This course is designed to provide state regulators, program specialists, and site review teams with an overview of the career college sector as it applies to state agents and their duties. It provides foundational knowledge of the industry, and allows the regulator to tie this information to his or her own state, and identifies useful resources for regulators. An introduction to the history of the for-profit sector, federal regulations, financial aid, and the benefits of accreditation will be provided. Additionally, the course articulates the relationship between recruitment efforts and the state regulatory environment. The course will further examine required disclosures, misrepresentation, transparency, and competitive integrity. Finally, you will gain insight regarding common complaints and maintaining a compliant environment as it relates to the role of a state regulator in a state agency.

This course was a collaborative effort of several state regulators who offered their advice and expertise regarding the role of employees at their state agency.

Module 1: State Regulation: Who, What, Where, and Why

• Define terms that identify the field of career schools and colleges
• Examine the role of state regulators in the field
• Identify consumers of private career schools and colleges

Module 2: Understanding the Regulatory Environment

• Examine the history of career schools and colleges
• Recognize the impact of federal laws in the field
• Examine the role of accrediting agencies in the field

Module 3: Accountability: Programs, Recruitment, and Finances

• Examine a schools' accountability
• Identify the role state regulators play in a schools' accountability
• Examine the role of disclosures in the field

Module 4: Misrepresentation, Transparency and Integrity

• Identify types of misrepresentation
• Examine the role of disclosures in the field
• Examine the role of a state regulator in disclosures in the field

Module 5: Understanding the Role of Compliance

• Examine the role of compliance in the field
• Identify types of compliance
• Examine the role of a state regulator in compliance

Module 6: The Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Examine types of non-compliance in the field
• Identify types of intentional non-compliance
• Examine the role of a state regulator in non-compliance