[Federal Register: September 24, 1996 (Volume 61, Number 186)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 50191-50197] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [[Page 50191]] _______________________________________________________________________ Part V Department of Education _______________________________________________________________________ 34 CFR Part 656 Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area Studies; Final Rule [[Page 50192]] DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 34 CFR Part 656 RIN 1840-AC27 Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area Studies--National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies AGENCY: Department of Education. ACTION: Final regulations. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Secretary amends the regulations governing the Higher Education Programs in Modern Foreign Language Training and Area Studies--National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Area Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (National Resource Centers Program). These final regulations are needed to improve the application review process and to update the regulations in light of developments in the field of foreign language, area, and international studies. In the spirit of reinventing government, the goal of the final regulations is to markedly reduce the burden associated with the application process. These final regulations (a) reduce the burden on applicants and readers by clarifying and redesigning selection criteria to remove ambiguity and eliminate repetition of information presented in applications, (b) facilitate grantee selection by providing a larger point spread for greater differentiation of rankings, and (c) improve program quality, efficiency, and flexibility by adding changes program management experience shows to be appropriate. EFFECTIVE DATE: These regulations take effect on October 24, 1996. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Gibbs, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, S.W., Suite 600-B, Portals Building, Washington, D.C. 20202-5331. Telephone (202) 401-9785. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., Eastern time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Resource Centers Program is one of several international education programs authorized under Part A of Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The main provisions of the regulations govern the awarding of grants designed to assist eligible institutions of higher education in improving and developing their programs in modern foreign languages and area or international studies. On March 28, 1996, the Secretary published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this program in the Federal Register (61 FR 13996). The NPRM included a discussion of the proposed changes in the regulations for the National Resource Centers Program by modifying the selection criteria for applications and by adding activities to the list of definitions and to the list of priorities. As a result of the comments received, the Secretary has increased the number of points allocated to the ``Strength of library'' criterion; has replaced the term ``teaching assistants'' with the term ``instructional assistants'' in two criteria to eliminate inconsistencies among applicant institutions regarding the position description and duties; and has rephrased the ``Quality of the Center's language instructional program'' criterion to eliminate ambiguity regarding the information requested on student enrollments and the Center's offerings. Analysis of Comments and Changes In response to the Secretary's invitation in the NPRM, 87 parties submitted comments, 74 of which addressed the proposed regulations. An analysis of the comments and of the changes in the regulations since the publication of the NPRM follows. Substantive issues are discussed under the section of the regulations to which they pertain. Technical and other minor changes-- and suggested changes the Secretary is not legally authorized to make under the applicable statutory authority--are not addressed. What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for a comprehensive Center? (Sec. 656.21) What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center? (Sec. 656.22) --Impact and evaluation. (Secs. 656.21(c) and 656.22(c)) Comments: One commenter stated that the kinds of quantifiable data being requested to validate a Center's success may prompt institutions to submit inflated data. The commenter stated that a Center's achievements may be documented by other unspecified indicators and urged the Secretary to develop measurements that solicit more relevant and meaningful feedback. Discussion: While there are alternative mechanisms available to measure impact, the Secretary requested outcome-based data elements because concrete data are needed to assess whether Centers are fulfilling the purposes contained in the statute and to assess applicant institutions' comparative strengths. The Secretary understands the concern over possible inflated data. All applicants, however, must attest to the accuracy of their applications under the penalty of perjury and eventual grantees are further subject to the provisions of the Federal False Claims Act. Changes: None. --Strength of library. (Secs. 656.21(e) and 656.22(e)) Comments: Several commenters favored the inclusion of factors that evaluate an institution's capacity for electronic access to research materials and cooperative arrangements for sharing library resources. They applauded the Secretary's efforts to respond to current technological and economic trends affecting institutions. One commenter stated that the new factors detracted from recognizing the exemplary qualities and practices of traditional research libraries and that emphasis on alternative arrangements jeopardized institutional incentive for supporting libraries in resource-allocation plans. Several commenters opposed the allocation of only 10 points out of 160 total points, which reduced the proportion of points for this criterion in comparison with the previous regulations. They questioned whether the decrease reflects the Secretary's perception of the role an institution's library plays in promoting the goals of national Centers. They believed the Secretary ought to increase the number of points allocated to this criterion from 10 to 15 or 16 points to effectively assess institutional support for and the impact of library resources on the Center's area and language programs, research, and academic training needs. Discussion: The Secretary agrees that an institution's library acquisitions and human resources are important to ensuring high quality, successful Centers. The Secretary agrees that the points allocated to this criterion should be increased to avoid de-emphasizing the importance of library resources. Changes: The Secretary has increased the allocation of