Regulation .09 Duplication of the Proposed Program.
Regulation .09 Duplication of the Proposed Program.LinkCopy Citation
A.
The elimination of unreasonable program duplication is a high priority. Ordinarily, proposed programs in undergraduate core programs consisting of basic liberal arts and sciences disciplines are not considered unnecessarily duplicative. Unreasonable duplication is a more specific concern in vocational/technical, occupational, graduate, and professional programs which meet special manpower needs. The issue of how a proposed program meets an institution's local and State area needs shall be addressed.
B.
Evidence demonstrating that a proposed program is not duplicative of similar offerings in the State shall be submitted by the institution. At a minimum, this evidence shall be substantiated on the basis that the proposed program to be offered is not unreasonably duplicative of existing programs in a specific geographically proximate location in the State.
C.
Determination of Duplication.
(1)
In determining whether a program is unreasonably duplicative, the Secretary shall consider:
(a)
The degree to be awarded;
(b)
The area of specialization;
(c)
The purpose or objectives of the program to be offered;
(d)
The specific academic content of the program;
(e)
Evidence of equivalent competencies of the proposed program in comparison to existing programs; and
(f)
An analysis of the market demand for the program.
(2)
The analysis shall include an examination of factors, including:
(a)
Role and mission;
(b)
Accessibility;
(c)
Alternative means of educational delivery including distance education;
(d)
Analysis of enrollment characteristics;
(e)
Residency requirements;
(f)
Admission requirements; and
(g)
Educational justification for the dual operation of programs broadly similar to unique or high-demand programs at HBIs.