Are You Ready to Achieve DEAC Accreditation?
Gaining accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) is a significant milestone that enhances your institution’s credibility, ensuring it meets high standards of quality and excellence in distance education.
With DEAC accreditation, your institution will:
- ✔ Gain national recognition for delivering high-quality online education.
- ✔ Build trust and credibility among students, parents, and employers.
- ✔ Improve student enrollment and retention through an accredited status.
- ✔ Ensure compliance with rigorous academic and operational standards.
Let us guide you through the accreditation process and help your institution achieve excellence in distance education!

Obtaining Provisional license for a private post-secondary educational institution:
(A) Statement of work
1. Incorporation of a Stock Corporation
Consultant will facilitate the seamless establishment of a C-Corporation in the chosen state for the client, ensuring all legal requirements are met and essential documents are delivered.
Drafting and Filing of Articles
A. Understanding Client Needs:
B. Document Drafting:
Obtainment of Employer Identification Number (EIN)
A. Application Preparation:
B. EIN Submission:
One Year Registered Agent of Service of Process
A. Agent Selection:
B. Ongoing Communication:
Custom Binder and Embosser
A. Compilation:
B. Embosser Creation:
C. Delivery:
State Initial Report Filing
A. Report Preparation:
B. Submission:
2. Facilitation of Obtaining ITIN number and opening a US Bank account
Facilitation of ITIN Number Acquisition
Personalized Assistance in ITIN Application:
Assistance in Opening a Business Bank Account in the US
Tailored Banking Solutions:
3. Curriculum Design and development with course syllabi
Research and Analysis
A. Understand CIE Requirements:
B. Potential Accreditors:
Curriculum Design Process
A. Collaborative Workshops:
B. Drafting Course Syllabi:
C. Feedback Integration:
Accreditor Selection Assistance
A. Assess University Goals:
B. Evaluate Accreditors:
C. Final Selection:
Alignment with Selected Accreditor
A. Gap Analysis:
B. Refinement:
Documentation and Review
A. Compilation:
B. Internal Review:
4. Hiring and Selection of Faculty and Administrative Staff
1. Scope
2. Recruitment Strategy
3. Selection Process
5. Developing the University's Infrastructure Tools
1. Preparation of University Policies and Procedures:
These are some of the recommended policies
A. Academic Policies (examples only):
B. Human Resources Policies (examples only):
C. Operational Policies (examples only):
2. University Catalog Preparation as per CIE Checklist:
A. Institutional Overview:
B. Institutional Mission, Vision, and Values:
C. Detailed Description of Each Academic Offering:
D. Procedures for Admission and Registration:
E. Campus Infrastructure and Resources:
F. Comprehensive Breakdown of Financial Expectations:
3. University Enrollment Agreement Creation as per CIE Checklist:
A. Student Identification:
B. Academic Program Specification:
C. Tuition and Financial Terms:
D. Institutional Expectations and Responsibilities:
E. Affirmation Section:
4. Preparation of the University’s Essential Handbooks:
A. Student Handbook:
B. Faculty Handbook:
C. Staff Handbook:
6. Guidance and Assistance in Submitting an Institution Application to Florida's Commission for Independent Education (CIE):
Scope of Work
Develop institutional documentation forming the school to be submitted to the Florida Department of Education
a. New Institution Application with the Commission for Independent Education
b. The Provisional License Agreement requires additional documentation based on the corporation structure. The Consultant will gather and develop any documentation related to the educational requirements of the Provisional License Agreement highlighted in yellow in the following list. All other business documentation is the responsibility of the Company.
CIE Application Checklist Items
1. SECRETARY OF STATE DOCUMENTATION – Proof of active corporate status and fictitious name registration with the Florida Department of State.
2. INSTRUCTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL FORM –An Instructional and Administrative Personnel Form (Form 402) for each owner/administrator and instructor.
3. TRANSMITTAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION FEE FORM – A Transmittal of Criminal Justice Information Fee Form is required for each owner/administrator.
4. ORGANIZATIONAL CHART – One (1) copy of the institution’s organizational chart.
5. PROGRAM OUTLINE – A Program Outline for each proposed program. Attach a signed externship agreement if applicable.
6. APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION/ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT – One (1) copy of the institution’s application for admission or enrollment agreement.
7. ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT CHECKLIST – A completed Enrollment Agreement Checklist.
8. REFUND POLICY CHECKLIST – A completed Refund Policy Checklist.
9. FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
- These forms are incorporated by reference and may be obtained without cost from the Commission’s website at www.fldoe.org/cie or by writing to the Commission for Independent Education at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.
- A pro forma balance sheet for the type of institution making application.
