Nebraska Administrative Code Topic - COORDINATING COMMISSION FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
Overview of NAC – Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE)
The Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education in Nebraska oversees the planning, coordination, and regulation of higher education in the state. Its purpose is to:
Ensure efficient use of resources among public colleges and universities.
Approve new academic programs and capital projects.
Establish policies for tuition, financial aid, and student enrollment.
Monitor institutional performance, accountability, and compliance.
Facilitate data collection, reporting, and long-term planning for higher education.
The NAC rules provide the framework for approval processes, reporting requirements, and enforcement for institutions under the Commission’s oversight.
Case 1: Approval of a New Degree Program
Situation
A public university wants to introduce a Bachelor of Science in Data Science.
NAC Requirements
Submit a program proposal including:
Curriculum design and learning outcomes
Faculty qualifications
Budget and resource allocation
Enrollment projections
Demonstrate that the program meets state workforce needs and does not unnecessarily duplicate existing programs.
Outcome
Commission approves the program, allowing it to be implemented.
If the proposal lacks resources or duplicates existing programs, the Commission may request revisions or deny approval.
Importance
Ensures that new programs are academically sound, fiscally responsible, and aligned with state needs.
Case 2: Review of Capital Construction Projects
Situation
A university proposes building a new science research facility.
NAC Requirements
Submit project plans, cost estimates, and long-term funding sources to the Commission.
Provide justification for the project, including student impact and economic benefits.
Outcome
Commission reviews for compliance with state policy and approves or requests modifications.
Unauthorized construction without approval can result in withholding of state funds.
Importance
Promotes accountable use of public funds and ensures capital projects align with statewide higher education priorities.
Case 3: Tuition and Fee Approval
Situation
A college wants to increase tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year.
NAC Requirements
Submit a tuition proposal showing rationale, comparison with peer institutions, and impact on students.
Commission evaluates affordability, equity, and necessity.
Outcome
Approved increases may be implemented for the next academic year.
Excessive or unjustified increases may be revised or denied.
Importance
Maintains affordable access to higher education while ensuring institutions remain financially viable.
Case 4: Monitoring Institutional Performance
Situation
The Commission receives annual reports from a community college regarding graduation rates, enrollment, and financial performance.
NAC Requirements
Institutions must submit performance and accountability reports.
Commission evaluates compliance with state educational goals and policies.
Outcome
If performance is satisfactory, the college continues normal operations.
Poor performance triggers recommendations, required improvement plans, or probationary measures.
Importance
Ensures institutions meet educational objectives and efficiently use resources.
Case 5: Approval of Distance Learning Programs
Situation
A university wants to launch a fully online Master’s program in Public Health.
NAC Requirements
Submit program plan showing quality standards, technology infrastructure, faculty support, and student services.
Must comply with state accreditation and quality assurance requirements.
Outcome
Approved programs may enroll students online statewide.
Denied programs may need to revise technology, curriculum, or faculty qualifications.
Importance
Facilitates expansion of educational access while maintaining quality and oversight.
Case 6: Investigation of Noncompliance
Situation
An institution fails to submit required reports on student outcomes and financial performance.
NAC Requirements
Commission may issue notices of noncompliance and request corrective action.
Institutions must respond within specified timelines.
Outcome
Continued noncompliance can result in suspension of approval for new programs, withholding of state funding, or administrative sanctions.
Importance
Enforces accountability and adherence to state higher education standards.
Key Takeaways
The CCPE NAC rules govern program approval, capital projects, tuition, accountability, and compliance.
The Commission ensures efficient, equitable, and high-quality postsecondary education in Nebraska.
Common scenarios include:
Approval of new academic programs
Review of capital construction projects
Tuition and fee adjustments
Monitoring institutional performance
Approval of online or distance learning programs
Enforcement of compliance for missing reports or data
Commission actions ensure resources are used wisely, programs meet state needs, and students receive quality education.
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