Section 1033.10  Purpose

a)         The purpose of this Part is to address the powers and duties delegated to the Board of Higher Education by the Higher Education Distance Learning Act, including, but not limited to, minimum standards for institutions of higher education participating in the interstate reciprocity agreements for distance learning.  The Board will collaborate with the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) to establish and ensure eligibility for Illinois public community colleges that desire to participate. 

b)         The Higher Education Distance Learning Act authorizes the State of Illinois to participate in a system of interstate reciprocity to simplify regulation in the expanding field of distance learning.  The system of interstate reciprocity established by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement allows willing post-secondary institutions in member states to participate in that agreement on a voluntary basis.  Under the system, institutions participate through, and agree to be regulated by, their home state.  The Council and statute establish minimum requirements and provide a simplified method of regulating distance learning programs.  The system applies only to distance education.  The Illinois Board of Higher Education is designated by the Act to be the lead agency coordinating all Illinois-based participating institutions in the distance learning interstate reciprocity program.  The Board of Higher Education will collaborate with the ICCB to establish and ensure eligibility for Illinois public community colleges that desire to participate in the program.