The Division administers the Private Occupational School Act on behalf of the governor appointed Private Occupational School Board, which meets monthly to approve new schools, school renewals, school programs and courses per the Act and Rules. To protect students against fraudulent and substandard educational practices, the board also reviews Division investigations and issues disciplinary actions against schools when appropriate.
This online tool is used by schools to manage everything required to maintain compliance with our Statute and Rules including required filings, agent applications, instructor updates, surety updates, program revisions, new program applications, change of location/name, change of ownership applications, and more. Click on DPOS Connect Resources on the menu to the left to find a link to the DPOS Connect login site, user guides, and school forms needed for upload. If you would like to request to be a new user for DPOS Connect, submit a DPOS school complaint, report an unauthorized institution, or request an exemption please go to www.ColoradoETPL.org.
ATTENTION: The 2023 Renewal Application for in-state schools whose Certificate of Approval expires on June 30, 2023, is now available in DPOS Connect. The application, required documents, and applicable fees must be submitted by February 15, 2023. Additional resources including FAQs, required documents to complete and upload, and a user guide with screen shots and step-by-step instructions are available on the DPOS Connect Resources page. IMPORTANT: Once the renewal application is started by the school user in DPOS Connect, schools will NOT be allowed to submit new or revised program/stand-alone course applications, cost updates, new catalogs or enrollment agreements, change of name and/or location applications, or new surety until AFTER the renewal application has been approved by the DPOS Board.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Division of Private Occupational Schools next Board meeting - January 24, 2023
Proposed Rulemaking and Rulemaking Hearing - January 24, 2023
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sunset Review Notice
In accordance with the legislative mandate that requires review of regulatory bodies to ensure that the Act supplies the appropriate level of oversight to allow commerce and protect the public, the Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform is currently conducting a sunset review of the Private Occupational Schools statute to determine if statute is necessary and should be continued, modified, or repealed. To provide input on this review please visit: https://coprrr.colorado.gov/participate.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
House Bill 22-1049 regarding student records (effective 4/21/2022)
Board Directive Regarding Advanced Training within Programs 9/4/2020
Notice to Schools Regarding Method of Delivery Changes 9/4/2020
Opportunity For All DPOS Schools
Ancillary/Supplementary Education Questionnaire
- Click here
- Email completed questionnaire to mary.kanaly@dhe.state.co.us
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
COVID-19
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Division has worked through the Department to keep schools updated as it receives information.
- New DPOS Board Policy for temporary method of delivery changes due to a COVID-19 outbreak
- Effective 8/24/2021
- DPOS Guidance for Schools regarding classrooms, vaccinations, and social distancing
- Posted 5/3/2021
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Governor Polis Pushes for Federal Funding for Small Businesses
Colorado Open Records Act
- The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to transparency and open government. Please review our revised Colorado Open Records Act Policy for information about fees associated with processing CORA requests.
Social Security Fraud Hotline http://www.ssa.gov/oig/hotline/
The National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) has developed a tremendous resource to assist students with loan issues. The website has information on how to work through a default, repayment issues, renegotiating loans, other payment options, etc. http://www.studentloanborrowerassistance.org/