Recently revised federal regulations raised awareness regarding state authorization requirements for institutions serving students in multiple states. Many institutions are just beginning the state authorization process, and others have achieved authorization but are wondering how to manage the tracking and renewal processes. Wherever you are on the continuum, you will not want to miss this presentation, which will provide guidance and how-tos from individuals who have years of experience and have gained expertise in this area. Attendees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the state authorization issues prior to the session (you can view WCET resources at http://wcet.wiche.edu/advance/state-approval).

With over 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Pamela Shay is well-versed in the intricacies of governmental and regulatory compliance. Currently, as Vice President of Accreditation & Institutional Effectiveness at Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Shay oversees several University offices that deal directly with accreditation, assessment, state authorization, institutional data, and regulatory compliance. Dr. Shay is a site evaluator and board member for the International Assembly of Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), serves on the leadership team of the State Authorization Network – Ohio, led Franklin’s self-study and reaccreditation process with the Higher Learning Commission in 2007-2008, and currently serves as the University’s liaison with the HLC. Dr. Shay has presented on the topics of accreditation, authorization and compliance for large groups at HLC, IACBE, NASASPS and WCET conferences, as well as leading online and face-to-face workshops on these topics.

 

Sharyl Thompson has extensive experience in the field of state authorization, having served in that capacity for over 11 years at Capella University. In early 2012 she accepted the position of VP, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance with American College of Education (ACE) in Indianapolis, IN. In addition to overseeing state authorization and program approvals leading to professional licensure for educators, Sharyl is the Accreditation Liaison for ACE with the Higher Learning Commission. She served on the drafting team through the President’s Forum and the Council on State Governments to create model legislation that would allow for reciprocity of state authorization across state boundaries. She also serves on the WCET Steering Committee. Sharyl has presented at numerous regional and national conferences on the topic of state authorization.