Institutional Standards

The mission statement represents the official statement of the institution about its educational objectives as defined by programs and services provided for its students.

The mission defines the nature of the educational process and the scope of services that are provided by the institution. The mission is to establish and develop a skilled workforce through provision of high quality training for potential and current employees.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution has a clearly and concisely defined written mission statement that describes the educational services to be provided.

The mission is developed and implemented by the institution with broad input from the administration, faculty, support staff, board of directors, and the authorizing agency.

The mission reflects the beliefs, values, and attitudes of the community.

The mission determines the institutional role in meeting the education and training needs of business and industry.

The mission of the institution is in accordance with the mission of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education and the criteria of applicable accrediting agencies.

The mission reflects a desire to provide exemplary competency-based education to address the occupational/technical instructional needs of persons planning to enter or advance in the employment market.

MISSION

Publication and Availability

Standard Number: 01-01-02

Standard Statement

The mission statement of the institution is published and made available to the general public.

Explanatory Comment

Publication and dissemination of the mission statement promote public awareness of the role of the institution and accurately present its mission.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution publishes the mission statement in publications made available to the general public, such as the school catalog, faculty handbook, and student handbook.

The mission statement is accurate and current at the time of publication and is consistent in all publications of the institution.

MISSION

Evaluation

Standard Number: 01-01-03

Standard Statement

The mission statement is evaluated annually.

Explanatory Comment

Annual evaluation of the mission statement aids the institution in meeting its commitments to its constituency

Annual evaluation of the mission statement determines its adequacy in meeting current needs.

Evaluative Criteria

The annual evaluation of the mission statement assures consistency with the current practices of the institution.

Evaluation of the mission statement documents broad input from the administration, faculty, and board of directors of the institution. The board of directors is comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable of the occupational education and employment needs of the community.

Evaluation of the mission statement considers internal changes in the institution as well as changes in the community and the employment market. The process ensures that the occupational education programs offered by the institution prepare students for employment and/or advancement in occupational fields by meeting standards of business and industry.

Evaluation of the mission statement is in accordance with requirements of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and conforms with criteria of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION

Organization and Management

Standard Number: 01-02-01

Standard Statement

The organizational structure and managerial procedures of the institution facilitate the instructional process.

Explanatory Comment

The organizational structure of the institution is divided into functional areas. The President directs functions including, but not limited to: instruction, student services, administrative services, and economic development.

Evaluative Criteria

The organizational structure of the institution facilitates the instructional process and meets the basic staffing requirements stipulated in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

An adequate number of certified and qualified administrators, faculty, and support personnel is provided to ensure attainment of program goals and objectives.

The administration includes the President and personnel needed to manage and support the efficient operation of the institution.

Management procedures delineate the duties and responsibilities of each of the administrators, faculty, and support staff to fulfill the mission of the institution.

An institutional policy manual is developed and updated in accordance with the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

The organizational chart shows the functional relationships among the personnel of the institution and is designed to promote the effective operation of educational programs and institutional services for students.

The organizational chart and policy manuals are published and disseminated.

ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION

Participation

Standard Number: 01-02-02

Standard Statement

The organizational structure and managerial procedures facilitate the effective interchange of ideas among all employees of the institution.

Explanatory Comment

The administration encourages communication of ideas through administrative councils and faculty, staff, and student committees. These councils and committees provide a vehicle for individuals to contribute their knowledge and ideas for improving the operation of the institution.

Evaluative Criteria

There are active faculty, staff, and student committees and functional administrative councils.

Recommendations of faculty, student committees, and administrative councils are considered in the formulation of institutional policies and practices.

The managerial procedures for assuring communication are evaluated on a regular basis.

ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATION

Governance

Standard Number: 01-02-03

Standard Statement

An appropriate authority is legally responsible for the operation of the institution.

Explanatory Comment

The appropriate authority for each institution varies depending on its local or state affiliation.

Evaluative Criteria

An appropriate authorizing agency dedicated to the mission of occupational/technical education assumes legal authority for the operation of the institution.

Policies established by the authorizing agency serve as guidelines for operational procedures and are written in a manner understandable to the institution and the community.

Authority for implementing policies established by the authorizing agency is delegated to the administrative personnel responsible for the institution’s operation.

EVALUATION AND PLANNING

Evaluation

Standard Number: 01-03-01

Standard Statement

The institution is evaluated annually.

