Third-Party Providers

Kutztown University Policy GEN-007

A. Purpose

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is committed to ensuring the quality, integrity, and transparency of all activities conducted in its name, including services and programs delivered by third-party providers (TPP). This policy aims to define the University's expectations and requirements for entering into written arrangements and/or contracts with third-party providers, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards, federal regulations, and best practices in higher education.

B. Scope

This policy applies to all departments, schools, and units of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania that engage or intend to engage with third-party providers, as defined herein, for the delivery of academic programs, support services, or other institutional operations.

C. Key Words and Phrases: 

Third-party provider: An entity, institution, or organization with which Kutztown University has a written arrangement and/or contract to provide services to the institution.  

According to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), TPPs include but are not limited to, the following types of services:

• The delivery of student learning opportunities such as non-credit, workforce development, internships, clinical experiences, student teaching, and/or credit bearing educational programs (Standard III and IV)
• Student support services such as advising, counseling, tutoring, international student management (such as English as a Second Language (ESL) support), marketing, recruitment, advertising, campus safety, food or dining services (Standard IV)
• Services for the assessment of student learning (Standard V)
• Operational or business functions of the institution such as procurement, information technology, or human resources (Standard VI)  

Written arrangement: A formal agreement wherein Kutztown University outsources some portion of its educational programs or business operations to a third-party provider.  

Outsourcing: An agreement in which Kutztown University hires another entity to provide a service or program which otherwise is or could be carried out internally.  

Bundled services: Set of services offered collectively by a third-party provider under written agreement with Kutztown University.

D. Policy and Procedure(s)

Quality and Integrity:

• Kutztown University shall maintain control and ownership over all activities conducted in its name, including those provided by third-party providers.
• The University shall ensure that all third-party arrangements align with its mission, values, and academic standards.  

Written Agreements:

• All relationships with third-party providers must be formalized through written agreements or contracts.
• Agreements must clearly define the terms of the arrangement, including roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations.  

Transparency:

• Kutztown University shall maximize transparency in its relationships with third-party providers.
• The University will disclose information about third-party provider relationships as required by accrediting bodies and regulatory agencies.  

Compliance:

• All third-party arrangements must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards, including but not limited to those documents listed under section E. of this policy: “Related Policy and Procedures.”
• The University shall regularly review and assess third-party provider relationships to ensure ongoing compliance.  

Oversight and Evaluation:

• Kutztown University shall establish mechanisms for ongoing oversight and evaluation of third-party provider performance.
• Regular assessments will be conducted to ensure the quality and effectiveness of services provided.  

Approval Process:

• Proposed third-party arrangements must undergo a thorough review and approval process.
• The process shall include assessment of potential risks, benefits, and alignment with university goals, all regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.  

Termination and Contingency:

• Agreements with third-party providers shall include provisions for termination and contingency plans to ensure continuity of services to students and the University.  

E.  Related Policies and Procedures

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education Third-Party Providers Policy
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education Third-Party Providers Procedures
• FA003: Purchasing Policy/Expenditure of Public Funds

F. Effective Date 

October 2, 2024 

G. Approved By 

Administrative Council/President Hawkinson

H. Last Review 

Note: This policy should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure continued alignment with Kutztown University's goals, accreditation requirements, and relevant regulations.