§16-5-1. Definitions.

The following terms shall have the meanings respectively prescribed for them, except when the context otherwise requires:

(1) PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Those public educational institutions in Alabama which have been authorized by the Legislature or by the constitution to provide formal education, including vocational, technical, collegiate, professional or any other form of education, above the secondary school level.

(2) COMMISSION. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education created by this article.

(3) INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM. A series of courses at any one location which culminates in a degree, certificate or other formal recognition of academic credit.

(4) UNIT. A school, college, division or institute and includes the establishment of any new branch or campus. The term does not include reasonable extension or alterations of existing curricula or programs which have a direct relationship to existing programs previously approved by the commission; the commission may, under its rule-making authority, define the character of such reasonable extension and alterations.

(5) OFF-CAMPUS OFFERING. Any credit course, instructional unit or instructional program conducted off the main campus of any postsecondary institution in existence and separately accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, at the time of the passage of this article, or of any new campus previously or hereafter approved by the commission.

(Acts 1969, Ex. Sess., No. 14, p. 28, §1; Acts 1979, No. 79-461, p. 816, §1.)