(A) The Commission on Higher Education may enter into interstate reciprocity agreements, including, but not limited to, the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement, that authorize accredited degree-granting institutions of higher education that offer postsecondary distance education to do so through such reciprocity agreements. The commission shall administer these agreements and shall approve or disapprove participation in these agreements by accredited degree-granting institutions of higher education in this State. The commission may assume and exercise all powers, duties, and responsibilities associated with and required under the terms of an interstate reciprocity agreement.
(B) The commission may develop policies, procedures, or regulations necessary for the implementation of this section, including the establishment of fees to be paid by participating institutions to cover direct and indirect administrative costs incurred by the commission. Participation in interstate reciprocity agreements shall be voluntary to eligible institutions of higher education in this State.
(C) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit institutions of higher education in this State that do not participate in any interstate reciprocity agreement entered into by the commission from offering postsecondary distance education.
(D) Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit or reduce the commission's authority over institutions of higher education offering distance education in this State if the institution is not a participant in the interstate reciprocity agreement in which the commission participates.
HISTORY: 2016 Act No. 146 (H.4639), Section 1, eff March 14, 2016.
Structure South Carolina Code of Laws
Chapter 103 - State Commission On Higher Education
Section 59-103-5. Definitions.
Section 59-103-10. State Commission on Higher Education created; membership.
Section 59-103-15. Higher education mission and goals.
Section 59-103-17. Interstate reciprocity for postsecondary distance education.
Section 59-103-20. Studies of institutions of higher learning.
Section 59-103-25. Publication of legislation; standing committees.
Section 59-103-30. Critical success factors and performance indicators.
Section 59-103-35. Submission of budget; new and existing programs.
Section 59-103-36. Military students included in count of full-time students.
Section 59-103-40. Council of presidents of state institutions of higher learning.
Section 59-103-50. Advisory Council of Private College Presidents.
Section 59-103-60. Recommendations to Governor's Office and General Assembly.
Section 59-103-65. Closure of an institution; reallocation of funds.
Section 59-103-80. Expenses; compensation of Commission members.
Section 59-103-90. Professional staff.
Section 59-103-100. Federal and private research grants not to be limited.
Section 59-103-110. Approval for new construction; exemptions.
Section 59-103-120. Accreditation and chartering of chiropractic colleges.
Section 59-103-130. Colleges and universities to emphasize teaching as career opportunity.
Section 59-103-150. Early retirement plans for faculty of public institutions of higher learning.
Section 59-103-155. Health care profession education; controlled substances training.
Section 59-103-160. English Fluency in Higher Learning Act.
Section 59-103-170. Counseling sessions; Education Options Week.
Section 59-103-190. Business and industry requested to participate.