What methods do you have in place to ensure continued compliance with Commission rules? Do you, or someone on your staff, regularly review your advertising materials and website content? Do you know what you are advertising?  Familiarizing yourself and your staff with TREC rules is the key to staying in compliance. TREC investigates complaints directed to the agency. Sources of such complaints may come from students, your competitors or other agency stakeholders. Remember, as an agency charged with consumer protection, it is our responsibility to notify the public of their right to file a formal complaint should they feel that an education provider or instructor has violated Commission rules.    

It is important for you to know that if upon investigation, you are found to be non-compliant, you may risk suspension or revocation of your approval to offer or teach courses. Commission rules currently also allow for administrative penalties. The Commission proposed a rule change at the August meeting that identifies the administrative penalty range for violations of provider responsibilities.  

What does TREC Recommend?

Remember, the Education Standards Advisory Committee (ESAC) and Commission meetings are open to the public and are a great resource for information. You don't have to be in Austin to attend. The ESAC meetings are accessible through GoToMeeting and Commission meetings are live streamed on the TREC website. 

Get involved.  Stay engaged. 

Your participation and feedback are welcomed and appreciated.