Requests for a Period of Noncompliance

Member institutions are expected to maintain compliance with all standards in the Principles of Accreditation. Pursuant to 34 CFR Section 602.18(d), if an institution experiences circumstances that are beyond the institution's control, which require a period of noncompliance, an exemption may be granted for a reasonable and defined time period. Such exemptions may only be approved under extraordinary circumstances and then only by formal written request to and approval by The Commission Board of Trustees or The Commission Executive Council, acting on the Board’s behalf. Circumstances that may merit consideration include:

1. A natural disaster and other catastrophic event or exigent circumstances significantly impacting an institution's or program's operations;
2. Accepting students from another institution that is implementing a teach-out or closing;
3. Significant and documented local or national economic changes, such as an economic recession or closure of a large local employer;
4. Changes relating to State licensure requirements;
5. The normal application of The Commission standards creates an undue hardship on students; or
6. Instructors who do not meet The Commission on Colleges and Universities’s typical faculty standards, but who are otherwise qualified by education or work experience, to teach courses within a dual or concurrent enrollment program, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801, or career and technical education course.

Institutions meeting one of the circumstances outlined above should submit a Request for a Period of Noncompliance form to the President of The Commission for consideration by The Commission Executive Council. Following review, The Commission staff will notify the institution of the decision, including the defined time period for which the exemption is granted.