MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY …



MINUTES OF THE COMMISSION ON POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION

May 3rd, 2017 Meeting

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting, held at the Nevada Public Utilities Commission conference meeting rooms, in both Carson City, and Las Vegas, Nevada (via video conferencing), was called to order by Chairwoman Fralick at approximately 9:00 a.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

Administrator Wuest certified compliance regarding the Agenda posting in compliance with the Open Meeting Law. Chairwoman Fralick requested a roll call and Administrator Wuest complied. A quorum was present.

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

Chairwoman Fralick

Commissioner Carter

Commissioner Clark

Commissioner Frederick

Commissioner Greiner

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT (Excused)

Vice Chair Commissioner Lynch

Commissioner North

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE

Ms. Kelly Wuest, Administrator

Robert Whitney, Deputy Attorney General

Ms. Maricris Wu, Education Specialist

Ms. Michelle Nash, Education Specialist Veteran’s Affairs

Ms. Susan Beckett, Administrative Assistant III

OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE

Jeffrey Bryant – Southern States University

Jeanne Bishop-Parise – Nevada Assisted Living Association

Harold Daily – Finishing Trades Institute Southwest

Brian Hough – Liberty University

MaryAnn Jefferson – Nevada Career Institute

Serjic Kesachekian – Nevada Career Institute

Robert Kidd – Perry Foundation Academy of Health

Charles Perry – Perry Foundation Academy of Health

Thomas Pfundstein – Finishing Trades Institute Southwest

Ashley Reich – Liberty University

Nancy Richards – National Career Skills Institute

Dr. Jim Seyfried – Assist to Succeed Minden

John Tucker – Southern States University

Julie Winkel – Maplewood Stables Training

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

No additions or corrections of the agenda were required. Agenda was adopted as presented.

Motion: Motion to adopt the agenda with extended on Southern States

Adopt the Agenda as posted

By: Commissioner Clark

Second: Commissioner Griener

Results: Unanimous.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: To approve the minutes of February 2, 2017 meeting.

By: Commissioner Frederick

Second: Commissioner Clark

Results: Unanimous.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

Administrator Kelly Wuest gave the Administrators report:

1. Closure Updates

ITT Technical Institute – On March 28, 2017, CPE held the ITT Town hall meeting for Veterans impacted by the close of ITT. A total of 40 people attended and we were able to provide information concerning potential refunds, transfers and information about DOE Title IV loans. Only a small portion of student has filed a claim with CPE. We will continue to send students emails of any updates and information on possible student refunds.

ITT Records: The trustee of the bankruptcy removed all student records from Nevada to GRM a private data storage company in Indiana. Since the ITT Technical Henderson campus was established in 1997, there are four years of student records/transcripts being held by this company. I have requested an inventory list of the Nevada boxes but have not received the list. In a meeting between the impacts states and the trustee, the intent of the trustee is permit release of state specific documents but each state will incur the GRM expense of accessing the stored records, refilling and shipping records to their home state. When I receive the inventory list, I will be able to provide the Commission with an estimated cost to retrieve those records. The Commission will be able to transfer up to $10,000 from the student indemnification account to cover expenses.

Records from 2001 to closure have been converted to electronic form by Parchment, a transcript retrieval service. Parchment currently has possession of these student records from the 33 campus locations arranged by the bankruptcy trustee. Parchment has indicated they intend to provide CPE with all transcripts files once they are given permission by the bankruptcy trustee but now are indicating there may be a fee for the transfer. In the meantime, students attending since 2001 can request records from Parchment for a $15.00 fee.

Morrison University/Anthem College Transcripts – Staff continue to process the 310 boxes of documents provided by Iron Mountain Document storage. We have processed 70 boxes at the time of this report.

2. Legislative Update

AB 484 - This is the governors restructuring bill for CPE. There have been several committee meetings concerning the restructure plan focusing on the budgetary changes. The legislative council bureau requested an alternative budget of CPE remaining a stand alone agency. The alternative budget included the addition of a management analyst position and additional IT items.

SB440 – This bill will expand the requirement of the Alcohol Beverage Awareness Cards to all counties in 2018. I was able to submit an unsolicited fiscal impact statement but due to the number of factors to concern can not determine to actual cost to CPE. As this fiscal impact was not considered in the work program hearing, I will need to approach interim financial to fund this mandate.

