CCU Issues in Texas??

[ShotoJuku]

Hey Lee - you may be interested in this!

DETC Recommended for Recognition by State of Texas.

The Academic Excellence Review Committee of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) unanimously voted June 11 to recommend to the THECB that the Accrediting Commision of the DETC by formally recognized under the provisions of Texas Law.

This represents a major achievement for DETC, and should bring a massive sigh of relief from any Texan holding a degree from a DETC accredited institution.

This Committe recommendation came about after a long period of discussions with THECB officials concerning the unfairness of Texas laws, which in effect made it illegal for any graduate of a DETC institution to use their degrees to obtain a job. The law provided that any degree earned from an institution that was not accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by THECB was not legal to be used in the State. DETC had not been able to attain Texas recognition for years, despite repeated efforts to do so.

There had even been media exposes of elected officials in Texas who had degrees that were not earned at an institution accredited by a THECB recognized accrediting body.

The staff at the THECB worked closely and cordially with the national accrediting community, and they revised their regulations to make it possible for DETC and the other nationals to apply for THECB recognition.

Twice since 1999, DETC had applied to the THECB and had been rejected following staff reviews.

On June 11, DETC suceeded with flying colors! It is not over yet, but a major step was taken.

Micahel Lambert appeared before the committee on June 11, along with representatives of three other national accrediting associations. Mr. Lambeert provided brief oral testimony about the DETC and its long tradition of helping Texans get a good education. He explained a DETC institution often is the Texas citizen's only opportunity to ear a degree or develop a salable skill.

Lambert said DETC as "passionate about consumer protection" and Texas should have confidence in DETC's work. He spoke of how popular online learning has become today, and said DETC would "cherish the opportunity to be a partner with THECB in the oversight of institutions enrolling the citizens of this Great State".

Michael P. Lambert, Executive Director DETC