Wisconsin Administrative Code Educational Approval Board
Here’s a detailed overview of the Wisconsin Administrative Code governing the (formerly named) Educational Approval Board, now part of the Department of Safety and Professional Services (EAP/DSPS):
📚 Code Structure (Chapters EAB 1–11)
According to the administrative code index, the Board's rules are codified in:
Chapter EAB 1 – Definitions
Chapter EAB 3 – Procedure & Authority (board officers, meetings, delegated authority)
Chapter EAB 4 – Approval of Schools (§ 4.01–4.10)
Chapter EAB 5 – Unfair Trade Practices in Advertising & Promotional Material
Chapter EAB 6 – Enrollment
Chapter EAB 7 – Records (including student records under § 7.01)
Chapter EAB 8 – Refund Standards
Chapter EAB 9 – Placement Services
Chapter EAB 10 – Representatives’ Permits
Chapter EAB 11 – Distance Learning (regulations.justia.com, docs.legis.wisconsin.gov, law.cornell.edu, casetext.com)
🏢 Oversight & Key Functions
The Educational Approval Program (EAP) (formerly the Board) operates within DSPS, overseeing private and out‑of‑state postsecondary institutions serving Wisconsin residents (dsps.wi.gov).
Core responsibilities include:
Reviewing applications for school, program, location, and representative approvals
Investigating student complaints and conducting site visits
Monitoring advertising, catalogs, refund policies, financials, and surety bonds
Maintaining student protection and surety bond programs (dsps.wi.gov, lookforwardwi.gov)
🔍 Key Rules & Requirements
➕ Approval & Financial Security (Ch. EAB 4)
EAB 4.01–EAB 4.10 detail:
Approval process and criteria
Financial stability and student protection
Service of process agent
Investigations, fee schedules, and lists of approved schools (law.cornell.edu, dsps.wi.gov)
📺 Distance Learning (Ch. EAB 11 & SPS 411)
EAB 11 governs online/distance education specific to Wisconsin residents.
Wisconsin’s SPS 411 further outlines distance-learning requirements, recognizing SARA agreements (state reciprocity) and exemptions for public or sectarian institutions (dsps.wi.gov).
🔁 Renewal, Site Visits & Complaints
Schools must renew annually (in September), submitting:
Financial statements
Student outcome data
Bond updates
And they undergo site visits (dsps.wi.gov)
Complaint process:
Written complaints trigger investigations
Unresolved disputes may escalate to hearings
Violations (e.g., operating unapproved) may incur disciplinary action including fines of $500/day (dsps.wi.gov)
🏛️ Statutory Authority
Authority for these administrative rules is granted under Wis. Stat. § 440.52 and implemented via Chs. EAB 1–11/SPS 411 (lookforwardwi.gov).
These rules trace back to 1972–1997 and are updated quarterly (law.cornell.edu).
✅ Summary Snapshot
| Chapter(s) | Topic |
|---|---|
| EAB 1 | Key Definitions |
| EAB 3 | Board Structure, Officers, Meetings |
| EAB 4 | Approval Criteria & Financial Requirements |
| EAB 5 | Advertising & Promotional Standards |
| EAB 6 | Enrollment Policy |
| EAB 7 | Recordkeeping (Student Records) |
| EAB 8 | Refund Rules |
| EAB 9 | Placement Service Standards |
| EAB 10 | Representative (Recruiter) Licensing |
| EAB 11 & SPS 411 | Distance Learning Requirements |
📌 Key Takeaways
EAB/SPS rules regulate private, out-of-state, and newly incorporated nonprofit schools serving Wisconsin students.
They combine statutory authority (Wis. Stat. 440.52) and administrative rule specifics (EAB 1–11, SPS 411).
These rules ensure consumer protection through oversight of program quality, financial safeguards, advertising, and student outcomes.
They apply to in-state and remote schools, including many online programs, unless specifically exempt.
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