Washington Update: Neg Reg March 2024 Review Changing Higher Ed

Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee: A Focus on Distance Education and the Return of Title IV Funds.
In this episode, host Drumm McNaughton is joined by Tom Netting, president of 10 Government Strategies, to discuss the recent Neg Reg 2024 proceedings and their implications for higher education institutions. They explore the key issues addressed during the negotiations, including distance education, accreditation, cash management, and more. The discussion highlights the importance of staying informed and engaged in the regulatory process to ensure the best outcomes for students and institutions alike.
 
Key Discussion Points Neg Reg 2024 March Consensus: One Out of Six
The first quarter of the year focused on federal negotiated rulemaking, specifically the Program Integrity and Institutional Quality Committee. Consensus was achieved in one out of six major issues, which was related to trio and expanding access to grant assistance for students and immigrants. The Issue Where Consensus Was Achieved
Consensus was reached on the issue of trio, which focused on expanding access to grant assistance for students and immigrants. The work of the subcommittee was well-received by the full committee, and the proposed changes to increase opportunities for these student populations were supported by the negotiators. The Five Issues Where Consensus Was Not Achieved
Cash management State authorization Distance education Return to Title IV funds Accreditation and a complete rewrite of all accreditation Why is Neg Reg Important to Presidents, Boards, and Executive Levels of Higher Ed?
Neg Reg provides an opportunity for the higher education community to discuss and negotiate regulatory compliance issues that affect the delivery of education and the responsibilities of the Department of Education and the Triad. Semantics Matter: Pay Close Attention to Neg Reg Revisions
The specific wording of regulations, such as "must" versus "shall" or "may," can have significant implications for interpretation and enforcement. Higher education leaders must carefully review and scrutinize the language used in proposed regulations to ensure they align with the Department of Education's stated intent and do not result in unintended consequences for institutions or students. Clarity Around Consensus, Non-Consensus, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
If consensus is not reached, the Department of Education can publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) based on the negotiations and public comments. Major Points from Neg Reg March 2024:
Distance Education, Accreditation, NC-SARA, and Cash Management
Proposed changes to NC-SARA, the national process for online education standards, were met with opposition from both institutions and states. The Department of Education appears to be moving more into the area of consumer protection in distance education. Accreditation: Rewriting Part 602
The Department of Education proposed a complete rewrite of accreditation standards, which was met with pushback from accreditors and institutions who felt it was overreaching. Cash Management, Tuition and Fees, Books and Supplies
Proposed changes to cash management regulations would exclude books, supplies, and equipment from tuition and fees, requiring opt-in processes for each payment period. Why Higher Ed Leaders Need to Stay Involved in Neg Reg
It's crucial for higher education leaders to stay informed about regulatory changes and provide input during public comment periods to ensure the best outcomes for their institutions and students. What's Happening on The Hill
Key bills under consideration include the bipartisan year-round Pell proposal, the Making America Stronger Act (WIOA reauthorization), and the College Cost Reduction Act (student loan proposals). The 100 Percent Rule: Certifications and Licensures
A new bill, the Clock Hour Program Student Protection Act, aims to restore the 150 percent timeline