Introducing the Office of Academic Policy and Authorization – Private Postsecondary Education

We’re pleased to introduce our statewide work as the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) Office of Academic Policy and Authorization (APA), Private Postsecondary Education unit. This includes the Office of Degree Authorization (ODA) and the APA Private Career Schools (PCS) Licensing unit. We are responsible for policy and regulation that affects private institutions serving Oregonians, with a focus on student and consumer protection. 

The information here explains our responsibilities and how to reach us.

Our Regulation, Licensing, and Authorization Role

The HECC is the state regulator that approves private degree-granting institutions, private career schools, and distance education providers to operate in this state. Without HECC approval or explicit exemption from regulation, a school cannot legally operate in our state, or offer valid degrees or certificates or college credit to Oregonians. Institutions must meet rigorous authorizing standards in Oregon and comply with the necessary laws and regulations that protect consumers. As a regulatory, licensing, and authorizing state office, we do the following.

• Support student and consumer protection
  
• Provide educational leadership and technical assistance to schools and colleges
  
• Convene private institutions and partners in Oregon
  
• Authorize distance education offerings in Oregon
  

For more information on HECC authorities, see Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) and Administrative Rules (OARs), specifically ORS 345 and OAR 715-045. Our office is not an accrediting agency.

Institution Resources – Requirements and Authorization Processes

School Resources: Private Career School LicensingInstitution Resources: Office of Degree Authorization

• Resources: Distance Education Authorization 

Check if a Private Institution is Authorized in Oregon

Our office maintains lists of schools or programs authorized to operate in the State of Oregon:

• Private Career Schools Licensed in Oregon
• Degree-granting Institutions Authorized in Oregon
• Institutions Approved to Offer Distance Education in Oregon

Student and Consumer Protection

Our office provides consumer alerts regarding the status of schools, and guidance for students considering private institutions in Oregon.

• Resources for Students of Private Institutions
• Updates and Consumer Alerts
• Student Complaint Process

Contact the Office of Academic Policy and Authorization 

The APA office is led by Veronica Dujon, director. The Office of APA is responsible for private postsecondary licensing and authorization and for public university coordination.  Find the public university coordination directory here.