Avoiding Common Legal Issues at Coding Schools: Data Privacy and Security

Matthew Johnson

The second post in the series on common legal and regulatory pitfalls that alternative education providers must proactively avoid focuses on data privacy and security. Learn more about student data privacy and best practices and policies.

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.

Avoiding Common Legal Issues at Coding Schools: Marketing

Paul Thompson

This is the first of a series of posts on common legal and regulatory pitfalls that alternative education providers must proactively avoid. Today’s topic is avoiding sloppy or overly aggressive marketing.

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.

Excitement about Adult Learning: A Lasting Impression from SXSWedu

Matt Johnson

Cooley associate, Matt Johnson, attended SXSWedu last week. Read his insights on the conference and key takeaway for 2017.

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.