3. Quarterly Report - With 16 schools unreported, total enrollment for the January 1 – March 31, 2017 quarter stands at 6,449 students.

|Jan – March 2017 |Jan – March 2016 |Jan – March 2015 |Jan – March 2014 |Jan – March 2013 |

|6,011 |6,188 |6,693 |7,375 |6,671 |

Final Count 6,693 Students

4. CPE Quarterly Activities – January – March 2017

|CPE Activity |Number of Applications Processed |

|License Renewals |17 |

|Experiential License |3 |

|Agent Schools |0 |

|Distance Education Exemptions |7 |

|License Evaluations |17 |

|Agent Permits |43 |

|VA Compliance Visits/Other Visits |9 |

|VA Program Approvals |433 |

|SARA Notifications |14 |

5. CPE Student Complaints: January – March 2017

|School Name |Date Filed |Issues/Allegations |Findings |Status |

|Resolved Complaints from Last Quarter |

|Nevada Career Institute |11/28/16 |Breach of contract, fraud |Student failed course twice; Nevada State Board of|Closed |

| | | |Nursing disapproved program and school was | |

| | | |required to teach out. Unable to substantiate | |

| | | |student claim. | |

|No New Complaints filed during the 1st quarter of 2017 |

ACICS - The issue with ACICS concerning accreditation all the schools are in compliance with the US Department of Education. There are no changes. Every claim with the courts has been denied.

AB 484 did include our change regarding the definition.

All the schools are moving forward with the change in accreditation.

Commissioner Fralick asked a question about logistics. If this bill goes through as is administration for the Commission of Postsecondary Education will you be able to stay at the same location or would you move to a new location under DETR? Administrator Wuest responded, we plan on staying at our current location. Currently our lease will be up in July 2018 so we would have to locate a new office anyway.

APPLICANTS FOR FULL TERM LICENSURE

Maplewood Stables Training

Testified: Julie Winkel

Discussion: CPE Staff, Maricris Wu gave background information on the application along with audit findings. Commissioner Fralick asked if she was aware of the audit findings. Ms. Winkel responded with yes she was aware and all the items have been corrected. Ms. Wu confirmed the corrections as well. Administrator Wuest stated in August a visit will take place two conduct a follow up to the audit.

Motion: The provisional license for Maple Training Stables, Inc be extended for six months, per staff recommendation.

By: Commissioner Frederick

Second: Commissioner Carter

Result: Unanimous.

Southern States University

Testified: John Tucker – enrolled one student in Masters of Business Program during the provisional license period and a site visit in March. SSU is currently accredited by ACICS and has been granted a provisional program participation agreement by US Dept of Education. The school has applied for regional accreditation and is moving forward as quickly as possible.

Discussion: No further discussion.

Motion: Extend the provisional licensure for Southern States University for an additional nine months as recommended by staff.

By: Commissioner Griener

Second: Commissioner Clark

Result: Unanimous

ADDED PROGRAM

Nevada Career Institute (Associates of Science)

Testified: MaryAnn Jefferson & Serjic Kesachekien gave a background on Nevada Career Institute.

Discussion: Frederick updated confirmation of receipt of the Bond for Nevada Career Institute. Commissioner Clark – asked about why the request for this was delayed due to the approval from the accreditation body was in early 2016. Mr. Kesachekein responded, it was logistical issue due to space for students. Commissioner Griener asked about different Marketing for the associate’s degree. Mr. Kesachekein responded that the approach to marketing will be to direct marketing towards the current medical assistants whom want to further their education to obtain a degree. Commissioner Griener asked if all instructors were adjunct or are any full time? Mr. Kesachekein responded, currently we do not have any full time instructor for the program. We may employ a full time Chair for the program.

Motion: Nevada Career Institute be granted approval to offer the proposed Associate of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration contingent on personnel information.

By: Commissioner Clark

Second: Commissioner Frederick

Result: Unanimous

Comment by Kesachekien – for the record staff has been amazing

INITIAL PROVISIONAL LICENSURE

Assist To Succeed Academy Minden

Testified: Dr. Jim Seyfried – I purchased a licensing agreement from Assist to Succeed – we have the curriculum all set up with PowerPoint – 80 hour program – I intend to start small and hopefully grow it through out the year.

Discussion: Commissioner Clark asked if he has people interested? Dr. Jim Seyfried responded, I was told to stop advertising by the CPE staff. Commissioner Clark, if you could help me understand the structure within the Assist to Succeed. Is the cost $3995 for 80 hours of instruction? Response, yes. Commissioner Clark asked how students will pay? Dr. Jim Seyfried responded they can pay in payments. Commission Clark asked about assisting students with employment? Dr. Jim Seyfried responded that he will assist and plans on having some student become part of his staffing.

Commissioner Clark asked how will the school advertise this program and do you have the staff for the program? Dr. Jim Seyfried responded that he will be an instructor and will be hiring another instructor. Commissioner Carter asked if Dr. Seyfried knew why the ATS in Carson City is no longer in operation. Dr Seyfried stated that he did not know what happened in Carson. Commissioner Griener asked if the contract with Assist to Succeed is indefinite or when do you stop paying them the royalties? Dr Seyfried stated that he would stop paying royalties after five years. Dr. Seyfried inquired about whether the review of finances is yearly since the cost to complete the process was about $6000. Administrator Wuest, explained the renewal process and financial component options once the school is full term.

