Current Policies - Academic Affairs

A comprehensive mathematics course such as college algebra, college mathematics, college statistics, quantitative literacy/reasoning or higher-level college mathematics course may be applied toward an associate or baccalaureate degree from a state-support college or university in Arkansas.

AHECB is authorized to establish the criteria for certification of college-level courses and degree programs offered by non-public, not-for-profit, for-profit, and out-of-state institutions of higher education, and to provide oversight on matters related to the operation of the postsecondary educational institutions in Arkansas.

Act 1000 of 1991 directs the State Board of Higher Education to develop guidelines for the establishment of institutional policies on academic clemency. The law describes academic clemency as a second chance for those students who performed poorly early in their academic careers and who wish to return to college after having gained an appreciation of the benefits of higher education. 

ACT 267 of 1989 directs ADHE to work with the colleges and universities to develop an annual report on "the retention and graduation rates of all students who participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Include are State Board of Higher Education guidelines for the preparation of institutional plans for annual faculty performance review.

The Department will work with two-year institutions of higher education to identify and implement a test of general education knowledge and skills that will be an appropriate measure of Associate of Applied Science students' learning gains.

This policy addresses placement standards necessary for enrollment of students into mathematics, English composition, and reading based on appropriate indicators of potential student success rates. 

The monitoring of off-campus credit courses, recommendation of policies and procedures needed to assure quality and prevent unnecessary duplication.

Arkansas Code Annotated §6-61-208 charges the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) with the responsibility to evaluate proposals for all new units of instruction, research, and public service, consistent with established role and scope designations, and to approve programs and organizational units based on established policies. 

Arkansas Code §6-61-214 requires that the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) review existing academic programs. 

Act 975 was passed by the 1975 session of the Arkansas General Assembly for the stated purpose of prohibiting any state-supported institution of higher education from establishing a branch campus or program without first obtaining the approval of the State Board of Higher Education.

Act 1290 of 1997(A.C.A. §6-60-208), as amended by Act 520 of 1999, requires students graduating from high school in 2002 and after to have completed the core curriculum for unconditional admission to public colleges and universities.

Act 1141 of 1993 directs all public colleges and universities to report annually to the Department of Higher Education on expenditures and revenues received for remediation. 

(Arkansas Code §6-18-223) Concurrent enrollment allows students to obtain credit toward a high school diploma at the same time they earn college credit.

At its April 27, 2000 meeting the Higher Education Coordinating Board adopted a ten (10) year moratorium on new campuses with some caveats for certain emerging sites. 

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board is charged with establishing appropriate role and scope designations for each public higher education institution in consultation with representatives of the colleges and universities.

Institutions requesting approval to offer a degree program at a higher degree level than currently designated by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board must submit a Letter of Intent, Role and Scope Change Request, and the associated New Degree Program Proposal.

Arkansas Code Annotated §12-12-913 requires the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to promulgate guidelines for the disclosure to students of information regarding  registered sex offenders who are employed by or attend an institution of higher education.

The goal of Act 747 of 2011 was to create a transparent, easy-to-understand statewide transfer system that eliminates obstacles to the transfer of credit among Arkansas public higher education institutions. 

Act 844 of 2019 amended Arkansas Code Ann. § 6-60-215 to give a state-supported institution of higher education the discretion to classify students with nontraditional documented immigration status as in-state for purposes of tuition and fees under limited circumstances. 

The Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board has established a set of guidelines by which institutions must award course credit for advanced placement exams. This policy should be implemented by institutions for entering freshman in the Fall 2018 semester. 

The AHECB has encouraged access to higher education through a number of policies over the years including support for distance learning initiatives in the state across the southern region, as well as approval for off-campus programs at sites throughout Arkansas.

The rules outline the requirements per Act 958 of 2021 regarding the broadcast and performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the commencement of school sanctioned sporting events. The rules also include requirements regarding the permissible versions or arrangements of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that state supported institutions of higher education may select for broadcast or performance.