Postsecondary Educational Institutions Registration
News and Updates
As of September 28, 2009
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD (Oct 2- Oct 29) on the new Temporary Administrative Rule:
Rule will be published on the Department of Administration website October 2, 2009. (see, www.adm.idaho.gov --Administrative Rules -- look under Idaho Administrative Bulletin for October 2009)
We solicit your active participation. Please submit written comments about your business's experience with any aspect of this Rule. Those inputs will be rolled into a new Proposed Rule the State Board will take to the Jan 2010 legislative session for ratification. Once ratified, the new Permanent Rule will become effective on July 1, 2010. Written comments may be mailed to Ms. Tracie Bent at the Board Office, 650 West State St (POB 83720), Boise, ID 83720-0037. (The Program Manager would also appreciate receiving a copy of your comments by email.)
Make sure you're on the list for future updates!
Please send an email including your business name / name of the primary school official, email, & phone number to the Program Manager.
2009-2010 Registration Instructions
All Postsecondary Educational Institutions (PEI) that award college-level degrees in Idaho are required to register with the State Board Of Education (SBOE) or apply in writing to be granted an exemption. Title 33, Chapter 24 of Idaho Law defines PEIs as institutions are private business entities or corporations that provide educational services or training courses for a fee to the general public and have been authorized by the SBOE to award College-level or academic degrees.
Note: If your school does NOT offer college-level degrees, it will instead have to register as a Proprietary School. Ask the Program Manager to clarify …
Also: If you feel your school should be EXEMPT from Registration for any reason, contact the Registration Program Manager to clarify the procedure for requesting exemption under Title 33, Chapter 24 of Idaho Code.
Please Note: Your school will not be eligible to participate in the Veteran's Benefits Assistance Program or to be a Dept of Labor/WIA Service Provider unless it is FIRST properly registered with SBOE.
To Register:
All Postsecondary Educational Institutions (PEIs) must complete the Checklist and Application Form posted below. In addition, attach a business check (no personal checks) for the required annual registration fee. Please refer any questions directly to the Program Manager at 208-332-1587, or harv.lyter@osbe.idaho.gov.
NOTE: for 2009, Please submit your application package ASAP; do not be overly concerned with the Sep 30 deadline -this year.
Annual Registration Fees: The new fee will be one-half or one percent of the Gross Idaho Tuition Revenue (.005 x $GITR) of the Institution during the previous registration year, or not less than $100 (Administrative Rule sets a $100 minimum fee.)
A Business Check for that amount must accompany the application package.
Checklist, Application and other related forms.
Advice to Consumers
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO! The world of private educational services is a “buyer beware” market. Although there are many reputable, legitimate businesses out there providing quality service for your dollar, some others could be disorganized, ill-prepared and even dishonest. If you are considering enrolling in education course work at either the College Degree level or the Professional-Technical certificate level, you should carefully investigate the school you wish to attend. Ask yourself (and school officials) these questions:
- (for Colleges) Are they “accredited” by one of the national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by both the US Dept of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)? -- Please Note: This is an Idaho state requirement in order to receive Degree-granting authority from the State Board.
- (All) Are they properly registered with SBOE? Ask to see their Registration Certificate for the current year. Every registered school will have one.
- (All) Did they provide complete, direct contact information on their web site or printed advertisements? [i.e., Names of school officials (Pres, Provost, or Dean of Academics, etc), email addresses, phone numbers, mailing & street addresses, etc]
- (All) Did they provide a clear and complete list of Costs for credits, tuition, application fees, etc, ... or clear direction on where/how to find them? Did you check this out?
- (All) Did they provide details on the full number of credits required for the Degree or Certificate you are interested in? (How much will my complete “program of study” cost me?)
- How long have they been in business? ... in this state? ... at this location?
- Has the school Changed its Name in the last two years? ... Why?
- Has the school moved from one state to another in the last 2 years? ... Why?
- (for Trade/Professional Schools) Who is their Surety Bond Agency? They must report this to OSBE when registering; after that, it's "public" information.
- NEVER give out any “personal information” (Social Security or bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) or sign any type of contract at the first meeting. Ask to take a copy of their advertising or registration paperwork with you to study later and then you’ll get back to them with your answer. If they won’t let you do that, be suspicious.
- If you have any doubts about a school or business, contact the Office of the State Board Of Education immediately. Other agencies you might also want to check with include;
The local Better Business Bureau: Have other people complained about them?
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office: Are they properly incorporated to do business in Idaho?
The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses: Is this business or service governed by a state board or commission, other than the State Board Of Education?
Idaho Dept of Labor/Workforce Investment Act office: Are they properly registered to be a state service provider, where DOL financial assistance might be available?
