THE U.S.-based higher learning institution interested in offering distance education courses and programs in the CNMI does not have to apply for a license from the State Board of Regents because it does not have physical facilities here yet, according to attorney Jesus C. Borja.
Borja, a former Supreme Court justice and lt. governor, said the CNMI Constitution requires that a post-secondary institution must have physical facilities to be able to obtain a license from the board.
“It is the opinion of this office that (American World University International) does not have to apply for a license to operate here at this time. It does not have a physical presence here. If it ever has a physical presence here, as defined in the board’s policies, then the board’s policies would apply and it would have to apply for a license,” Borja said.
AWUI says it offers distance education courses worldwide via fax, phone, the Internet and regular mail. It has no educational facilities in the CNMI but it is recognized as a domestic corporation. A local attorney, Bruce Mailman, acts as AWUI’s registered agent in the CNMI.
Under the law, the State Board of Regents, which also governs Northern Marianas College, has the power to license and regulate post-secondary educational activities.
