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 Commission Meeting May 3rd, 2017 Page 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: 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 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 Quarterly Report - With 16 schools unreported, total enrollment for the January – March 31, 2017 quarter stands at 6,449 students Jan – March 2017 Jan – March 2016 6,011 6,188 Jan – March 2015 Jan – March 2014 6,693 Final Count 6,693 Students CPE Quarterly Activities – January – March 2017 CPE Activity License Renewals Experiential License Agent Schools Distance Education Exemptions License Evaluations Agent Permits VA Compliance Visits/Other Visits VA Program Approvals SARA Notifications Number of Applications Processed 17 17 43 433 14 7,375 Jan – March 2013 6,671 Commission Meeting May 3rd, 2017 Page CPE Student Complaints: January – March 2017 School Name Date Filed Resolved Complaints from Last Quarter Nevada Career Institute 11/28/16 Issues/Allegations Findings Status Breach of contract, fraud Student failed course twice; Nevada State Board of Nursing disapproved program and school was required to teach out Unable to substantiate student claim Closed 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Frederick Commissioner Carter 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Griener Commissioner Clark 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 not have any full time instructor for the Commission Meeting May 3rd, 2017 Page 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Clark Commissioner Frederick 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 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 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Griener Commissioner Carter 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: Second: Commissioner Frederick Commissioner Clark Commission Meeting May 3rd, 2017 Page 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 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Clark Commissioner Griener 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Frederick Commissioner Clark Unanimous ORDER TO REFUND ITT Henderson Administrator Wuest gave background information on the closure and explained the need for the order Motion: By: Second: Result: 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 Commissioner Griener Commissioner Clark 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: Second: Result: Commissioner Griener Commissioner Clark Unanimous Commission Meeting May 3rd, 2017 Page 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 ... Henderson Administrator Wuest gave background information on the closure and explained the need for the order Motion: By: Second: Result: Move to approve of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law,... 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.,... 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?