Teach-Out Plans and Agreements

A teach-out plan is the institution’s written plan for equitable treatment of students which could be triggered by several factors, one of which may simply be changes in progression towards accreditation status. A teach-out agreement is a written agreement between institutions that gives students a reasonable opportunity to complete their programs through another institution under defined terms. For further information, see the Policy on Teach-Out Plans and Teach-Out Agreements.

When is a teach-out plan is required?

A teach-out plan is required for all candidate institutions as a contingency in case the institution does not achieve accreditation in time. It is also required when ABHE or the U.S. Department of Education identifies serious risk, including probation, show cause, certain financial-instability triggers such as going-concern doubts or material financial weakness, and some Title IV provisional participation situations. A teach-out plan, and if practicable a teach-out agreement, is also required when an institution plans to cease operations entirely or close a location that provides 100% of at least one program.

What does an acceptable plan include?

An acceptable plan must include a list of currently enrolled students, a list of academic programs offered, and the names of other institutions with similar programs that could potentially receive students. It must also include student-facing information such as how eligible students can seek closed-school discharge and applicable state refund information, a record-retention plan, and verification that any receiving institution can provide a viable completion pathway without requiring a change in delivery method or substantial travel.

A sample template for Teach-Out Plans and Agreements is available: Sample Template

What is required for receiving institutions?

A receiving institution must be able to offer a program that is reasonably similar in content, delivery modality, and scheduling, and of acceptable quality. It must have the capacity and support services to take additional students, provide access without forcing students to move or travel for substantial distances or durations, and give students clear information about additional charges and accepted credits. ABHE also requires the sending institution to document that the receiving institution is in good standing with the appropriate accreditors and regulators, and the policy lists situations in which an institution may not serve as the receiving institution.

What is the timeline for teach-out plan approval?

When a teach-out plan or agreement is required, it should be submitted to coa@abhe.org as soon as practicable and, in all cases, within 60 days. The Substantive Change Officer reviews the materials and may approve them, disapprove them, or identify deficiencies. If revisions are needed, the institution has 30 days to submit a revised proposal, and the institution may proceed once the proposal has been approved. Failure to submit a required plan or agreement by the deadline may result in sanction.

Related links

• Substantive Change
• Contact the Commission