Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia intends to consider amending 8VAC40-31, Regulations Governing the Certification of Certain Institutions to Confer Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates. The purpose of the proposed action is to increase the nonrefundable fees to cover the essential functions of and services provided by the Private Postsecondary Education (PPE) unit of the Academic Affairs division of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV). The PPE unit is responsible for regulating private and out-of-state postsecondary educational institutions operating in Virginia. The PPE unit currently regulates 126 degree-granting institutions and 165 career-technical schools at more than 300 locations throughout Virginia. Staff responsibilities include approval of new postsecondary schools, program approvals, compliance audits, granting exemptions, agent approvals, and annual recertification of postsecondary schools. SCHEV does not receive general funds to perform the duties delegated to the PPE unit by the Code of Virginia and regulation; all salaries, benefits, and expenditures are paid out of the fees collected from regulated institutions.

The agency does not intend to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: § 23.1-215 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: October 14, 2020.

Agency Contact: Beverly Rebar, Senior Associate for Academic and Legislative Affairs, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, 101 North 14 Street, 9th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 371-0571, FAX (804) 225-2604, or email beverlyrebar@schev.edu.