SECTION 2.55. Presentation of Requests and Steps for Implementation for Academic Associate Degrees

(a) Except as provided by §2.54(b) of this subchapter, a requesting institution must submit a Planning Notification in accordance with subchapter C of this chapter.

(b) A requesting institution must submit an application to offer a new academic associate degree using the forms available on the Board's website.

(c) Except for programs submitted under §2.54(b) of this subchapter, not later than the sixtieth day after an institution submits an administratively complete application for approval, Board Staff shall provide informal notice and opportunity for comment to other institutions of higher education in the local community in accordance with 19 TAC §2.7, relating to Informal Notice and Comment on Proposed Local Programs.

(d) The institution must demonstrate that the proposed program obtained institution and governing board approval prior to submission.

(e) Board Staff will make the determination of administrative completeness in accordance with subchapter A, §2.6 of this chapter.

(f) The Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner, or Board, as applicable, shall approve or deny the proposed program within the timelines specified in subchapter A, §2.4, of this chapter, after receipt of the complete program proposal. If the Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner, or Board does not act to approve or deny the proposal within one year of administrative completeness, the program is considered approved.

(g) Upon approval, Board Staff will add the new degree program to the institution's official Program Inventory. The Program Inventory contains the list of degrees and certificates with official Board approval.

Source Note: The provisions of this §2.55 adopted to be effective February 17, 2023, 48 TexReg 664