Sec. 13b.02.03.18. Cooperative Programs

A. The Commission encourages institutions to:

(1) Explore the opportunities for cooperation with other institutions, within a segment and between segments, offering similar programs; and

(2) Document the extent to which cooperative arrangements have been explored.

B. An institution considering a new program or a substantial modification is encouraged to explore cooperative development of these program initiatives.

C. The institution shall follow cooperative degree program guidelines developed by the Commission to assist institutions in establishing these programs.

D. Cooperative programs shall be designated as belonging to one of the degree program categories in this regulation.

E. Requirements for Joint Degree Programs.

(1) Two or more institutions may offer a joint degree program in which the cooperating institutions are substantively involved in required course work, faculty exchange, and shared use of facilities.

(2) A student enrolled in a joint degree program shall receive a single diploma that bears the names and seals of all cooperating institutions.

(3) The proposed program shall be planned by representatives from each cooperating institution. Identical proposals for each institution shall go through the normal program approval procedures for the institutions and segments, including formal approval and recognition by each governing board.

(4) A memorandum of understanding between or among cooperating institutions shall be included when the program proposal is submitted.

(5) Each institution is responsible for designating a program director. The program directors shall inform each other as they administer the program, select or assign faculty, set common admissions standards, coordinate curriculum modifications, monitor operations, plan budgets, write grants, and establish joint library purchases.

(6) Distribution of course work in the major field of study is based on programmatic requirements and the respective strengths of cooperating institutions. The ideal arrangement approximates an even division of curriculum responsibilities between or among the cooperating institutions. The proposed degree shall be consistent with the institutional mission as it is outlined in the State Plan.

(7) An arrangement shall exist for recruiting and admitting students and for administration of student support services in joint degree programs.

(8) A mechanism shall exist for monitoring and evaluating programs, with provisions for participation by faculty, students, and administrators from each institution involved.

F. Requirements for Primary Degree Programs.

(1) One or more institutions may offer a primary degree program.

(2) The diploma shall be awarded by the primary institution.

(3) The program shall be planned by the institution awarding the degree. However, the institution designated as primary assumes responsibility for ensuring the involvement of other institutions of higher education having particular and complementary strengths in the same or similar program area. The program proposal shall show the actual involvement of other institutions of higher education in such areas as course work, faculty, and facilities.

(4) A memorandum of understanding between or among cooperating institutions shall be included when the program proposal is submitted.

(5) The primary institution shall offer at least 2/3 of the course requirements. The proposed degree shall be consistent with the institutional mission as it is outlined in the State Plan. Other institutions may participate by the appropriate and complementary addition of courses, faculty, and facilities.

(6) Students shall be matriculated at the primary institution as degree candidates in accordance with the policies for degree completion requirements at that institution. Advising and other student services shall be provided by the primary institution but this does not preclude appropriate involvement in these areas by the cooperating institution.

(7) The primary institution is responsible for all administrative functions associated with the program, including communication and relationships with the cooperating institutions.

(8) The primary institution is responsible for the continuing evaluation of the program in accordance with institutional policies. The evaluation process shall provide an opportunity for the involvement of representatives from cooperating institutions, as appropriate.