Motion: That a 12-month provisional license be granted to the Assist to Succeed Academy Minden to offer a program for Dental Assisting, contingent upon receipt of a $10,000 surety bond, facility information, and personnel.

By: Commissioner Griener

Second: Commissioner Carter

Result: Unanimous

Finishing Trades Institute Southwest

Testified: Mr. Thomas Pfundstein gave on overview and background on the school and apprenticeship program. Currently, the programs have been in existence with the apprenticeship for the past 45 years. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in the program due to current economic state. The school received accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education in Fall 2016.

Discussion: Commissioner Fralick commented- great program. Is this the only program in Nevada or is there is a program in Northern Nevada? Mr. Pfundstein responded that currently we are not in Northern Nevada and there are two unions in the North. However, they are part of our educational program. Finishing Trades Institute is one of three schools in country. There are currently about 15 others going through the process of accreditation. Commissioner Fralick asked about the Memorandum of Understanding stating only a partial was given in her document and how does the school find the pool of candidates? Mr. Pfundstein responded we publish apprenticeship openings in the RJ and three other publications in addition we post at the high schools as required by law. Commissioner Frederick asked if they have a partnership with the State Contractors Board. Response, yes it is actually the State of Nevada.

Motion: That a 12-month provisional license be granted to Finishing Trades Institute Southwest to offer programs in Architectural Glazier, Master Glazier, Drywall Finishing, Commercial Paint and Floor Covering, contingent upon receipt of a $10,000.00 surety bond, and personnel information.

By: Commissioner Frederick

Second: Commissioner Clark

Result: Unanimous

Liberty University

Testified: Ashley Reich and Brian Hough gave a background of Liberty University’s aeronautical program and requested the PDF file he provided to staff be e-mailed to Northern Commissioners. Mr. Hough detailed the program components and services. Liberty University is the seventh in the nation to be approved for the aeronautics program and is allowed to have special standards due to their programs. Documents show six partnerships national with two additional partnerships having been added since the application to CPE. The Las Vegas partnership is with Elite Flight and they are on teach out since they were not permitted to enroll students without proper licensing.

Discussion: Commissioner Frederick stated that we have received the Bond for Liberty University. Commissioner Fralick asked if Liberty intends on staying in the Las Vegas area or do you plan expand to the Northern portion of Nevada? Mr. Hough responded that the university currently has no immediate plans yet would be open to expansion should the opportunity arise.

Motion: That a 12-month provisional license be granted to Liberty University to offer their Bachelor of Science program in Aeronautics.

By: Commissioner Clark

Second: Commissioner Griener

Result: Unanimous

Perry Foundation Academy of Health

Testified: Robert Kidd & Charles Perry – Perry Foundation started about four years ago as provider for continuing education of nursing, social workers and health care providers. Over the last few years the company has expanded our intentions to include the program for a Certified Nursing Assistant Training.

Discussion: Commissioner Griener asked about a plan for placement and career services? Robert Kidd responded that his organization has received requests from facilities for several years and the Perry Foundation Academy currently has career services staff.

Motion: That a 12-month provisional license be granted to Perry Foundation Academy of Health, to offer the Nursing Assistant Training program, contingent on facility information, curriculum approval from the Nevada State Board of Nursing and staffing information.

By: Commissioner Frederick

Second: Commissioner Clark

Result: Unanimous

ORDER TO REFUND

ITT Henderson

Administrator Wuest gave background information on the closure and explained the need for the order.

Motion: Move to approve of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order proposed in ITT Educational Services, Inc., in Henderson; Order to Refund Surety Bond K06836811.

By: Commissioner Griener

Second: Commissioner Clark

Result: Unanimous

ITT North Las Vegas

Administrator Wuest gave background information on the closure and explained the need for the order.

Motion: Move to approve of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Order proposed in ITT Educational Services, Inc., in North Las Vegas; Order to Refund Surety Bond K09169404.

By: Commissioner Griener

Second: Commissioner Clark

Result: Unanimous

COMMISSION COMMENTS

Commissioner Carter is happy to be appointed as a Representative of the State Board of Education to this Commission and hope to be of service for the next few years.

Commissioner Fralick as if there is other term or others that are expiring? Administrator Wuest answered with she would update her on the expiration.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jeanne Bishop-Parise -I am duly licensed as a skilled nursing facility administrator as the Perry Foundation will be training. I am also licensed as a living facility speaking on behalf of the Nevada Assisted Living Association, regarding in house training. She updated the Commission about MedTech programs stating her belief that this is not a career program rather a certificate. Medication Aide in her opinion should not be a career certificate. She furthered with there was an update that CPE requires private sectors to become licensed. There could be a negative impact if the issue is not clarified.

Charles Perry – Ann Lynch has been ill. She is a friend of 40 years – we wish her well.

Administrator Wuest update the Commission on HCQC requirements and will update Commission at a later time.

ADJOURNMENT

Chairwoman Fralick adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:31 am.

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