Explanatory Comment

The institutional evaluation is a systematic, broad based, and interrelated process in which internal and external information is collected, synthesized, analyzed, and interpreted.

Evaluation of each major institutional function contributes to the overall institutional evaluation.

Annual evaluation of each program, as outlined in the general and program-specific standards of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education, is a crucial contributing factor in the overall annual institutional evaluation.

Evaluative Criteria

The internal evaluation process is designed to demonstrate to what extent the mission of the institution is being fulfilled.

The internal evaluation employs broad-based involvement of the faculty, administration, and persons external to the institution.

The internal evaluation is in compliance with the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and conforms with requirements of the applicable institutional accrediting agency(ies).

Evaluation results are used to improve institutional effectiveness.

The evaluation measures the current and future adequacy of the institutional

mission;
organization and administration;
educational programs;
staff;
media services;
financial resources;
physical facilities;
equipment and supplies;
Student Services;
placement and follow-up services;
public information and community relations services;
safety and health requirements;
special needs requirements; and
equity requirements.

EVALUATION AND PLANNING

Operational and Strategic Planning

Standard Number: 01-03-02

Standard Statement

The institutional strategic plan is reviewed annually and revised as necessary, and operational plans are developed and implemented annually based on the results of the institutional evaluation.

Explanatory Comment

The strategic plan provides the basis for institutional direction, organization, administration and improvement of programs and services. The strategic plan is reviewed annually and revised as necessary, but at least once every five years.

The strategic plan provides a system for identifying new programs and services to meet the needs of the employment market served by the institution.

The operational plan provides a mechanism for analyzing the effectiveness of existing programs and services and for modifying or phasing out those which do not meet the needs of the employment market served by the institution or contribute to institutional effectiveness.

Evaluative Criteria

Strategic and operational planning are conducted for the following:

mission;
organization and administration;
educational programs;
staff;
media services;
financial resources;
physical facilities;
equipment and supplies;
Student Services;
placement and follow-up services;
public information and community relations services;
safety and health requirements;
special needs requirements; and
equity requirements.

Strategic and operational plans reflect the mission of the institution.

Strategic and operational plans are based on input from the institutional administration and faculty, program committees, and governing body.

The strategic plan includes information such as demographic studies, occupational surveys, curriculum development, cost estimates, potential enrollment figures (including disadvantaged and disabled), facility and equipment needs, instructor availability, and sources of sufficient funds so existing programs will not be jeopardized.

Strategic and operational plans are in compliance with the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and conform with requirements of the applicable institutional accrediting agency(ies).

STAFF

Plan

Standard Number: 01-04-01

Standard Statement

The staff plan provides for an adequate number of qualified administrative, faculty, and support staff.

Explanatory Comment

An adequate number of qualified staff is that number needed to operate the institution effectively and efficiently.

A Study on Staffing Needs of Technical and Adult Education Schools in Georgia is a possible resource for determining staffing needs.

Evaluation of the staff plan is a contributing factor in the annual overall institutional evaluation.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution has a staff plan that identifies administrative, instructional, and support staff needed to accomplish the purpose and objectives of the institution as determined by enrollment and specific program requirements.

The institution uses published staffing procedures to recruit, select, develop, and manage adequate numbers of administrative, faculty, and support staff.

The staffing procedures of the institution are nondiscriminatory.

A budget for staffing is prepared annually, and adequate funds are provided.

The staff plan is evaluated annually and revised as needed.

The staff plan is in accordance with requirements of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and in conformance with requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

STAFF

Orientation

Standard Number: 01-04-02

Standard Statement

An orientation is provided to new staff.

Explanatory Comment

Orientation activities vary. Use of orientation activities such as formal meetings, supervisor counseling, or mentoring is dependent on situational needs.

Evaluative Criteria

Each new staff member is provided orientation to the mission and operational procedures of the institution.

Each new staff member is provided a written copy of the mission and operational procedures of the institution.

Each new staff member is provided a written job description specifying the duties and responsibilities of his or her position.

STAFF

Compensation

Standard Number: 01-04-03

Standard Statement

The salary guidelines established for each personnel classification in the institution provide a range of salary or compensation based on experience and education and the market conditions of the area.

Explanatory Comment

Salary guidelines are based on occupational experience, administrative experience, teaching experience, educational level, and/or appropriate demonstrated competencies required by the relevant job, and are implemented by taking into account the competitive industry compensation for comparable positions in the area.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution takes into consideration the recommended salary guidelines based on qualifications and experience when setting salaries.

