CT SB00859

Establishes definitions and regulatory framework for licensure and accreditation of higher education institutions and programs by the Office of Higher Education, effective July 1, 2015

Creates academic review commissions with 35 appointed members (four higher education representatives and five business/industry representatives per appeal) to hear appeals of program licensure or accreditation denials

Requires Office of Higher Education approval of all degree programs and institutions, with applications deemed approved within 45 days if meeting academic standards; denials may be appealed within 10 days with commission decision within 30 days

Exempts independent institutions of higher education from Office of Higher Education program approval if they maintain Title IV financial aid eligibility, have been regionally accredited for 10+ years, and annually report new and discontinued programs to the office

Allows Office of Higher Education to conduct focused or on-site reviews for new programs, particularly in health-related fields requiring Connecticut licensure to practice