points for this criterion from 10 to 15 points. --Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. (Secs. 656.21(f) and 656.22(f)) --Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (Secs. 656.21(g) and 656.22(g)) [[Page 50193]] Comments: One commenter suggested replacing ``teaching assistants'' with the term ``instructional assistants'' to avoid inconsistencies among applicant institutions regarding the position description and duties. Discussion: The Secretary agrees that this revision is helpful for the reason stated by the commenter. Changes: The Secretary has replaced the term ``teaching assistants'' with the term ``instructional assistants'' in Secs. 656.21(f)(3), 656.21(g)(3), 656.22(f)(3), and 656.22(g)(3). --Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (Secs. 656.21(g) and 656.22(g)) Comments: One commenter was concerned that by limiting student enrollment information in Secs. 656.21(g)(1) and 656.22(g)(1) to courses offered directly by the applicant, the Secretary was not recognizing the importance of student enrollment in language programs offered by other institutions (for example, summer study programs) during the course of the students' overall language study at the applicant institution. The commenter requested that the Secretary rephrase the criterion to broaden the enrollment data that can be considered. Discussion: The Secretary agrees that enrollment in language programs not offered directly by the Center, but nevertheless incorporated into a student's program of study, should be recognized under this criterion. Changes: The Secretary has revised Secs. 656.21(g)(1) and 656.22(g)(1) to include student enrollment in programs offered by the Center or other providers. --Outreach activities. (Secs. 656.21(i) and 656.22(i)) Comments: A few commenters supported the increase in points for outreach; however, one stated that the equal distribution of evaluation points among the outreach areas penalizes institutions that have developed particularly effective and exemplary initiatives in one of the outreach areas. One commenter requested an addition of points beyond the increase proposed to reflect a more realistic valuation of the extensive efforts undertaken by institutions to maintain successful outreach activities. One commenter was concerned that it may be more difficult for applicant institutions located in rural settings to establish and maintain business and media activities of sufficient strength to demonstrate national and regional impact. Discussion: The Secretary believes the proposed scope of outreach functions and their point allocations are sufficient to enable all applicant institutions to demonstrate a meaningful impact at the national and regional levels. The Secretary also believes that it is appropriate to expect national Centers to engage in outreach to all three areas, given the purpose of the program. Changes: None. --Other Changes. (Secs. 656.21(c)(2), 656.22(c)(2), 656.21(i), 656.22(i), 656.21(j), and 656.22(j)) Comments: None. Discussion: In the ``Impact and evaluation'' criterion, the Secretary believes that requiring that the applicant's evaluation plan be comprehensive and objective at the time of the submission of the application emphasizes the importance of the applicant's participation in and ongoing commitment to improving program quality and efficiency. Changes: The Secretary has changed ``that will be'' to ``that is'' in Secs. 656.21(c)(2) and 656.22(c)(2). Comments: None. Discussion: The Secretary did not receive comments regarding whether the ``Outreach activities'' criterion involves foreign or domestic communities. However, the Secretary believes that clarifying that these activities involve communities located in the United States avoids confusion and is consistent with the regional and national impact of the activities. Changes: The Secretary has added the word ``domestic'' after the words ``involvement in,'' in Secs. 656.21(i) and 656.22(i). Comments: None. Discussion: The Secretary did not receive comments regarding the awarding of additional points to applicants. However, the Secretary believes that the awarding of additional points should be done only when the Secretary establishes a competitive priority. Changes: The Secretary has changed ``specific'' to ``competitive'' in the ``Degree to which priorities are served'' criterion in Secs. 656.21(j) and 656.22(j). Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number assigned to the collections of information in these final regulations is displayed at the end of the affected sections of the regulations. Intergovernmental Review This program is subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372 and the regulations in 34 CFR Part 79. The objective of the Executive order is to foster an intergovernmental partnership and a strengthened federalism by relying on processes developed by State and local government for coordination and review of proposed Federal financial assistance. In accordance with the order, this document is intended to provide early notification of the Department's specific plans and actions for this program. Assessment of Educational Impact In the notice of proposed rulemaking, the Secretary requested comments on whether the proposed regulations would require transmission of information that is being gathered by or is available from any other agency or authority of the United States. Based on the response to the proposed regulations and on its own review, the Department has determined that the final regulations in this document do not require transmission of information that is being gathered by or is available from any other agency or authority of the United States. List of Subjects in 34 CFR Part 656 Colleges and universities, Education, International education, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Dated: September 18, 1996. David A. Longanecker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 84.015 National Resource Centers and Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships Programs.) The Secretary amends Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising Part 656 to read as follows: PART 656--NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES OR FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES Subpart A--General Sec. 656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program? 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant? 656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center? 656.4 What types of Centers receive grants? 656.5 What activities may be carried out? 656.6 What regulations apply? 656.7 What definitions apply? [[Page 50194]] Subpart B--How Does One Apply for a Grant? 656.10 What combined application may an institution submit? Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant? 656.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application? 656.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for a comprehensive Center? 