The salary guidelines conform to the salary policies of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education and do not violate state or federal wage requirements.

STAFF

Professional Growth

Standard Number: 01-04-04

Standard Statement

A continuing staff development program is provided to increase the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities of administrative, instructional, and support staff in areas related directly to job responsibilities.

Explanatory Comment

The staff development program is flexible in meeting the needs of administrators, faculty, and support staff for professional growth opportunities and continuous improvement.

Evaluative Criteria

The institution requires each staff member to complete the requirements of a staff development plan annually.

The institution documents and compiles annual information on staff participation in professional growth activities.

The institution has staff development policies and procedures that enable faculty to experience training in a business or industry setting.

The staff development program of the institution provides and encourages periodic formal professional training for its administrators and supervisory personnel.

The support staff is provided appropriate in-service training related to their duties and responsibilities on a continuing basis.

The institution provides professional growth opportunities that involve all faculty, both new and experienced instructors, as described in a formal plan, and that include ongoing in-service to facilitate effective instructional delivery.

The staff development program meets or exceeds the requirements set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and is in conformance with requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

STAFF

Formal Evaluation

Standard Number: 01-04-05

Standard Statement

A formal evaluation of each staff member is conducted.

Explanatory Comment

The use of appropriate procedures for evaluation of each administrative, faculty, and support staff member by a supervisor documents the performance and effectiveness of staff members in meeting the duties and responsibilities outlined in their job descriptions. Evaluation of staff is a continuous process during the period of employment.

Evaluative Criteria

Each member of the administration, faculty, and support staff conducts and documents an annual self-evaluation.

A supervisor of each staff member conducts and documents an annual written formal evaluation and review of the performance and effectiveness of the staff member. This evaluation procedure can include self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and student/customer evaluation.

Annual staff evaluations include a clear statement of the criteria against which individual performance is measured.

Evaluation criteria and procedures are made known to all concerned and are consistent within an employment category.

The institution provides guidelines for the use of annual evaluation results in establishing the development plan for each staff member.

The institution provides guidelines for the use of annual evaluation results in establishing the improvement plan for each program.

STAFF

Administrative and Supervisory Staff – Qualifications

Standard Number: 01-04-06

Standard Statement

The qualifications of the President and other administrative and supervisory staff include preparation and background needed to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Explanatory Comment

The preparation and background of administrative and supervisory personnel include postsecondary education credentials and/or experience and/or demonstrated competence appropriate to their area of responsibility.

Evaluative Criteria

The qualifications of the administrative and supervisory staff satisfy the requirements specified in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Certification Manual and the requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

The administrative and supervisory staff of the institution have a background of occupational experience, occupational education, and/or professional administrative preparation.

The administrative and supervisory staff are able to communicate with business, industry, and the students and staff of the institution.

The administrative and supervisory staff are knowledgeable about occupational education as applied to business and industry, have experience related to one or more education programs of the institution, and demonstrate competencies appropriate to their area of responsibilities.

The administrative and supervisory staff are selected and hired in accordance with the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

STAFF

Faculty – Qualifications

Standard Number: 01-04-08

Standard Statement

The qualifications of the faculty include appropriate educational and occupational experience.

Explanatory Comment

All part-time and full-time faculties meet or exceed the certification requirements for their program.

Evaluative Criteria

The qualifications of each part-time or full-time faculty member meet or exceed the requirements specified in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Terms and Conditions of Employment Manual and are in conformance with the requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

STAFF

Faculty – Responsibilities

Standard Number: 01-04-09

Standard Statement

Each faculty member contributes to the accomplishment of the instructional purpose of the institution.

Explanatory Comment

Contacts with business and industry enable the faculty to acquire current occupational information on methods and practices used in their occupational/technical area to assure congruence between the educational program and the job requirements in the work setting.

The State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual lists responsibilities for instructors, including duties such as working with laboratory reorganization, staff development activities, instructional materials development, and other activities.

Evaluative Criteria

The responsibilities of the faculty are in accordance with those specified in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

Each faculty member obtains up-to-date information on current occupational/technical methods and practices from an active program advisory committee.

Program faculty documents their liaison activities with employers in the occupational field, including periodic visits and personal contacts.

STAFF

Teaching Loads

Standard Number: 01-04-10

Standard Statement

Faculty teaching loads allow for effective and efficient teaching.

