Colleges, U.S. Department of Education at Odds Over Inclusive Access Changes

HEADLINES

Colleges, U.S. Department of Education at Odds Over Inclusive Access Changes (Inside Higher Education, March 7, 2024) A panel of negotiators representing the department and 15 constituencies reviewed the proposal and other changes to rules governing accreditation, state authorization, and distance education, among other topics, with the goal of reaching a unanimous agreement or consensus. Despite strong opposition from university leaders and publishers, the USDE is sticking to its plan to prohibit colleges from automatically billing students for course materials.

Trump and His Allies are Preparing to Overhaul Higher Education (Chronicle of Higher Education, March 6, 2024) Republicans frequently target the current accreditation system, but it is not the only one. Proposals to increase the tax on university endowments, eliminate diversity statements in hiring and admissions, restrict international collaborations, and reduce regulations on for-profit and online colleges are also circulating in Washington.

U.S. Wants to Let States Enforce Their Own Regulations for Online Education (Inside Higher Ed, March 4, 2023) The state authorization proposal is part of a series of issue papers from the Education Department that will be discussed this week at the third and final round of rule-making sessions that began in January. With changes to the rules for accreditation, among other topics, the department is aiming to enhance consumer protections for students. Any changes won’t take effect until at least July 1, 2025.

The End of Inclusion? Campus Leaders Struggle to Deliver on Student Inclusion (Chronicle of Higher Education, February 27, 2024) Accreditors are setting inclusion standards, sometimes requiring evidence that colleges promote climates where students feel respected. Even state bans leave exceptions for accreditation requirements, student-led groups, and specific groups like veterans, first-generation students, and people with disabilities.

Choosing an Online School: Safety Tips for Your Education (MilitairyFamily.com, February 28, 2024) Ensure the School’s higher education accreditation is from a recognized accreditor, meaning that it has passed a process of quality review and received approval from a nonprofit accrediting organization. Legitimate accreditation organizations are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); see a list of agencies on CHEA’s website.