Category: Higher Ed

As the Department of Education Revisits the Gainful Employment Rule California Legislators Propose a State Alternative

Jonathon Glass, Kate Lee Carey and Joseph Mensah

With continued questions about the Trump Administration’s commitment to Obama-era regulations, including the Gainful Employment (GE) Rule, one state is ready to jump into the fray and offer its own state-based alternative to the federal GE Rule.

New Department of Education Accreditation Database: A Promising Start, But Clearly a Work in Progress

Robin Dasher-Alston, Mike Goldstein and Jay Vaughan

The Department of Education (ED) has launched a new online database intended to provide current and prospective students, as well as the broader community, with current information on the accreditation status of institutions that participate in the federal student grant and loan programs.

Department of Defense to Outsource, Strengthen Institutional Compliance Program

Matthew Johnson and Marjorie Arrington

The US Department of Defense (DoD) plans to retain the international accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct Institutional Compliance Program (ICP) audits of schools participating in DoD’s Tuition Assistance Program.

More Fallout from ACICS Loss of Recognition – SEVP Removes Grace Period

Mike Goldstein, Paul Thompson and Jay Vaughan

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced that its Student and Exchange Visitor Program will no longer allow ACICS schools 18 months to find new accreditors.

Administration Releases “Skinny” Budget; Education Feels the Pinch

Vince Sampson

Yesterday, the Administration released its Budget Blueprint for 2018. Overall, the Blueprint upholds many of the campaign promises the President made, increasing military spending by significantly cutting funds from almost all domestic agencies, including education.

March 28 Deadline Looms for Online Schools to Obtain Authorization in New York

Nancy Anderson, Mike Goldstein and Paul Thompson

Last September, the New York Board of Regents issued new regulations requiring all degree-granting out-of-state institutions seeking to enroll New York residents in their online programs to obtain authorization from the Board.

Important New Gainful Employment Guidance Released

Vince Sampson

Today, the U.S. Department of Education issued guidance giving schools four extra months to comply with requirements of the Gainful Employment (GE) rule.

Federal Judge Denies ACICS Motion for Preliminary Injunction

Jay Vaughan

Late yesterday afternoon, US District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton denied the request of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) seeking a preliminary injunction (PI) directing the US Department of Education (ED or the Department) to restore ACICS’s status as a federally recognized accrediting agency.

Secretary DeVos is on the Job; Roster Spots and Policy Positions Remain Unfilled

Vince Sampson

On February 7, Betsy DeVos was sworn in as the 11th Secretary of the US Department of Education. Her path to 400 Maryland Avenue was historic. The Senate vote was tied at 50-50 forcing Vice President Mike Pence to take the unprecedented step of breaking the tie for a cabinet nominee. With Secretary DeVos in place, the next steps for the Department are articulating policy positions and filling key positions.

DeVos One Step Closer to Department of Education, But Questions Remain

Vince Sampson

Today the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted along party lines to forward the nomination of Betsy DeVos to the full Senate.

White House Issues Regulatory Freeze with Minimal Impact on Education Rules

Vince Sampson and Nancy Anderson

On President Trump’s first day in office, the White House ordered a regulatory freeze to allow the incoming administration to review any new or pending regulations.

Judge Denies ACICS Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order

Jay Vaughan and Naomi Harralson May

In an afternoon hearing on December 20, 2016, U.S. District Court Judge Reggie B. Walton denied the motion of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) seeking a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stay the decision of the U.S. Department of Education (ED or the Department) terminating ACICS’s status as a federally recognized accrediting agency.