E-Learning University Startup

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by Sat@GriffUni, Jun 26, 2019.

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  1. Sat@GriffUni

    Sat@GriffUni New Member

    Folks,

    I have been planning to start a not-for-profit E-Learning / Off-campus university either in US / Carribean / Puerto Rico. I don't have deep pockets and I am not interested in doing a random degree mill business. Investing very little money from me and my 2 of our friend's savings.

    I would request for any information on the easiest regulatory possible for the quickest kick start of this university. Pls do chip in and guide us on paperwork, curriculum building, Software and accreditations, tips and tricks to jumpstart this project.

    Regards
    Sathish
     
  2. Steve Levicoff

    Steve Levicoff Well-Known Member

    Apparently, gone are the days when people merely wanted to get a degree that was fast, cheap, and easy. Now they want to actually start a university that is fast. cheap, and easy.

    But humor us, Sathish . . . What degrees do you hold, where are they from, and in what fields? I've been thinking of investing in a "not-for-profit E-Learning / Off-campus university either in US / Carribean / Puerto Rico," so I want to make sure you're qualified before I do so.
     
  3. Sat@GriffUni

    Sat@GriffUni New Member

    Steve,
    I am Masters in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and PhD in Health Informatics all my education happened in India. I was living in Arlington, TX and currently visiting professor for an Accredited college in India. I teach both clinical laboratory Science and Health Informatics. My Colleagues are also well-qualified Optometrists and Emergency Physicians who are likeminded and has passion for this e-university.

    We have been planning to start both practical oriented and non-practical oriented courses in IT (Health Informatics, Data Science, AI, Information Security) and Continuing Allied-Health Sciences programmes (Theory thought via live electronic media and collaborated with their working place for practical training and placements).
     
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I would suggest that you consider partnering with some people who are experts in Business and Higher Education. Or maybe you could ask for a consultation with the folks from University of the People.
     
  5. copper

    copper Active Member

    Starting with a University is probably too over optimistic. If it were me, I would start with an online technical school or college with the goal of attaining university status in the future. Many States have varying regulations for becoming a post secondary school from a simple business license to a registration process that includes a bond. Bottom line, you need to get a business license in one of a few categories. LLC, Inc, Not for profit, etc... probably need to consult with a lawyer. However, some States have very straight forward pathway to creating a business entity. Because of the number of previous students that have been defrauded by unscrupulous educational businesses, States may have a department of consumer protection that requires another list of requirements including a Bond.

    There are other laws in place now like SARA: https://www.nc-sara.org/content/basic-questions-about-sarahttps://www.nc-sara.org/content/basic-questions-about-sara
    that mandate criteria for students of other States able to take online courses from other States. Once again, probably need to consult a lawyer.

    Another problem since 911, is accepting foreign students which requires another long process...speak with an expert/lawyer!

    Usually, one starts an online college with an offering that has utility. For example, perhaps you should start with offering a certificate in Healthcare Informatics or some professional continuing education. In addition, offering programs that lead to national certification give a higher level of reputability to your institution as well as demonstrate utility.

    In summary,
    1. Do your due diligence
    2. Set up a business within the laws of the State, Territory or Country.
    3. If in the States, secure authority to operate a post secondary school. Check SARA, Federal education laws.
    4. Obtain national certification recognition for one of your programs.
    5. Seek national or regional accreditation.
    6. Seek programmatic accreditation.

    Finally, if the institution is religious, it probably falls under another entirely different category of rules and regulations.
     
    Last edited: Jun 26, 2019
  6. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  7. Steve Levicoff

    Steve Levicoff Well-Known Member

  8. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    You might want to start a unaccredited institute by the following steps.
    1) Offering courses
    2) Professional Certificates
    3) State approved institute likes California
    ---> Offering Associates and Bachelor
    4) Applying for DEAC or Regional Accreditation
    ---> . Offering Masters and Graduate Certificates
    5) . Partnering with other schools and corporations

    Don't forget to name your school sounds marketable. Smart.ly does not sound good even though it is FREE. University of Northwestern California sounds good..
     
    heirophant and LearningAddict like this.
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Two things: 1) the scope may vary but the general principles will be largely the same. For someone who seems to have no clue as to where to start, that might be helpful. 2) I found the article on google. It took 2 seconds. There are other articles/info that I didn't post. google is your friend (at least in this regard.)
     
  10. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    That's the way to go. For #4 I wouldn't even think about regional accreditation until the money is flowing enough. RA is not cheap, and neither is NA for that matter. But RA is generally more expensive and tends to carry requirements that aren't as friendly to start-ups.
     

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