Explanatory Comment

Factors affecting realistic teaching loads include type of program, size of facility, nature of training [theory, laboratory, clinical, or occupation-based instruction (OBI)], number of preparations, number of students taught, number of work stations, type of instructional methods, and help available from support staff.

Evaluative Criteria

Specific program standards are used to determine the appropriate teaching loads for faculty members.

The institution provides a staff of adequate size to support its instructional programs and implements a written plan for the equitable and reasonable assignment of staff responsibilities.

Teaching loads are in conformance with requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

Clerical personnel provide support for the efficient and effective operation of the institution.

STAFF

Support Staff

Standard Number: 01-04-11

Standard Statement

An adequate number of qualified support staff is employed to assure efficient and effective operation of the institution.

Explanatory Comment

All employees other than the administration and faculty are referred to as support staff.

Evaluative Criteria

Support staff are selected on the basis of their qualifications.

Clerical personnel maintain student and financial records, assist in producing instructional materials, prepare correspondence, reports, and other records, and assist with other institutional duties.

Custodial and maintenance services provide facility and grounds maintenance and housekeeping to assure efficient and effective operation of the institution.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Plan

Standard Number: 01-05-01

Standard Statement

A written library and media services plan is prepared and implemented by the institution.

Explanatory Comment

Library and media services function primarily to support the instructional programs of the institution.

Library and media services provide access to relevant resources appropriate to the scope and mission of the institution..

Evaluative Criteria

The library and media services plan is reviewed annually. The plan is based on input from the administration, faculty, students, library and media services staff, and an advisory committee.

The library and media services plan identifies the professional staff person responsible for implementation and coordination of library and media services, and the role and responsibilities of designated staff members or additional library and media staff.

The library and media services plan conforms with the requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

The institutional mission is reflected in the library and media services plan.

The size and population of the institution are considered when developing the library and media services plan.

Priorities for acquiring materials and establishing services are determined on the basis of user needs.

The operational and strategic plans and priorities of the institution are reflected in the library and media services plan.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Financial Provisions

Standard Number: 01-05-02

Standard Statement

Adequate financial provisions ensure that resource materials and equipment meet the needs of all the educational programs.

Explanatory Comment

Technical and adult institutions provide instruction in program areas that are continually changing and expanding. In order for library and media services to keep resource materials, including print, nonprint, and electronic, and equipment abreast of user needs, sufficient funding must be allocated.

Requests for improvement funds for library and media services are prepared and submitted through the Institutional Effectiveness System (IES) evaluation, planning, and budgeting process.

Evaluative Criteria

An annual budget is prepared by the library and media services staff with faculty and administrative input.

Financial support provides for purchasing resources and equipment in accordance with the library and media services plan.

Financial support provides for renting and leasing materials and equipment, as needed.

Financial support provides for repairs and regularly scheduled inspections of resource materials and equipment.

Financial support ensures that resource materials and equipment are updated continually.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Facility

Standard Number: 01-05-03

Standard Statement

The library and media services facilities support a multi-faceted library and media program.

Explanatory Comment

The library and media services facilities are allocated space, equipment, and furnishings to accommodate a wide range of activities appropriate to support students and faculty in meeting the objectives of the instructional programs.

Evaluative Criteria

The facilities support the institution’s library and media services plan and are in conformance with requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Accessibility

Standard Number: 01-05-04

Standard Statement

Library and media services are readily available.

Explanatory Comment

Ease of accessibility contributes to the use of library and media services.

Evaluative Criteria

The facilities are conveniently located.

The facilities are accessible to all users and conform to the current ADA requirements.

All print, nonprint, and electronic resources and equipment are well organized and are made available for individual and classroom use.

Library and media services are accessible to day and evening students, faculty, and staff.

Sufficient print, nonprint, and electronic resources are available for individual use.

Information is disseminated throughout the institution about available resources and services.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Operational Procedures

Standard Number: 01-05-05

Standard Statement

The operational procedures of library and media services include the elimination of outdated materials and equipment and the selection, acquisition, classification, and dissemination of current materials and equipment.

Explanatory Comment

Library and media services require an organized and coordinated system for managing, enlarging, and maintaining the resource collection.

The operational procedures of library and media services are based on a written policy developed from administration, faculty, support staff, and student input.

The operational procedures of library and media services provide for a multi-media approach.

The operational procedures of library and media services provide a records management system for the elimination of outdated resource materials and equipment.

