NASFAA Mention: How the Education Dept. Is Proposing to Ease Rules on Accreditation

"The U.S. Department of Education took a step toward making significant changes in the federal regulation of accreditation on Tuesday, proposing to give accreditors more flexibility in approving new kinds of academic programs and allow troubled colleges more time to meet accreditation standards," according to The Chronicle of Higher Education.

"The proposed rules, detailed over 413 pages, are meant to ease the process for accreditors to earn federal recognition — a requirement to serve as a gatekeeper for federal financial aid — as well as to allow new accreditors to gain that status.

The new regulations would also allow the department more flexibility in continuing recognition for accreditors that are not in compliance with federal regulations.

... Under the current rules, a college has two years to come into compliance with accreditation standards before an accreditor must act to remove accreditation. The proposed rule would allow that period of noncompliance to last as long as four years.

In addition, if a college is closing, the proposed regulations would allow it to continue receiving federal financial aid for up to 120 days.

At the same time, the new regulations would add requirements for accreditors and struggling colleges to develop 'teach-out' plans for their students to complete programs at other institutions, said Karen McCarthy, director of policy analysis at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators."

NASFAA's "Notable Headlines" section highlights media coverage of financial aid to help members stay up to date with the latest news. Inclusion in Today's News does not imply endorsement of the material or guarantee the accuracy of information presented.

 

Publication Date: 6/12/2019

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