the Colorado Code of Regulations contains the administrative rules adopted by the Colorado Department of Higher Education (DHE). These rules govern the operation, oversight, and administration of public and private higher education programs in Colorado.
The Department of Higher Education is responsible for:
Coordinating higher education policy across the state.
Overseeing public colleges and universities.
Regulating private occupational schools.
Administering scholarships, student financial aid, and other statewide education programs.
Ensuring institutions comply with state standards for quality, accountability, and fairness.
The rules in Title 1504 implement state statutes, provide procedural guidance, and establish standards for both institutions and students.
2. Major Rule Series in Title 1504
a. 8 CCR 1504‑1: Division of Private Occupational Schools
This series governs private occupational schools in Colorado. It includes rules for:
Definitions: Key terms for schools, programs, and staff.
Administrative Requirements: Operational and reporting obligations for schools.
Minimum Standards: Requirements for curriculum, facilities, and faculty qualifications.
Approval Process: Procedures to obtain and maintain state approval to operate.
Annual Reporting: Ongoing reporting of financial, enrollment, and program information.
Agents and Marketing: Rules governing school representatives and advertising practices.
Refund Policies: Conditions under which students are entitled to refunds.
Complaints and Enforcement: Handling of complaints and disciplinary actions, including fines, probation, or revocation of approval.
This series ensures private occupational schools operate legally, fairly, and safely for students.
b. 8 CCR 1504‑2: State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education
This series addresses public vocational and technical schools:
Definitions: Terms related to career and technical education.
Approval of Schools: Criteria and procedures for schools to receive state approval.
Operations and Evaluation: Standards for maintaining quality and compliance.
Reporting Requirements: Schools must submit enrollment, financial, and program information.
Disciplinary Actions: Procedures for revoking approval or imposing sanctions for noncompliance.
This ensures that public career and technical education programs meet state standards and provide quality education.
c. Other Rule Series (e.g., 8 CCR 1504‑4 to 1504‑9)
These series cover:
Scholarship Programs and Financial Aid: Administration of state-funded scholarships and grants, including eligibility rules for students and institutions.
Student Exchange Programs: Rules governing tuition reciprocity and cross-state educational programs.
Standards for Institutions: Criteria for participating colleges and universities, including reporting and compliance requirements.
Commission and Board Oversight: Procedures for rulemaking, hearings, and appeals under the Higher Education Commission.
These rules ensure orderly administration of statewide programs and protect students’ interests.
3. Procedures
The Department of Higher Education rules in Title 1504 include:
Application and Approval Procedures: How schools and programs apply for state authorization or recognition.
Reporting Requirements: What information schools and programs must submit and how often.
Public Access and Transparency: Rules for hearings, meetings, and complaint processes.
Disciplinary Procedures: How violations are investigated and resolved, including sanctions for noncompliance.
Rulemaking Process: How new rules are adopted or amended, including public notice and comment periods.
4. Purpose of Title 1504
The main purposes of Title 1504 are to:
Protect students by ensuring private and public higher education institutions meet minimum standards.
Maintain quality in education programs throughout Colorado.
Provide transparency and accountability in administration of schools and state financial aid programs.
Ensure compliance with Colorado statutes related to higher education.
Coordinate higher education policy across institutions, boards, and commissions.
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