Section 071-150-4 - Standards for ApprovalA. School Name and Location 1. The name of the correspondence school shall not suggest an official relation with a municipality or with the State of Maine.2. Any change in the name or location of an approved correspondence school shall be subject to the prior approval of the Commissioner.B. Administration 1. Each correspondence school shall have an executive head. The executive head shall present evidence that he/she has the qualifications and the experience essential for competent and ethical administration of a correspondence school and that he/she will be able to devote the necessary time to the school for its efficient administration. If the school is a branch of a school that has its principal location outside of Maine, there shall be an agent or solicitor whose responsibilities shall be clearly stated in the approval application.2. The executive head shall have the administrative assistance necessary to operate the school and effectively coordinate the work of the teachers.3. Each correspondence school shall furnish information and report as deemed necessary by the Commissioner and on forms provided.C. Qualifications of Instructional Staff Each advisor shall have at least a high school diploma and a combination of at least six years of advanced study, teaching, and experience closely related to the subjects being taught. This standard shall not operate to prevent the employment of competent assistants without these qualifications as long as the individual is adequately supervised.
D. Course(s) of Instruction 1. The course content shall be of such nature and quality as to adequately cover the subject as thoroughly as stated in the school's catalog or publicity brochure.2. An individualized correctional service shall be provided to indicate the errors, direct the student to sources of correct information, and to supply additional explanations and supplementary instructional material when requested.E. Brochure The school brochure or catalog shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
1. The name and location of the school;2. The name of the executive head of the school;3. A description of the courses offered; (This standard may be met by publishing a description of the courses offered as a bulletin separate from the catalog).4. Books, supplies and equipment the student may be required to purchase in addition to those provided by the school;5. Requirements for graduation (if applicable);6. The maximum time allowed for completing each course;F. Enrollment Agreement The school shall use an enrollment agreement with the student which shall include the following information:
1. The total cost to the student;2. The initial payment due at the time of registration;3. The amounts of subsequent payments and a statement specifying when the payments are due;4. The fees and tuition charged;5. The terms of settlement refund policy for the student who discontinues his/her enrollment and withdraws from the school.G. Advertising 1. All advertising originating in a Maine publication shall be based upon fact. Any statement, illustration, representation or omission which misleads or tends to mislead the public shall be deemed objectionable.2. All advertising and promotional literature used by a school must clearly indicate that training or education, and not employment, is being offered.3. Schools using classified columns of newspapers or other publications to procure students must use only such columns as are headed by "Education," "Schools," "Instruction," or a similarly titled classification.4. Statements, direct or implied, assuring or guaranteeing jobs or memberships in unions or other organizations as a result of completing a course or program of instruction shall not be used.5. Any advertising of the price of tuition must state the exact name of the course immediately followed by the number of lessons. When the cost of tuition is advertised, the cost of tools, supplies, and all other charges shall be included in the advertising.H. School Records The school shall retain permanently the following information: student name, last known address, status (graduate, drop out, etc.). and academic record.
05- 071 C.M.R. ch. 150, § 4