[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 34, Volume 3] [Revised as of July 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 34CFR602.1] [Page 197-198] TITLE 34--EDUCATION CHAPTER VI--OFFICE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PART 602_THE SECRETARY'S RECOGNITION OF ACCREDITING AGENCIES--Table of Contents Subpart A_General Sec. 602.1 Why does the Secretary recognize accrediting agencies? Subpart A_General Sec. 602.1 Why does the Secretary recognize accrediting agencies? 602.2 How do I know which agencies the Secretary recognizes? 602.3 What definitions apply to this part? Subpart B_The Criteria for Recognition Basic Eligibility Requirements 602.10 Link to Federal programs. 602.11 Geographic scope of accrediting activities. 602.12 Accrediting experience. 602.13 Acceptance of the agency by others. Organizational and Administrative Requirements 602.14 Purpose and organization. 602.15 Administrative and fiscal responsibilities. Required Standards and Their Application 602.16 Accreditation and preaccreditation standards. 602.17 Application of standards in reaching an accrediting decision. 602.18 Ensuring consistency in decision-making. 602.19 Monitoring and reevaluation of accredited institutions and programs. 602.20 Enforcement of standards. 602.21 Review of standards. Required Operating Policies and Procedures 602.22 Substantive change. 602.23 Operating procedures all agencies must have. 602.24 Additional procedures certain institutional accreditors must have. 602.25 Due process. 602.26 Notification of accrediting decisions. 602.27 Other information an agency must provide the Department. 602.28 Regard for decisions of States and other accrediting agencies. Subpart C_The Recognition Process Application and Review by Department Staff 602.30 How does an agency apply for recognition? 602.31 How does Department staff review an agency's application? Review by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity 602.32 What is the role of the Advisory Committee and the senior Department official in the review of an agency's application? 602.33 How may an agency appeal a recommendation of the Advisory Committee? Review and Decision by the Secretary 602.34 What does the Secretary consider when making a recognition decision? 602.35 What information does the Secretary's recognition decision include? 602.36 May an agency appeal the Secretary's final recognition decision? Subpart D_Limitation, Suspension, or Termination of Recognition Limitation, Suspension, and Termination Procedures 602.40 How may the Secretary limit, suspend, or terminate an agency's recognition? 602.41 What are the notice procedures? 602.42 What are the response and hearing procedures? 602.43 How is a decision on limitation, suspension, or termination of recognition reached? Appeal Rights and Procedures 602.44 How may an agency appeal the subcommittee's recommendation? 602.45 May an agency appeal the Secretary's final decision to limit, suspend, or terminate its recognition? Subpart E_Department Responsibilities 602.50 What information does the Department share with a recognized agency about its accredited institutions and programs? Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1099b, unless otherwise noted. Source: 64 FR 56617, Oct. 20, 1999, unless otherwise noted. [[Page 198]] (a) The Secretary recognizes accrediting agencies to ensure that these agencies are, for the purposes of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), or for other Federal purposes, reliable authorities regarding the quality of education or training offered by the institutions or programs they accredit. (b) The Secretary lists an agency as a nationally recognized accrediting agency if the agency meets the criteria for recognition listed in subpart B of this part. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1099b)