State Authorization Status
THEC Disclosure & Compliance Information
Important Notice: Newsom Educational College is not currently accepting student applications or enrollment until authorization from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has been granted. We are actively hiring faculty and administrative staff in preparation for future operations.
State Authorization Status
Newsom Educational College is a nonprofit educational organization located in Tennessee.
The institution is pending authorization from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC). At this time, Newsom Educational College is not yet authorized to offer degree-granting programs in the State of Tennessee.
No academic programs will be offered, advertised, or delivered until all required state approvals have been obtained. All institutional development, planning, and communications are being conducted in preparation for future authorization.
THEC Disclosure
THEC Authorization Disclosure
Newsom Educational College is currently seeking authorization from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to operate as a postsecondary educational institution in Tennessee, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-2001 et seq.
Newsom Educational College is not accepting student applications or enrollment until authorization from THEC has been granted.
Newsom Educational College is accepting staff applications and is actively hiring faculty and administrative personnel in preparation for future operations.
This authorization is governed by the Tennessee Higher Education Authorization Act of 2016, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-2001 et seq. As part of this process, we are required to provide prospective students with specific disclosures, including information about the transferability of credits earned at our institution.
In compliance with Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1540-01-02-.13, we will provide a Transferability of Credit Disclosure Statement to all prospective students prior to signing any enrollment agreement. This statement will inform students that credits earned at our institution may not transfer to other educational institutions, and credits earned at other institutions may not be accepted by our institution. Students are strongly advised to confirm the transferability of credits before enrolling.
Additionally, as required by Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-7-2006, we are committed to meeting minimum standards concerning the quality of education, ethical business practices, and fiscal responsibility.
Please note: Authorization from THEC does not imply endorsement of the institution; it confirms that the institution has met the minimum standards required by Tennessee law for postsecondary education.
Institutional Name
Why "University" Cannot Be Used in Tennessee Until Authorized
In Tennessee, the use of the word "University" is regulated by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to prevent public confusion and protect students.
State Law Requires Authorization for Degree-Granting Institutions
Under Tennessee Rule Chapter 1540-01-02, any institution using terms like University, College, Institute, or Academy and offering postsecondary education must be:
- Authorized by THEC
- Operating legally under state oversight
If an institution is not yet authorized and accredited, using "University" may be considered operating without approval.
The Word "University" Implies a Higher Level of Institutional Status
In Tennessee, "University" suggests:
- Multiple degree levels (bachelor's, master's, doctoral)
- Established academic structure
- Significant faculty and resources
- Institutional stability and oversight
Summary Statement
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission regulates institutional naming to protect students and prevent public confusion. The term "University" implies a fully authorized and operational degree-granting institution. Because our organization has not yet received state authorization or accreditation, we are required to operate under a compliant name until approval is granted. Upon receiving authorization and accreditation, we may apply to return to our original name.
Operating Name
State Authorization Disclosure
Newsom Educational College is a Tennessee nonprofit organization.
The institution is currently pursuing authorization from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) and is not yet authorized to offer degree programs in the State of Tennessee. Any future academic programs are contingent upon receiving appropriate state approval.
The organization is operating under a compliant name during the authorization process and may return to its founding name, Living the Dream University, upon receiving future approvals and accreditation.
SARA Compliance
Professional Licensure Disclosure
Programs Leading to Professional Licensure
Effective July 1, 2025, in compliance with SARA Policy §5.2 and federal regulations (34 CFR 668.43)
Newsom Educational College is committed to providing accurate information regarding professional licensure requirements across all states and territories. If you are enrolled in or considering a program that leads to professional licensure, please review the following disclosures carefully.
Current Status
As Newsom Educational College is pending authorization from THEC and not yet offering academic programs, we are unable to make determinations regarding whether our programs meet educational requirements for professional licensure in any state or territory at this time.
Once programs are authorized and offered, we will provide:
- State-by-state determinations of whether programs meet educational requirements for licensure
- Direct notifications to students regarding licensure requirements in their state of residence
- Information on program curriculum and how it aligns with state licensure requirements
- Contact information for program directors who can answer licensure-related questions
Important Notice for Students
SARA Participation: Newsom Educational College intends to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) upon authorization. SARA allows institutions to offer distance education courses to students located in other SARA member states without obtaining individual state approvals.
Professional Licensure Not Covered by SARA: SARA does not cover professional licensure programs. If you are pursuing a professional license (e.g., teaching, counseling, healthcare, accounting), you must verify with your state's licensing board whether our program meets your state's educational requirements.
Student Responsibility: It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the program they select meets the licensure requirements in the state where they plan to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state and are subject to change.
For Questions: Contact our Academic Affairs office at academics@NeCollege.org for the most current information on professional licensure disclosures.
Student Complaints
Student Complaint Process
SARA Student Complaint Requirements
In accordance with SARA Policy §8.0 and Tennessee Higher Education Commission requirements
Newsom Educational College is committed to resolving student concerns promptly and fairly. All complaints, whether related to academic matters, student services, or institutional operations, will be addressed through our established grievance procedures.
Step 1: Informal Resolution
Students are encouraged to first attempt to resolve concerns informally by discussing the matter directly with the individual(s) involved (e.g., instructor, advisor, staff member). Many issues can be resolved through open communication at this stage.
Step 2: Formal Complaint
If informal resolution is unsuccessful, students may submit a formal written complaint using the institution's Student Grievance Procedure. Complaints should be submitted to the appropriate office based on the nature of the concern:
- Academic Matters: Dean of Education
- Student Services: Dean of Students
- Administrative/Business Matters: Chief Operating Officer
- Discrimination/Harassment: Title IX Coordinator
Detailed grievance procedures are available in the Student Handbook and on the institution's website.
Step 3: Appeal to Administration
If the student is not satisfied with the resolution at the formal complaint stage, they may appeal to the Provost or President of the institution for final administrative review.
External Complaint Options
Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC): If a student's complaint cannot be resolved through the institution's grievance process, and the complaint relates to potential violations of state law or institutional policies, the student may contact:
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1820
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Phone: (615) 741-1346
Email: thec.info@tn.gov
NC-SARA (for distance education complaints): Once Newsom Educational College becomes a SARA participating institution, students enrolled in distance education programs may also contact NC-SARA if their complaint cannot be resolved through institutional and state channels:
NC-SARA
3005 Center Green Drive, Suite 130
Boulder, CO 80301
Phone: (720) 680-1600
Email: info@nc-sara.org
Accrediting Agency: Once the institution achieves accreditation, students may also file complaints with the accrediting agency regarding potential violations of accreditation standards.
Important: Before filing a complaint with an external agency, students must first exhaust the institution's internal grievance procedures. External agencies typically require documentation that the institutional process was completed.
Official Resources
State Authorization & SARA Information
For more information about postsecondary state authorization and SARA participation, visit these official resources.