The operational procedures of library and media services provide a records management system for the selection, acquisition, classification, and dissemination of print, nonprint, and electronic resources.

The operational procedures of library and media services provide print, nonprint, and electronic resources which are sufficient in quantity and which reflect the instructional and non-instructional needs of the institution.

The operational procedures ensure that resources reflect the diversity of the student body.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Staff

Standard Number: 01-05-06

Standard Statement

An adequate number of qualified staff provides library and media services.

Explanatory Comment

Sufficient staff carries out the responsibilities of library and media services. The size and diversity of the library and media services staff depends on the size of the institution, the number and types of programs offered, the organization of the institution, and the purpose of library and media services within the institution

Evaluative Criteria

A professional staff member is designated as responsible for the implementation and coordination of library and media services.

Library and media services staff are selected on the basis of qualifications specified in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Terms and Conditions of Employment Manual, and in conformance with requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Quality of Collection

Standard Number: 01-05-07

Standard Statement

The quality of the collection and resources meets the needs of the institution.

Explanatory Comment

Collections are varied in reading levels to allow use by all students. The collection stimulates and sustains the intellectual curiosity of the students.

Evaluative Criteria

The collection supports all the programs offered at the institution.

The collection reflects the diversity and the academic levels of the students.

The collection reflects an awareness of developing occupational trends and instructional methods.

The collection addresses the non-occupational needs, in addition to the occupational needs, of the students.

Library and media services implement a policy governing the principles and procedures for maintaining the existing resource collection, selecting new resources, and removing obsolete resources.

Faculty and instructional supervisory personnel are involved in the selection of resources.

A current inventory of resources is maintained.

Resources of a business, professional, technical, and industrial nature are provided to facilitate the educational mission of the institution.

The on-site collection is expanded by participation in computerized networking systems, consortium agreements with state/local university systems, and cooperative lending programs.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Orientation

Standard Number: 01-05-08

Standard Statement

An orientation to the library and media services is provided for all new staff and students.

Explanatory Comment

An orientation program increases use of library and media services by providing information to the administration, faculty, staff, and students. The orientation serves to familiarize staff and students with library and media services operational procedures, operational hours, and equipment usage.

Evaluative Criteria

An orientation is provided for new staff when they assume job responsibilities.

An orientation is provided for new students.

The library and media services orientation is designed to teach new users how to obtain individual assistance, access bibliographic information, and access materials.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA SERVICES

Evaluation

Standard Number: 01-05-09

Standard Statement

An evaluation of the media services plan is performed annually and the information used to improve library and media services.

Explanatory Comment

The effectiveness of library and media services is dependent on the ability to meet the changing needs of the institution. Information about the curriculum, facility size, and number of persons to be served provides a basis for determining if user needs are being adequately met. As the institution reviews and revises its mission, objectives, and programs, the library and media services plan is reviewed and revised.

Evaluative Criteria

An advisory committee is involved in assessing and developing library and media services.

The evaluation is based on the operational and strategic plans and priorities of the institution.

The evaluation is based on the mission and objectives of the institution.

The evaluation is based upon the goals and content of the existing curriculum.

An evaluation of program content resource materials reflects current and developing industry standards and practices.

Evaluation based on inventory of resources, shelf capacity, seating capacity, proper storage, and maintenance measures the adequacy of present facilities.

Print, nonprint, and electronic resources and equipment are compatible and current.

Annual studies evaluate student and faculty use of library and media materials and services.

Results of evaluation are used to improve the effectiveness of library and media services.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Budgetary Plan

Standard Number: 01-06-01

Standard Statement

A written budgetary plan is prepared and implemented by the institution.

Explanatory Comment

The budgetary plan affects every aspect of the institution.

Evaluative Criteria

The budgetary plan is prepared annually.

The budgetary plan is based on input from the entire staff.

The budgetary plan demonstrates responsible financial management with funds sufficient to maintain quality educational programs and to complete the training of all students enrolled.

The budgetary plan and procedures are in accordance with policies set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Distribution of Funds

Standard Number: 01-06-02

Standard Statement

The annual budget allocates sufficient funds and revenues for institutional and program operation.

Explanatory Comment

Adequate funding for each aspect of the institution is addressed in the annual budget. Internal and external planning, in combination, ensure that allocated funds meet the various needs of the institution.

Evaluative Criteria

The budget reflects the operational and strategic plans and priorities of the institution.

The internal budget is based on the mission and objectives of the institution and is directly related to the estimated number of students to be served.