656.22 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center? 656.23 What priorities may the Secretary establish? Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met by a Grantee? 656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable costs? Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122, unless otherwise noted. Subpart A--General Sec. 656.1 What is the National Resource Centers Program? Under the National Resource Centers Program for Foreign Language and Areas Studies or Foreign Language and International Studies (National Resource Centers Program), the Secretary awards grants to institutions of higher education and combinations of institutions to establish, strengthen, and operate comprehensive and undergraduate Centers that will be national resources for-- (a) Stimulating the attainment of foreign language acquisition and fluency; (b) Instruction in fields needed to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the foreign language is commonly used; (c) Research and training in international studies and the international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; and (d) Instruction and research on issues in world affairs which concern one or more countries. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.2 Who is eligible to receive a grant? An institution of higher education or a combination of institutions of higher education is eligible to receive a grant under this part. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.3 What activities define a comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center? A comprehensive or undergraduate National Resource Center-- (a) Teaches at least one modern foreign language; (b) Provides-- (1) Instruction in fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the areas, regions, or countries in which the languages taught are commonly used; (2) Resources for training and research in international and foreign language aspects of professional and other fields of study; or (3) Opportunities for training and research on issues in world affairs that concern one or more countries; (c) Provides outreach and consultative services on a national, regional, and local basis; (d) Maintains linkages with overseas institutions of higher education and other organizations that may contribute to the teaching and research of the Center; (e) In the case of a comprehensive Center-- (1) Maintains specialized library collections; and (2) Employs scholars engaged in training and research that relates to the subject area of the Center; and (f) In the case of an undergraduate Center-- (1) Maintains library holdings, including basic reference works, journals, and works in translation; and (2) Employs faculty with strong credentials in language, area, and international studies. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.4 What types of Centers receive grants? The Secretary awards grants to Centers that-- (a) Focus on-- 1) A single country or on a world area (such as East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East) and offer instruction in the principal language or languages of that country or area and those disciplinary fields necessary to provide a full understanding of the country or area; or (2) International studies or the international aspects of contemporary issues or topics (such as international business or energy) while providing instruction in modern foreign languages; and (b) Provide training at the-- (1) Graduate, professional, and undergraduate levels, as a comprehensive Center; or (2) Undergraduate level only, as an undergraduate Center. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.5 What activities may be carried out? (a) A Center may carry out any of the activities described in Sec. 656.3 under a grant received under this part. (b) The Secretary may make an additional grant to a comprehensive Center for any one or a combination of the following purposes: (1) Linkage or outreach between foreign language, area studies, and other international fields and professional schools and colleges. (2) Linkage or outreach with 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. (3) Linkage or outreach with departments or agencies of Federal and State governments. (4) Linkage or outreach with the news media, business, professional, or trade associations. (5) Summer institutes in foreign area and other international fields designed to carry out the activities in paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.6 What regulations apply? The following regulations apply to this program: (a) The regulations in 34 CFR Part 655. (b) The regulations in this Part 656. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.7 What definitions apply? The following definitions apply to this part: (a) The definitions in 34 CFR Part 655. (b) Area studies means a program of comprehensive study of the aspects of a world area's society or societies, including study of history, culture, economy, politics, international relations, and languages. (c) Center means an administrative unit of an institution of higher education that has direct access to highly qualified faculty and library resources, and coordinates a concentrated effort of educational resources, including language training and various academic disciplines, in the area and subject matters described in Sec. 656.3. (d) Comprehensive Center means a Center that-- (1) Contributes significantly to the national interest in advanced research and scholarship; (2) Offers intensive language instruction; (3) Maintains important library collections related to the area of its specialization; (4) Makes training available to a graduate, professional, and undergraduate clientele; and (5) Engages in curriculum development and community outreach. (e) For purposes of this section, intensive language instruction means instruction of at least five contact hours per week during the academic year or the equivalent of a full academic year of [[Page 50195]] language instruction during the summer. (f) Undergraduate Center means an administrative unit of an institution of higher education that-- (1) Contributes significantly to the national interest through the education of students who matriculate into advanced language and area studies programs or professional school programs; (2) Incorporates substantial international and foreign language content into baccalaureate degree program; (3) Makes training available predominantly to undergraduate students; and (4) Engages in research, curriculum development, and community outreach. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Subpart B--How Does One Apply for a Grant? Sec. 656.10 What combined application may an institution submit? An institution that wishes to apply for a grant under this part and for an allocation of fellowships under 34 CFR Part 657 may submit one application for both. