Did you know that private education providers are required to publish a Policies and Procedures Disclosure, or PPD? Are you familiar with your provider’s PPD?
NCGS § 93A-34 and Commission Rule 58H .0204 require certified education providers to publish a PPD that includes:
– identifying data and publication date;
– name(s) of education provider(s) and its full-time officials and faculty;
– education provider’s policies and procedures relating to entrance requirements, registration, grades, student progress, attendance, student conduct and refund of tuition and fees;
– detailed schedule of tuition and fees;
– detailed course outline of all courses offered;
– the name and address of the Commission, along with a statement that any complaints concerning the education provider or its instructors should be directed to the Commission;
– a statement that the education provider shall not discriminate in its admissions policy or practice against any person on the basis of age, sex, race, color, national origin, familial status, handicap status, or religion;
– the education provider’s most recent annual License Examination Performance Record and the Annual Summary Report data as published by the Commission;
– the all-inclusive tuition and fees for each particular course;
– a written course cancellation and refund policy;
– a list of all course and reference materials required;
– the course completion requirements pursuant to Rule .0207 of this Section and 21 NCAC 58A .1705; and
– a signed certification acknowledging the student’s receipt of the Policies and Procedures Disclosure prior to payment of any portion of tuition or registration fee without the right to a full refund.
So why is it important to review a provider’s PPD before taking a class? To be sure you’re aware of all course policies and requirements.
Education providers must adhere to all Commission rules regarding course administration and delivery, but they are permitted to establish policies that are more restrictive than what the Commission requires. For example, the Commission regularly receives calls from brokers inquiring whether an education provider has the authority to require them to remain on camera while taking a course. The answer is yes. Commission rules dictate that education providers are responsible for verifying and recording student attendance in their courses, but the rules do not dictate the method by which education providers address this requirement. Many providers require students to remain on camera during synchronous distance courses as a means of addressing the requirement.
If you have specific questions about your education provider’s policies, contact your education provider.
For more information regarding the Commission’s education programs or rules, contact the Education & Licensing Division at 919.875.3700 or educ@ncrec.gov.