The external budget is based on institution size and the estimated number and type of students to be served.

The budget ensures sufficient distribution of funds and revenues for instructional and non-instructional programs, administration, plant maintenance, equipment, supplies, custodial and security services, and personnel.

The budget is in accordance with policies set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Budgeting and Auditing Procedure

Standard Number: 01-06-03

Standard Statement

The budgeting and auditing procedure provides for proper administration of finances.

Explanatory Comment

The budgeting and auditing process is an organized system for identifying and recording all institutional expenditures. The system facilitates fiscal responsibility and the efficient management of financial resources.

Evaluative Criteria

The budgeting and auditing procedure is in accordance with relevant local, state, and federal requirements.

The procedure identifies and documents program expenditures, plant and equipment additions, receipts of deposits, and disbursements and provides evidence of proper safeguarding and management of funds and revenues.

The procedure ensures that student financial aid is processed efficiently, meets local, state and/or federal regulations, is capably administered, and is accurately documented.

Qualified personnel are responsible for proper record keeping, reporting, and auditing, and persons handling institutional funds and revenues are bonded.

Periodic budget reports are prepared for the President of the institution and, where applicable, for department heads and instructors.

Financial records are maintained so that the institution’s fiscal position may be analyzed in a timely manner.

The budgeting and auditing procedure is in accordance with policies set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and in conformance with the requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Financial Stability

Standard Number: 01-06-04

Standard Statement

The financial stability of the institution is documented.

Explanatory Comment

The quality of instructional service is dependent on adequate financial resources provided within a context of fiscal responsibility and consistency.

Evaluative Criteria

Sources of institutional funds and revenues are identified and documented. A two-year history of expenditures is maintained by the institution.

The financial stability of a new institution is judged on the basis of external financial support in lieu of a two-year expenditure history.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Purchasing Policy

Standard Number: 01-06-05

Standard Statement

The policy for making purchases provides for effective use of budgeted funds.

Explanatory Comment

The purchasing policy facilitates the economical use of funds, the efficient acquisition of necessary supplies, and the expeditious repair of institutional equipment and facilities.

Evaluative Criteria

The purchasing policy reflects the operational and strategic plans and priorities of the institution.

The purchasing policy provides a system for purchasing resource materials, supplies, and equipment based on institutional and/or program needs.

The purchasing policy provides a system for maintaining and repairing institutional and/or program equipment within a reasonable length of time.

The purchasing policy is in accordance with that set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Tuition

Standard Number: 01-06-06

Standard Statement

Tuition is established and assessed on a uniform basis.

Explanatory Comment

Tuition fees contribute to the financial resources of the institution. Students unable to pay tuition are made aware of programs which provide financial assistance.

Evaluative Criteria

Policies for setting tuition are in accordance with Article 5, Chapter 4 of Title 20, Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

Policies for setting tuition are in accordance with those set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

Tuition is used to provide facilities and services in accordance with the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual.

Student financial assistance programs are provided to students who have demonstrated financial need.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Refund Policy

Standard Number: 01-06-08

Standard Statement

A written policy for refunding student tuition, and fees is clear, definitive, and equitable.

Explanatory Comment

A written refund policy ensures that after having incurred a financial obligation to the institution, students who do not enter or who withdraw during the published drop-add period, or in the event the institution cancels a class, are reimbursed at a uniform rate.

Evaluative Criteria

The refund policy of the institution is in accordance with that set forth in the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and is in conformance with the requirements of the applicable accrediting agency(ies).

The refund policy is publicized in the institutional catalog and accessible, and is uniformly administered.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Evaluation

Standard Number: 01-06-09

Standard Statement

Procedures for budget planning must be evaluated annually.

Explanatory Comment

Annual review of the institutional financial plan is a multi-faceted assessment that determines whether or not projected allocations of funds fulfill institutional needs and state requirements.

The annual evaluation of the budget planning process and budget is a component of the annual overall institutional evaluation, with evaluation results used to improve effectiveness.

Evaluative Criteria

The evaluation of the budget planning is based on the operational and strategic plans and priorities of the institution.

The evaluation is based on the mission and objectives of the institution.

The evaluation is based on the number of students to be served by the institution.

The evaluation reflects the IES requirements.

The evaluation is conducted in accordance with requirements of the State Board of Technical and Adult Education Policy Manual and conforms with requirements of the applicable institutional accrediting agency(ies).