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Subpart C--How Does the Secretary Make a Grant? Sec. 656.20 How does the Secretary evaluate an application? (a) The Secretary evaluates an application for a comprehensive Center under the criteria contained in Sec. 656.21, and for an undergraduate Center under the criteria contained in Sec. 656.22. (b) In general, the Secretary awards up to 155 possible points for these criteria. However, if the criterion in Sec. 656.21(j) or Sec. 656.22(j) is used, the Secretary awards up to 165 possible points. The maximum possible points for each criterion are shown in parentheses. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.21 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for a comprehensive Center? The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an application for a comprehensive Center: (a) Program planning and budget. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points); (2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5 points); (3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and (4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate, graduate, and professional training programs (5 points). (b) Quality of staff resources. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students (10 points); (2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements, including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved (5 points); and (3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5 points). (c) Impact and evaluation. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (10 points); and (2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10 points). (d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area, library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center. (e) Strength of library. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the Center (10 points); and (2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers, students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the library's holdings (5 points). (f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines, including the extent to which courses in the Center's subject matter are available in the institution's professional schools (5 points); (2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area (5 points); (3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training (5 points); and (4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate and graduate students (5 points). (g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of [[Page 50196]] the languages of the subject area through programs or instruction offered by the Center or other providers (5 points); (2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages (5 points); (3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching (5 points); and (4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements (5 points). (h) Quality of curriculum design. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major, minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an undergraduate training program of high quality (5 points); (2) The extent to which the Center's curriculum provides training options for graduate students from a variety of disciplines and professional fields and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and result in graduate training programs of high quality (5 points); and (3) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions' study abroad and summer language programs (5 points). (i) Outreach activities. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities that involve-- (1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points); (2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and (3) Business, media, and the general public (5 points). (j) Degree to which priorities are served. (10 points) If, under the provisions of Sec. 656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which those priorities are being served. (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0068.) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.22 What selection criteria does the Secretary use to evaluate an application for an undergraduate Center? The Secretary uses the following criteria in evaluating an application for an undergraduate Center: (a) Program planning and budget. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the activities for which the applicant seeks funding are of high quality and directly related to the purpose of the National Resource Centers Program (5 points); (2) The extent to which the applicant provides a development plan or timeline demonstrating how the proposed activities will contribute to a strengthened program and whether the applicant uses its resources and personnel effectively to achieve the proposed objectives (5 points); (3) The extent to which the costs of the proposed activities are reasonable in relation to the objectives of the program (5 points); and (4) The long-term impact of the proposed activities on the institution's undergraduate training program (5 points). (b) Quality of staff resources. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which teaching faculty and other staff are qualified for the current and proposed Center activities and training programs, are provided professional development opportunities (including overseas experience), and participate in teaching, supervising, and advising students (10 points); (2) The adequacy of Center staffing and oversight arrangements, including outreach and administration and the extent to which faculty from a variety of departments, professional schools, and the library are involved (5 points); and (3) The extent to which the applicant, as part of its nondiscriminatory employment practices, encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (5 points). (c) Impact and evaluation. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center's activities and training programs have a significant impact on the university, community, region, and the Nation as shown through indices such as enrollments, graduate placement data, participation rates for events, and usage of Center resources; the extent to which students matriculate into advanced language and area or international studies programs or related professional programs; and the extent to which the applicant supplies a clear description of how the applicant will provide equal access and treatment of eligible project participants who are members of groups that have been traditionally underrepresented, such as members of racial or ethnic minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and the elderly (10 points); and (2) The extent to which the applicant provides an evaluation plan that is comprehensive and objective and that will produce quantifiable, outcome-measure-oriented data; and the extent to which recent evaluations have been used to improve the applicant's program (10 points). (d) Commitment to the subject area on which the Center focuses. (10 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the institution provides financial and other support to the operation of the Center, teaching staff for the Center's subject area, library resources, linkages with institutions abroad, outreach activities, and qualified students in fields related to the Center. (e) Strength of library. