### Question
How is the "separate and independent" defined?


### Answer
The term **separate and independent** is defined in *20 U.S.C. § 1099b* as follows -

> that—


(1) the members of the postsecondary education governing body of the accrediting agency or association are not elected or selected by the board or chief executive officer of any related, associated, or affiliated trade association or membership organization

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1099b*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 28-HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE > SUBCHAPTER IV-STUDENT ASSISTANCE > Part G-Program Integrity > subpart 2-accrediting agency recognition**

