§ 16-40-2 Authority to grant degrees notpresumed. Authority to grant academic, collegiate, professional, or other degreesrecognizing learning, scholarship, or achievement shall not be included in orpresumed to be part of the functions of a corporation or of an institution ofeducation, unless its charter or the articles of association shall specificallyindicate that the institution is nonprofit and specifically indicate the powerto grant degrees and the nature of the degrees to be granted; and nocorporation or association shall grant academic, collegiate, professional, orsimilar degrees without specific authorization; and for institutions offeringan associates degree or higher, has received full New England Association ofSchools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation within five (5) years of itsincorporation or establishment within this state or five (5) years of beingpermitted to transact business within this state.