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The strength of the institution's library holdings (both print and non-print, English and foreign language) in the subject area and at the educational levels (graduate, professional, undergraduate) on which the Center focuses; and the extent to which the institution provides financial support for the acquisition of library materials and for library staff in the subject area of the Center (10 points); and (2) The extent to which research materials at other institutions are available to students through cooperative arrangements with other [[Page 50197]] libraries or on-line databases and the extent to which teachers, students, and faculty from other institutions are able to access the library's holdings (5 points). (f) Quality of the Center's non-language instructional program. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The quality and extent of the Center's course offerings in a variety of disciplines (5 points); (2) The extent to which the Center offers depth of specialized course coverage in one or more disciplines of the Center's subject area (5 points); (3) The extent to which the institution employs a sufficient number of teaching faculty to enable the Center to carry out its purposes and the extent to which instructional assistants are provided with pedagogy training (5 points); and (4) The extent to which interdisciplinary courses are offered for undergraduate students (5 points). (g) Quality of the Center's language instructional program. (20 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center provides instruction in the languages of the Center's subject area and the extent to which students enroll in the study of the languages of the subject area through programs offered by the Center or other providers (5 points); (2) The extent to which the Center provides three or more levels of language training and the extent to which courses in disciplines other than language, linguistics, and literature are offered in appropriate foreign languages (5 points); (3) Whether sufficient numbers of language faculty are available to teach the languages and levels of instruction described in the application and the extent to which language teaching staff (including faculty and instructional assistants) have been exposed to current language pedagogy training appropriate for performance-based teaching (5 points); and (4) The quality of the language program as measured by the performance-based instruction being used or developed, the adequacy of resources for language teaching and practice, and language proficiency requirements (5 points). (h) Quality of curriculum design. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine-- (1) The extent to which the Center's curriculum has incorporated undergraduate instruction in the applicant's area or topic of specialization into baccalaureate degree programs (for example, major, minor, or certificate programs) and the extent to which these programs and their requirements (including language requirements) are appropriate for a Center in this subject area and will result in an undergraduate training program of high quality (10 points); and (2) The extent to which the Center provides academic and career advising services for students; the extent to which the Center has established formal arrangements for students to conduct research or study abroad and the extent to which these arrangements are used; and the extent to which the institution facilitates student access to other institutions' study abroad and summer language programs (5 points). (i) Outreach activities. (15 points) The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the Center demonstrates a significant and measurable regional and national impact of, and faculty and professional school involvement in, domestic outreach activities that involve-- (1) Elementary and secondary schools (5 points); (2) Postsecondary institutions (5 points); and (3) Business, media and the general public (5 points). (j) Degree to which priorities are served. (10 points) If, under the provisions of Sec. 656.23, the Secretary establishes competitive priorities for Centers, the Secretary considers the degree to which those priorities are being served. (Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 1840-0068.) (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Sec. 656.23 What priorities may the Secretary establish? (a) The Secretary may select one or more of the following funding priorities: (1) Specific countries or world areas, such as, for example, East Asia, Africa, or the Middle East. (2) Specific focus of a Center, such as, for example, a single world area; international studies; a particular issue or topic, e.g., business, development issues, or energy; or any combination. (3) Level or intensiveness of language instruction, such as intermediate or advanced language instruction, or instruction at an intensity of 10 contact hours or more per week. (4) Types of activities to be carried out, for example, cooperative summer intensive language programs, course development, or teacher training activities. (b) The Secretary may select one or more of the activities listed in Sec. 656.5 as a funding priority. (c) The Secretary announces any priorities in the application notice published in the Federal Register. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) Subpart D--What Conditions Must Be Met By a Grantee? Sec. 656.30 What are allowable costs and limitations on allowable costs? (a) Allowable costs. Except as provided under paragraph (b) of this section, a grant awarded under this part may be used to pay all or part of the cost of establishing, strengthening, or operating a comprehensive or undergraduate Center including, but not limited to, the cost of-- (1) Faculty and staff salaries and travel; (2) Library acquisitions; (3) Teaching and research materials; (4) Curriculum planning and development; (5) Bringing visiting scholars and faculty to the Center to teach, conduct research, or participate in conferences or workshops; and (6) Training and improvement of staff. (b) Limitations on allowable costs. The following are limitations on allowable costs: (1) Equipment costs exceeding 10 percent of the grant are not allowable. (2) Funds for undergraduate travel are allowable only in conjunction with a formal program of supervised study in the subject area on which the Center focuses. (3) Grant funds may not be used to supplant funds normally used by applicants for purposes of this part. (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1122) [FR Doc. 96-24462 Filed 9-23-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P