Nicholls State University enters consortia/contractual agreements only when such agreements advance the mission of the University. Curricular requirements must meet the University's quality expectations, as outlined in response to Comprehensive Standard 3.4.1 [1]. All curricula are subject to regular, periodic assessments through the five-year program reviews. In addition, the curricular review process assures appropriate examination by departmental and college committees, the University's Courses and Curricula Committee, and, in the cases of graduate courses and curricula, the Graduate Council.

Louisiana's Master Plan for Public Postsecondary Education: 2001 [2] encourages the development of consortia agreements. Goal III of the Master Plan states that "colleges and universities are expected to develop partnerships with other institutions, public agencies, schools systems, corporations, and private business to supplement and extend their talents and skills for the improvement of the educational, social and economic conditions of their communities" [3]. Consortia, designed to further the missions of the universities involved, are expected to meet quality expectations. Nicholls has entered into consortia agreements that further its mission and make effective use of the University's resources. All consortia agreements are subject to assessments that assure ongoing compliance with the comprehensive requirements and that support the University's mission. Nicholls maintains a summary table of its most current agreements [4].

Nicholls State University and Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE), for example, have entered into a cooperative agreement in which "Nicholls will accept graduates of the entry-level Associate degree program in Respiratory Care at LSUE" [5]. In regard to the quality of courses and ongoing compliance, the agreement specifies the following:

The courses and programs of study have been determined to be equivalent based on the Board of Regents Student Transfer Guide, the standards for accreditation of entry-level respiratory therapy education as defined by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) in cooperation with the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), eligibility for credentialing by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), or the determination of the respective faculties. A minimum of 62 of these credit hours from LSUE can transfer to meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the Advanced Respiratory Therapy Certificate at Nicholls State University.

This agreement will be reviewed periodically, and modified or terminated with the mutual consent of both parties.

Nicholls has also entered into a consortium agreement with Terrebonne General Medical Center (TGMC) for its Cytotechnology Program, which allows students to acquire first-hand experience in this field [6]. In regard to the quality of the program and ongoing compliance, the agreement specifies the following:

Consortium Agreement between NSU and TGMC

The University and the Health Care Facility shall be responsible for maintaining an experience of mutual benefit to each in the educations preparation of Allied Health Professionals in the Discipline of Cytotechnology. There, it is mutually understood that Terrebonne General Medical Center agrees to participate with Nicholls State University in the didactic, laboratory and clinical education experiences of students enrolled in the Cytotechnology program. The program of study as outlined jointly by the University and the Health Care Facility will follow criteria for accreditation as specified in the Guidelines and Essentials for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Cytotechnology.

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This agreement shall become effective upon date signed, and may be canceled upon written notice by either party, this agreement will be reviewed by both parties on an annual basis and amended by mutual cooperative recommendation.

Furthermore, Nicholls State University ensures the quality of its internship programs, which offer students an opportunity for learning in actual work settings. For example, the Department of Psychology and Counselor Education maintains an internship agreement with Lafourche Parish Schools [7].

A final illustration of Nicholls State University's compliance with this standard is in its most recent articulation agreement with the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts [8]. In regard to the quality of the program and ongoing compliance, the agreement specifies the following:

General Conditions