Arkansas § 6-61-214 - Review of existing degree programs — Minimum standards.

§ 6-61-214. Review of existing degree programs — Minimum standards.

In order to promote a coordinated system of higher education in Arkansas and to assure an orderly and effective development of each of the publicly supported institutions of higher education, the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board shall have the power and duty to establish minimum standards of quality and cost effectiveness and review each existing academic degree program in the state institutions of higher education at least every ten (10) years but no more frequently than every seven (7) years. Such programs shall either be certified as having met established standards or placed on two-year probationary status. During the probationary period, at the request of the institution, the board shall provide guidance to the institutions in an attempt to qualify the programs to meet the minimum standards for quality and cost effectiveness. At the end of the two-year period, the board shall make recommendations to the institutions, the Governor, and the General Assembly concerning the continuation, termination, or extended probation of the program. General revenues shall not be expended for operation of degree programs beyond the deadline set by the board without the specific approval of the General Assembly. The deadline shall coincide with the end of the biennium.