Balancing Quality with Innovation: Key Issues at Stake in Negotiated Rulemaking
This month, watchers of higher ed policy were busy with talk of negotiated rulemaking (or “neg reg”), as the U.S. Department of Education kicked off a series of significant proposed regulatory changes with far-reaching consequences. Federal law requires the Department to follow this complicated process in order to make any regulatory changes to programs authorized…
Read More101: Negotiated Rulemaking
The Higher Education Act (HEA) requires the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to use the negotiated rulemaking process in order to make any changes to programs authorized under Title IV of the HEA, the section that administers more than $130 billion annually through federal student financial aid programs. Starting January 15, 2019 ED will begin…
Read MoreA Year in Review: Reflections on 2018 and the Year Ahead
As 2018 comes to a close, I can’t help but look back at what turned out to be a dynamic and fascinating year of developments in higher education policy and practice and look forward to the year ahead. As federal policymakers and advocates are working toward updating major laws—including the Higher Education Act—and regulations, consider…
Read MoreSetting the Agenda: Key State Higher Ed Issues to Watch in 2019
The dust has (mostly) settled on our 2018 election season, giving way to a holiday season filled with tidings of good will and hope for renewal in the New Year ahead. And while some of us may be thankful for a reprieve from the election scoreboard watch, the constant barrage of political ads, and uncertainty…
Read MoreFrom New Hampshire to Nairobi: How SNHU is Scaling Breakthrough Learning for All Students
Insights & Outlooks: Tell us about your own journey to getting involved in education professionally and becoming president of SNHU. What experiences inspire and motivate you to do this work? Paul LeBlanc, SNHU: My own story is that of an immigrant family and first-generation college student. I grew up in a working-class, melting-pot community in…
Read MoreBridging the Education-Workforce Divide: Perspectives from Kentucky and Virginia Champions Network Members
At a time when employees may change careers a half dozen or more times in a lifetime, the linear path from high school to college and employment is increasingly insufficient. Automation and the gig economy are changing the traditional career paths that defined 20th century America. Today’s students may need several entry and exit points…
Read MoreNavigating the New Higher Learning Landscape
Today’s students need access to a variety of higher learning programs that equip them with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving workforce. The linear path from high school to college and employment is increasingly insufficient: today’s students may need several entry and exit points to and through higher learning throughout their lives.…
Read MoreThe Strategy Behind Putting Hoosier Students First
When it comes to higher education in Indiana, Hoosier students always come first. Whether we’re developing a statewide higher education strategy or focusing on specific goals, student outcomes represent our measure of success. At the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, our job is to recognize the changing needs and demographics of Hoosier students and promote…
Read MoreSeeing the Potential in All Students: A Q&A with Michele Siqueiros
Insights & Outlooks: As a first-generation high school and college graduate, what comes to mind when you think about the idea of putting students first? Michele Siqueiros: My mother comes to mind—she was always my higher education champion. She did not have the opportunity to attend college, but she encouraged my success early on. Though…
Read MoreCrossing the Finish Line: Research to Re-Engage and Support Students with Some College, No Degree
Millions of our nation’s students have accumulated significant college credit but have no credential to recognize their hard work. Roughly 4 million of these students are considered near-completers, meaning they have completed at least two years of coursework—often enough to earn an associate’s degree—and in many cases are just a few credits shy of the…
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