Frequently Asked Questions for Current & Future College Partners

General Information

  • What is the EPiC Consortium?

    • The Educational Programs in Collaboration (EPiC) Consortium is a partnership of Michigan-based two- and four-year colleges that collaborate to offer high-quality, hybrid, and online educational programs. The consortium operates under a formal agreement to ensure seamless course and program delivery, financial aid eligibility, and shared governance.

  • Who oversees the EPiC Consortium?

    • The Michigan Workforce Training and Education Collaborative (MWTEC) serves as the fiscal and administrative agent for the EPiC Consortium. Member colleges provide oversight through the EPiC Leadership Committee and program advisory committees.

Membership & Participation

  • Who can join the EPiC Consortium?

    • Eligible institutions include Michigan-based two- and four-year colleges accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Membership requires a one-time $20,000 fee and a presidential signature on the consortium agreement.

  • What are the responsibilities of member institutions?

    Member institutions must:

    • Maintain HLC accreditation.

    • Comply with financial aid and articulation agreements.

    • Provide student support services, including library access, proctoring, technical assistance, and academic advising.

    • Honor service area agreements and refer students appropriately.

  • How is compliance monitored?

    • MWTEC conducts an annual review to verify accreditation, update affiliation agreements, and assess program outcomes. Non-compliance results in written notification, a correction timeline, and a remediation plan.

  • How is governance structured?

    • Each member institution’s President nominates one representative to the EPiC Leadership Committee. Decisions are made by majority vote. Program advisory committees provide input on specific programs and report to the Leadership Committee.

Financial Management

  • How is the EPiC Consortium funded?

    Funding comes from:

    • Student tuition and fees collected by provider colleges.

    • A 25% tuition revenue share retained by MWTEC for future program development and operations.

    • A 5% administrative fee paid to provider colleges.

  • How are financial responsibilities divided?

    MWTEC manages financial transactions, including:

    • Processing revenue distributions.

    • Maintaining financial records.

    • Conducting annual audits.

    • Providing budget projections.

    • Managing restricted funds for equipment, development, and unforeseen costs.

  • How are equipment costs managed?

    • Equipment costs are shared among participating colleges. Centralized locations are designated for lab equipment. If a program is discontinued, the provider college has first right of refusal to purchase the equipment.

Tuition & Fees

  • How are tuition rates determined?

    • Tuition and fees are set annually based on program costs, stakeholder input, and approval from the MWTEC Board. A common tuition structure applies to all students, and financial aid eligibility is ensured through MWTEC’s financial aid consortium agreement.

  • How are tuition payments handled?

    • Students pay tuition to the provider college, which then transfers funds to MWTEC. Members are responsible for any tuition differences if students fail to enroll through the MWTEC registration system.

Program Development and Operations

  • How are programs developed within the consortium?

    • Programs are created based on employer demand and member college interest. MWTEC supports curriculum development, accreditation, and program implementation. A common curriculum is adopted for each program, and costs are shared among members.

  • How does MWTEC handle program administration and hiring?

    MWTEC is responsible for hiring program administrators on behalf of EPiC member institutions. This ensures:

    • Equal representation for all participating institutions.

    • Fair distribution of administrative oversight.

    • Efficient coordination of program management across the consortium.

  • How are faculty assignments managed?

    • Provider colleges employ faculty, ensuring they meet accreditation standards. Existing faculty from member colleges are prioritized before hiring external instructors.

  • How does student enrollment work?

    • Students apply to their home institution, which serves as the degree-granting college. Enrollment is completed through the MWTEC-MCO registration system to ensure access to consortium courses.

  • How does the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) support the EPiC Consortium model?

    • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has been engaged with the EPiC Consortium since before its launch in 2011 and supports the collaborative model. HLC recognizes the consortium’s approach to shared governance and the integration of multiple institutions in delivering quality education.

EPiC Consortium Seat Allocation & Clinical Placement Process

  • How are clinical site affiliation agreements secured for the EPiC program?

    • The EPiC Consortium partners are responsible for securing clinical site affiliation agreements to support the number of students they take into the program each year. These agreements ensure that each college can offer the required clinical placements for their enrolled students.

  • How is the number of available seats determined for each college in each program?

    The number of seats available to each college is based on two key factors:

    • Local Clinical Site Availability: Colleges accept the number of students that align with the number of clinical placements they can support.

    • Breakeven Model: The program operates on a breakeven model, meaning seat allocation is adjusted to ensure financial sustainability while maximizing student participation.

  • How is the decision on seat allocation made?

    Seat allocation is determined through a collaborative process that includes input from:

    • College program directors and/or coordinators

    • Clinical site partners

    • Other EPiC Consortium members

    Each college submits its projected student capacity based on clinical site agreements, and the consortium reviews these numbers to ensure alignment with overall program goals and resources.

  • How are seat allocations negotiated and adjusted between colleges?

    Seat allocations are adjusted based on:

    • The capacity of clinical sites to accept students

    • The needs and commitments of each participating college

    • Program enrollment trends and demand

    • Input from consortium members on balancing student distribution

    This process is managed through ongoing discussions between college representatives, program directors, and consortium leadership to ensure fairness and efficiency.

  • What role do program directors and coordinators play in maintaining clinical site agreements?

    Program directors and/or coordinators at each college play a crucial role in:

    • Maintain relationships with clinical sites

    • Ensuring compliance with clinical site agreements

    • Communicating seat availability and adjustments with the consortium

    • Monitoring student placements and addressing any site-related issues

  • Can seat allocations change from year to year?

    • Yes. Seat allocations are reviewed annually and can be adjusted based on clinical site availability, program demand, and consortium-wide agreements. Colleges are encouraged to work proactively with their clinical partners to maintain and expand placement opportunities.

  • How does the EPiC Consortium ensure equitable distribution of seats?

    • The consortium works collaboratively to ensure that no single college is disadvantaged in the allocation process. By considering input from all partners, reviewing historical data, and assessing program needs, the consortium strives to maintain a fair and transparent system for seat distribution.

  • What happens if a college cannot fill its allocated seats?

    • If a college cannot fill its allocated seats, the consortium may redistribute those seats to other partner colleges with available clinical placements. This ensures that as many students as possible can participate in the program while maximizing clinical site utilization.

Operational Compliance

  • What compliance requirements must member colleges meet?

    • Colleges must adhere to federal and state regulations, maintain liability coverage, and comply with student privacy laws (FERPA, HIPAA). All data and operations must align with MWTEC guidelines.

  • What is the process for program termination?

    • A 60-day notice is required before terminating a program. Students must be provided with completion options, and any courses in progress must be completed.

  • How are disputes resolved?

    • Disputes must be submitted in writing within 10 days of occurrence. Resolution follows Michigan state laws, and severability clauses ensure that unresolved issues do not impact ongoing consortium operations.

Contact Information

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    • Students should reach out to their home college’s EPiC advisor or MWTEC’s student support team for assistance with enrollment, academic advising, or program details.