Many new school owners are unaware that most California schools, colleges, and universities require state approval to operate from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), and that the consequences for operating without approval can be severe: The BPPE’s Enforcement Division is actively investigating un-approved schools, and issuing abatement orders, tuition restitution orders, and assessing fines of up to $50,000. Disciplinary Actions are posted on the BPPE website for viewing by students and other interested parties. Only a few types of private postsecondary education providers qualify for exemption from BPPE oversight; contrary to popular belief, “studios,” “workshops,” and not-for-profit organizations must, in many cases, obtain state approval to operate. (For further information regarding “exempt status” please visit the BPPE website: http://www.bppe.ca.gov/.)
In today’s increasingly strict regulatory environment, we strongly suggest you take a proactive approach to BPPE compliance: prevention is the best medicine. The TLA team can help you prepare an Application for Initial Approval that will bring your institution into compliance with The Education Act of 2009 and its many amendments. Take action now: once you receive a BPPE Citation Letter, it’s extremely difficult to avoid potentially devastating penalties.
My colleagues and I have over 50 years of combined experience working in the California private school business; in addition to BPPE compliance assistance, we provide help with SEVIS certification (securing permission to enroll foreign students), accreditation (a prerequisite to offering federal financial aid), and many other services. For a complete catalog and other company information see our website at www.trilogos.co. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have: 1-800-946-1637.
