Section 20.17.015. Exemptions.

	(a)  Upon receipt of the written application, fee, and specimen copies of each certificate or diploma the institution issues that document that the applicant qualifies under this subsection, the commission staff shall exempt from the authorization provisions of AS 14.48  and this chapter the following educational programs, and institutions providing only the following educational programs:  
		(1) a program sponsored by and conducted solely for the members of a bona fide trade, business, professional, labor, or fraternal organization that is maintained in good faith for purposes other than operating an educational institution;  
		(2) a program that does not offer educational credentials and is provided without charging a fee, other than the actual cost of materials, to its students, or is continuing professional education offered solely as preparation for tests leading to certification in specific disciplines, but not purporting to provide occupational competencies;  
		(3) a program or institution that is regulated by another agency or political subdivision of the state that sets and enforces at least equivalent standards for the quality of course contents, facilities, and operation, including retention and management of student records;  
		(4) a short course of study that is not more than 120 hours or 15 days in duration, including all required class, laboratory, externship, and independent study hours;  
		(5) a nationally or regionally accredited program offered within the state by an out-of-state institution that is authorized to operate by the state in which it is located, and that provides documentation from the home state authorizing body that the authorization extends to the campus in this state and students in this state, including investigation of complaints relating to violations of authorization, student refunds, and consumer protection in the event of an institution or branch closure;  
		(6) a program that does not result in the awarding of a degree, and that is sponsored by and conducted solely for the membership of a bona fide religious organization;  
		(7) a flight-training course that maintains current certification under 14 C.F.R. Part 141 or Part 142;  
		(8) an online or distance delivered program that does not have a physical presence within the state.  
	(b)  Upon written application to the commission documenting that the applicant qualifies under this subsection, the commission staff shall exempt from the bonding and fee requirements of AS 14.48  and this chapter an institution that  
		(1) does not charge a fee for its programs; or  
		(2) is operated by a state or a political subdivision of a state.  
	(c)  Repealed 12/29/2010.  
	(d)  For the purposes of (a) of this section,  
		(1) a fraternal organization is a civic, service, or charitable organization in the state, not for pecuniary profit, that is a branch, lodge, or chapter of a national or state organization and exists for the common business, fellowship, or other interest of its members; the term does not include a college or high school fraternity;  
		(2) a labor organization is one, not for pecuniary profit, that is constituted to bargain collectively or deal with employers, including the state and its political subdivisions, concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment or other mutual aid or protection in connection with employees;  
		(3) a trade, business, or professional organization is one, not for pecuniary profit, that is composed of persons all of whom are or were actively engaged in the same trade, business, or profession;  
		(4) a religious organization is one that is tax exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) as a religious organization and that offers and provides postsecondary education solely in the form of religious training to persons who hold or seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of that religious organization;  
		(5) a short course of study is one that  
			(A) results in its own certificate or credential and is not part of a sequence of classes for which the institution of enrollment awards any program credential or certificate;  
			(B) does not include a requirement that students register for or make a financial commitment to a longer program in addition to the individual class;  
			(C) has documented vocational or academic transfer value as a stand-alone unit; and  
			(D) is not advertised as leading to any professional credential or certification for which the certifying entity publishes a curriculum that exceeds 120 hours.  
	(e)  An institution exempted under this section from some of the requirements of AS 14.48  and this chapter is not exempted from the requirements of AS 14.48.060(b), 14.48.130, 14.48.150, 14.48.170, and 14.48.180 - 14.48.210 and the regulations in this chapter that implement, interpret, or make specific those sections. An institution exempted from authorization requirements under (a)(1) or (6) of this section must include a conspicuous statement on marketing, admissions, enrollment materials, and certificates or diplomas setting out verbatim (a)(1) or (6) of this section, whichever is applicable, and informing that the institution is exempt from authorization requirements under AS 14.48  and this chapter. An institution exempt from authorization requirements under (a)(8) of this section must include a conspicuous statement on the institution's marketing in the state, indicating that the program is exempt from authorization under AS 14.48  and this chapter, because the program is online or distance delivered and the institution does not have a physical presence in the state.  
	(f)  An institution exempted from authorization requirements under (a) of this section must recertify biennially that the educational programs and institution continue to meet requirements for exempt status under this section. A request for recertification must be submitted on forms provided by the commission.  
	(g)  An institution exempted from authorization provisions of AS 14.48  and this chapter must retain the document required under AS 14.48.165(b) for a period of at least one year after the student's last date of attendance.  
	(h)  An institution exempted under (a) of this section shall submit an application fee described in 20 AAC 17.055(a)(5).  
	(i)  Upon written application to the commission documenting that the applicant qualifies under this subsection, the commission staff shall exempt from 20 AAC 17.205 - 20 AAC 17.250 an institution that  
		(1) is regionally or nationally accredited; and  
		(2) is a branch campus of an out-of-state institution that is authorized to operate in its home state.  

Authorities

14.42.030;14.48.020;14.48.030;14.48.050;14.48.210

Notes

Reference

20 AAC 17.016
20 AAC 17.018
20 AAC 17.055
20 AAC 17.070

Authority

AS 14.42.030 AS 14.48.020 AS 14.48.030 AS 14.48.050 AS 14.48.210

History

Eff. 12/30/77, Register 64; am 8/20/86, Register 99; am 1/30/87, Register 101; am 9/15/88, Register 107; am 3/25/90, Register 113; am 5/4/90, Register 114; am 10/11/95, Register 136; am 4/24/98, Register 146; am 4/20/2000, Register 154; am 4/27/2001, Register 158; am 3/1/2002, Register 161; am 12/31/2005, Register 176; am 10/18/2007, Register 184; am 12/29/2010, Register 196; am 10/3/2011, Register 200; am 2/21/2014, Register 209; am 2/22/2015, Register 213