- A financial statement of the parent corporation that controls the institution compiled, reviewed or audited in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, prepared by an independent certified public accountant. This statement must demonstrate sufficient resources to ensure institutional development. Institutions that are new and do not have a history of educational operations shall provide financial statements of the controlling principals, compiled, reviewed, or audited by an independent certified public accountant.
10. FINANCES CHECKLIST – A completed Finances Checklist.
11. FACULTY LISTING – A completed Faculty Listing Form (Form 401).
12. FACULTY HANDBOOK – If the institution has programs that exceed 600 clock hours, submit one (1) copy of the institution’s Faculty Handbook.
13. INSTITUTION CATALOG - One (1) unbound copy of the institution’s catalog, or an electronic version of the catalog, containing all of the information required by Rule 6E-2.004(11), F.A.C.
14. CATALOG CHECKLIST – A completed Catalog Checklist.
15. OTHER PUBLICATIONS – One (1) copy of other publications.
16. ADVERTISEMENTS – One (1) copy of all draft advertisements.
17. LEASE AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENTATION TO SHOW OWNERSHIP OF FACILITIES.
18. ZONING COMPLIANCE – One (1) copy of the institution’s occupational license or similar document showing compliance with zoning.
19. ACCREDITATION STATUS - Submit documentation from accrediting agency, if accredited.
20. FEE TRANSMITTAL - Photocopies of the Provisional License Application Fee Transmittal (Form 201) and of the check, cashier’s check or money order.
21. STUDENT PROTECTION FUND FEE TRANSMITTAL FORM – Photocopies of the Student Protection Fund Fee Transmittal Form (Form 202) and of the check, cashier’s check, or money order. (Applies only to those institutions whose highest programmatic offering is a diploma.)
Mock Review Sessions:
Preparation for CIE Commission Meeting:
Feedback and Iteration:
Submission Protocol:
Post-Submission Support:
(B) Compensation for Services:
The table below is an estimate only but the invoices will represent the actual hours spent on each of the services rendered
1. Incorporation of a Stock Corporation (Including state and federal fees and agent of service of process for the 1st year) | 12 hours |
2. Facilitation of Obtaining ITIN number and opening a US Bank account | 12 hours |
3.1 Curriculum Design and development with course syllabi – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) | 34 hours |
3.2 Curriculum Design and development with course syllabi – Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 24 hours |
3.3 Curriculum Design and development with course syllabi – Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) | 34 hours |
4. Hiring and Selection of Faculty members and Administrative Staff members – 4 admin staff and 12 faculty members NOTE: additional faculty or admin hires will be charged at the rate of $1,110 per candidate | 6 hours per candidate $1,110 (per candidate) |
5. Developing the University’s Infrastructure Tools | 65 hours |
6. Guidance and Assistance in Submitting an Institution Application to Florida’s Commission for Independent Education (CIE) | 120 Hours |
Payment Terms: Client shall pay Company as follows:
1st Installment: 40% due on signing the agreement
2nd Installment: 30% due 6 weeks after signing the agreement 3rd Installment: 30% due 12 weeks after signing the agreement
All installments must be paid before submitting the CIE application.
If the consultant’s travel is required, all actual costs will be billed to the client after submitting receipts.
Additional Costs Required Until you obtain the license:
This proposal is valid for 14 days from the date of this proposal
PHASE 2: Obtaining Accreditation
Distance Education Accreditation Commission Accreditation (DEAC)
1. Preparing the university for DEAC accreditation
Consultant will meet regularly with the university’s appointed Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) to go over DEAC’s 12 standards:
Consultant will be walking the ALO through each standard and the requirements needed to meet the standard, providing checklists and examples when needed. Consultant will review the completed work, adding comments and suggesting changes where applicable until the standard is satisfactorily met.
