Student Location Policy
PURPOSE
UTEP is committed to complying with rules and regulations regarding the operation of higher education institutions in every state in which it enrolls students. This practice, known as State Authorization, relates to all out-of-state activities ranging from fully online programs to experiential learning activities in face-to-face courses and many other trigger activities in between. Extended University will review and complete authorizations for all UTEP programs with out-of-state activities. We can only do this with the cooperation of all academic units with out-of-state activities, including those without UTEP Connect fully online programs.
STATEMENT
Student location is determined at the time of initial enrollment.
DEFINITIONS
- Student Location: If a student is enrolled in 50% or more face-to-face or tech-enhanced (TEC) courses, student location is defined as El Paso, TX. If a student is enrolled in 49% or less face-to-face or TEC courses, Student location is determined by the mailing address provided by the student.
- Initial Enrollment: Time of initial enrollment is the first day of class of the student’s initial semester. If a student changes academic programs (major), time of initial enrollment is the first day of class of the student’s new academic program.
- Change of Location: Student location will be changed if the student is in 49% or less face-to-face or TEC courses and updates mailing address.
- Licensure Program: Program in a professional licensure field.
REQUIREMENTS
Students may not be enrolled in any courses or program while in a location that is not authorized. Moreover, students may not be enrolled in and/or complete a licensure program while in a location where the licensure program does not meet educational licensure requirements. The only exception to the being if a student submits an attestation stating they are aware the program does not meet the requirements but wishes to continue the program. The exception refers to the licensure program requirement only.
PROCEDURES
If a prospective student applies for a program that leads to a license and their location is outside of the State of Texas, they will receive a notice asking the student to review the state authorization public disclosures including locations where the program is approved and meets educational licensure requirements. Student will be advised to contact UTEP if they wish to complete their program while located in an unauthorized location.
If a student enrolled in a licensure program is in a location where the program does not meet licensure requirements, the student may not continue in the program unless they submit an attestation that they understand program does not meet educational licensure requirements in their location.
If a student does not submit an attestation, they risk dismissal from the licensure program.
The attestation will be saved in the CRM.
RELEVANT FEDERAL AND STATE STATUTES
34 CFR 668.14(b)(32)(ii)
32) In each State in which: the institution is located; students enrolled by the institution in distance education or correspondence courses are located, as determined at the time of initial enrollment in accordance with 34 CFR 600.9(c)(2); or for the purposes of paragraphs (b)(32)(i) and (ii) of this section, each student who enrolls in a program on or after July 1, 2024, and attests that they intend to seek employment, the institution must determine that each program eligible for title IV, HEA program funds…
(ii) Satisfies the applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification requirements in the State so that a student who enrolls in the program, and seeks employment in that State after completing the program, qualifies to take any licensure or certification exam that is needed for the student to practice or find employment in an occupation that the program prepares students to enter
ENFORCEMENT
If a student enrolls in a program from a location that is not approved, the student must be dropped from the program or move to an approved location. Moreover, if a student is in a licensure program, and is in a location that does not meet licensure requirements, the student must be dropped from the program unless an attestation is obtained. Prior to census day, State Authorization Manager will review locations of all students, and request drops from the departments for students in licensure programs or any other students in non-approved locations, if needed.
This policy shall be subject to periodic review to ensure its accuracy and relevance.
Effective date: July 1, 2024