ACEN Policies

POLICY #29
ADVERTISING AND RECRUITMENT OF STUDENTS

The governing organization/nursing program ensures in institutional and programmatic publications that:

1. The nursing program and institutional/programmatic services offered to facilitate student success are the primary emphasis of all advertisements, publications, promotional literature, and recruitment activities.
2. All statements and representations are clear, factually accurate, and current. Supporting information is kept on file and readily available for review.
3. The publications are easily accessible on the college and/or program website. Publications may be freely accessible in other formats (e.g., physical copies). All publications should accurately depict the current:
   
   a. Governing organization and nursing program purpose and goals.
   b. Admission requirements and procedures for all nursing students.
   c. Transfer of credit policies.
   d. Academic calendars.
   e. Tuition, fees, and other nursing program costs, including any fees associated with verification of student identity related to distance education.
   f. Refund of costs policy and procedures.
   g. Financial aid opportunities and requirements.
   h. Grading system and related policies.
   i. Curriculum for the nursing program, including all program options with required course sequence, the normal length of time required to complete the curriculum, and the frequency of which each course is offered.
   j. General education requirements.
   k. Completion requirements for the nursing program, including all program options.
   l. End-of-program student learning outcomes and program outcomes.
   m. Student conduct rules.
   n. Student grievance policy and procedures.
   o. Institutional/programmatic facilities and services readily available for educational use, including methods of delivery.
   p. Career opportunities.
   q. National and/or state legal requirements for eligibility for licensure or entry into the nursing profession.
   r. States in which the program meets initial licensure requirements. Clearly specify the states where the program’s curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for licensure and/or certification.
   s. Student achievement data.
   
   i. The following student achievement data must be published on the college and/or program website and must be consistent with ACEN Accreditation Standard 5 Outcomes:
   
   1. Most recent first-time pass rate for the licensure and/or certification examination.
   2. Most recent on-time program completion rate of the nursing program.
   
   ii. The following student achievement data may be published on the college and/or program website and if published, must be consistent with ACEN Accreditation Standard 5 Outcomes:
   
   1. Ultimate licensure and/or certification pass rate.
   2. Pass rate and/or program completion data from prior years.
   3. Job placement rates indicating the percentage of graduates obtaining a job in a role for which they were prepared.
   4. Additional student achievement data as the governing organization/nursing program considers appropriate.
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All student achievement data reported/published for any purpose are expected to reflect an accurate, verifiable portrayal of a nursing program’s performance, which is subject to review for integrity, accuracy, and completeness. The ACEN reserves the right to request that a governing organization/nursing program provide verification by an external source of a nursing program’s student achievement data upon which the ACEN relies (in part) when making an accreditation decision. The governing organization/nursing program is responsible for any cost related to verification by external sources of a nursing program’s student achievement data.
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STUDENT RECRUITMENT FOR ADMISSIONS

1. Student recruitment is conducted by well-qualified admissions officers and trained volunteers whose credentials, purpose, and position or affiliation with the governing organization are clearly specified.
2. Independent contractors or agents used by the governing organization for recruiting purposes are governed by the same principles as employees of the governing organization.
3. Governing organizations follow federal guidelines regarding compensation for student recruitment and admission activities.
4. Governing organizations do not engage in the following practices:
   
   a. Assuring employment unless employment arrangements have been made and can be verified.
   
   b. Misrepresenting job placement and employment opportunities for graduates.
   
   c. Misrepresenting program costs.
   
   d. Disparaging comparisons of secondary or postsecondary institutions.
   
   e. Misrepresenting abilities required to complete intended program.
   
   f. Offering money or inducements other than educational services of the governing organization in exchange for student enrollment (except for awards of privately endowed restricted funds, grants or scholarships are to be offered only on the basis of specific criteria related to merit or financial need).