EXHIBIT 1: | Student Enrollment Worksheet (for institutions seeking initial accreditation) |
EXHIBIT 2: | Organizational Chart |
EXHIBIT 3: | DEAC State Authorization Form |
EXHIBIT 3: | State Licensure and Authorization and Other Accreditation Documents |
EXHIBIT 4: | Catalog |
EXHIBIT 5: | Meeting Minutes (Leadership, Advisory Council, Faculty, and Staff) |
EXHIBIT 6: | Institutional Effectiveness Data and Planning Document |
EXHIBIT 6: | Strategic Plan |
EXHIBIT 7: | Program Outcomes |
EXHIBIT 7: | Curriculum Maps – |
EXHIBIT 7: | Program Comparisons |
EXHIBIT 7: | Advisory Council Rosters and Bios |
EXHIBIT 8: | Sample Program Reviews |
EXHIBIT 9: | Curriculum Development Manual |
EXHIBIT 9: | Curriculum Content Developers’ Qualifications |
EXHIBIT 9: | Instructional Designers’ Qualifications |
EXHIBIT 9: | Contracts for Third-Party Educational Delivery |
EXHIBIT 10: | Clock/Credit Hour Policy |
EXHIBIT 10: | Clock/Credit Hour Evaluation Chart |
EXHIBIT 11: | Student Integrity and Academic Honesty Policies (Links and Permanent File) |
EXHIBIT 12: | Technology Requirements |
EXHIBIT 13: | Sample Student Administrative Inquiries |
EXHIBIT 13: | Sample Student Academic Inquiries |
EXHIBIT 13: | Sample Faculty/Instructor-Graded Examinations or Assessments |
EXHIBIT 14: | Sample Motivational Comments (student services policies – academic advisors) |
EXHIBIT 15: | Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Links and Permanent File) |
EXHIBIT 16: | Grading Policies and Other Related Academic Policies (Links and Permanent File) |
EXHIBIT 17: | Sample Student Records |
EXHIBIT 17: | Sample Transcript and Diplomas/Certificates |
EXHIBIT 18: | Student Confidentiality and Privacy Policies |
EXHIBIT 19: | Complaint/Grievance Policy |
EXHIBIT 20: | Outcomes Assessment Plan |
EXHIBIT 21: | Sample Student/Alumni Surveys |
EXHIBIT 22: | DEAC Student Achievement Disclosure for the Public Form |
EXHIBIT 23: | Academic Leadership Résumés |
EXHIBIT 23: | Chief Academic Officer or Educational Director Résumé |
EXHIBIT 24: | Faculty Qualifications |
EXHIBIT 24: | Faculty Teaching Responsibilities |
EXHIBIT 24: | Faculty/Instructor Résumés |
EXHIBIT 25: | Faculty Handbook |
EXHIBIT 25: | Faculty/Instructor/Staff Evaluations |
EXHIBIT 25: | Sample Faculty Contracts |
EXHIBIT 26: | Professional Development Documents |
EXHIBIT 27: | Sample Advertising and Promotional Materials |
EXHIBIT 27: | DEAC Website Disclosures Checklist |
EXHIBIT 28: | DEAC Catalog Disclosures Checklist |
EXHIBIT 29: | Sample Testimonials and Endorsements |
EXHIBIT 29: | Signed Student Consent Forms |
EXHIBIT 30: | Student Recruitment Personnel Job Description(s) |
EXHIBIT 30: | Student Recruitment Policies and Procedures |
EXHIBIT 30: | Signed DEAC Code of Ethics |
EXHIBIT 31: | Admissions Policy and Criteria (Links and Permanent File) |
EXHIBIT 32: | Student Identity Verification Policy (Links and Permanent File) |
EXHIBIT 32: | Policies and Procedures for Exceptions to Admissions Criteria |
EXHIBIT 32: | List of Students Enrolled Under Exception to Admissions Criteria Policy |
EXHIBIT 33: | Sample Transfer Credit Evaluations |
EXHIBIT 33: | Sample Experiential or Prior Learning Assessment Credit Evaluations |
EXHIBIT 34: | Enrollment Agreements |
EXHIBIT 34: | DEAC Enrollment Agreement Disclosures Checklist |
EXHIBIT 34: | Payment Contracts or Documentation |
EXHIBIT 34: | Table of Refunds |
EXHIBIT 35: | Table of Qualifying Professional Experience |
EXHIBIT 35: | Owners, Governing Board Members, CEO, and Administrator Résumés |
EXHIBIT 35: | Owners, Governing Board Members, CEO, and Top Administrator Job Descriptions |
EXHIBIT 36: | Succession Plan |
EXHIBIT 37: | Audited or Reviewed Comparative Financial Statements |
EXHIBIT 37: | Letter of Financial Statement Validation |
EXHIBIT 37: | Last Fiscal/Calendar Year Budget |
EXHIBIT 38: | Teach-Out Commitment |
EXHIBIT 39: | Financial Reports |
EXHIBIT 39: | Audited or Reviewed Financial Statements of the Supporting Entity |
EXHIBIT 39: | Parent Company or Third-Party Financial Commitment Letter |
EXHIBIT 39: | Supplemental Schedule – Institution’s Financial Status |
EXHIBIT 40: | Opinion Letters |
EXHIBIT 40: | Plan for Addressing Auditor Concerns |
EXHIBIT 41: | Floor Plan |
EXHIBIT 41: | Facilities, Equipment, and Supplies Maintenance Plan |
EXHIBIT 41: | Fire, Health, and Occupancy Inspection Licenses |
EXHIBIT 41: | Certificate of Liability Insurance |
- Preparing the university’s SER for DEAC accreditation
- Responding to DEAC’s inquiries and letters of deficiencies
- Preparing the university for DEAC’s site visit