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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
provisional community colleges; accreditation; oversight
Purpose
An emergency measure that allows a provisional community college district (CCD) to maintain a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with another postsecondary institution, rather than only another CCD.
Background
A CCD may be organized for a single county, two or more contiguous counties or an existing CCD and contiguous counties that are not part of any CCD, if the proposed CCD meets the prescribed minimum net assessed valuation and population requirements. A proposed CCD that does not meet the minimum net assessed valuation and population requirements may form a provisional CCD as prescribed. A provisional CCD must contract with an existing CCD to provide instructional and student services within the provisional CCD and may not award degrees, certificates or diplomas (A.R.S. §§ 15-1402 and 15-1409).
Statute allows a county with a provisional CCD to organize a CCD if the provisional CCD: 1) has been in operation for at least five years; 2) has a most recent full-time equivalent student enrollment of at least 450; 3) is actively seeking accreditation from a regional accrediting agency as specified; 4) holds public meetings to discuss and hear testimony on converting the provisional CCD to an independent CCD; 5) adopts a resolution to form a CCD; and 6) has maintained a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with another CCD until the conversion of the provisional CCD to an independent CCD. A provisional CCD must maintain a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with another CCD until the provisional CCD achieves initial candidacy status (A.R.S. § 15-1402.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Authorizes a provisional CCD to maintain a regional accreditation and oversight relationship with another postsecondary institution, rather than only another CCD.
2. Defines postsecondary institution as:
a) an accredited CCD;
b) an Arizona public university; or
c) a licensed private postsecondary educational institution.
3. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.
House Action
ED 1/16/24 DP 10-0-0-0
3rd Read 1/29/24 58-0-0-0-2
Prepared by Senate Research
February 26, 2024
MH/LB/slp