Administrative and Fiscal Capacity Standards

Administrative and Fiscal Capacity Standard 1:

The program is a part of a department or unit of the institution, with a recognized place within its administrative structure.

Guidance

The program must be embedded within the institution’s organizational structure. The head of the department or unit is aware of the program and its role within the department/unit.

Required for Review

• Provide an organizational chart or other description of the institution’s administrative structure that indicates the department or unit in which the program resides.

• Provide evidence of engagement with key administrators (e.g., deans) of the administrative unit where the program is located.

Administrative and Fiscal Capacity Standard 2:

The program seeks and considers ongoing input on program development, policies, and practices from a variety of stakeholders that includes students, alumni, and parents.

Guidance

The program has a demonstrated process for soliciting and using stakeholder input at least annually, including input from current and former students and family members. The program must demonstrate how the input impacts program development, policies, and practices, or how the program addresses or implements student and family input.

Required for Review

• Describe which categories of stakeholders are consulted at least annually, in addition to current and former students and parents (e.g., faculty, administrators, peer mentors, community leaders, employers, employment support agencies). Examples are for illustrative purposes only and each category is not specifically required.

• Provide evidence showing how the program obtains input through, for example, an advisory committee, focus groups, surveys, or interviews, and the schedule for doing so.

• Describe any supports or accommodations provided to ensure the meaningful participation of individuals with disabilities and family members.

• Provide documentation (e.g., reports, survey data) that program assessment and evaluation has been conducted.

• Identify what specific changes to program development, policies, practices, or outcomes have resulted from the input.

Administrative and Fiscal Capacity Standard 3:

Programs have a viable plan for current and future fiscal sustainability.

Guidance

Financial resources are adequate and available to meet obligations to students, staff, and other contractual parties. Sustainability plans are adequate, reviewed annually, and updated as needed.

Required for Review

• Provide the program’s fiscal sustainability/business plan.

• Describe the funding structure for the program, including sources of income and expenses.

• Provide the current and following year’s program budget, including income, expenses, reserves, and emergency funds.

• If the program currently receives grant funding, indicate how the program will be funded when the grant ends.

• If the program has any contracts, MOUs, or partnership agreements with third parties, indicate the nature of any obligations to which these private or public partners have agreed. Examples of public partners include school districts,vocational rehabilitation, adult services, and Medicaid agencies.

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