THE CHANGE LEADER

Category: Accreditation

Florida vs Department of Education: Background and Implications

Florida vs Department of Education: Implications and Background:

Redefining State Control in Higher Education

On June 21, 2023, Florida filed a lawsuit (Florida vs Department of Education) challenging higher education accreditation practices. The lawsuit questions the role of state governments in governing institutions and aims to reshape the Department of Education’s authority over accreditation. Florida’s case revolves around two main points: the constitutionality of outsourcing quality assessment to non-governmental entities and the ability of institutions to change accrediting bodies without federal restrictions. This lawsuit has significant implications for the balance between federal oversight and state autonomy in education.

 Improving Institutional Accreditation Transparency - A Call for Change and the Need for Accountability - The Change Leader circled with links to accreditation components

Improving Institutional Accreditation Transparency:

A Call for Change and the Need for Accountability

Why is accreditation transparency important? Accreditors serve as the gatekeepers for over $150 billion in financial aid. Institutional accreditation is the gold standard for higher education institutions in the US and globally. Indeed, without accreditation, most employers and other universities and colleges will not accept a degree from a graduate, whether for employment or graduate school. Colleges and universities are only eligible for federal financial aid if accredited by a Department of Education-approved accreditor. And most importantly, they will attract quality faculty or students to deliver degrees only if an institution is accredited.

Institutional Accreditation is in Dire Need of Change - People jumping through hoops

Institutional Accreditation is in Dire Need of Change:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 144 With Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton And Guest Ralph Wolff

Institutional accreditation is in dire need of change, even though it provides institutions with more external recognition, improves the likelihood of gaining more resources, and boosts the respect of staff and faculty. And with an increasingly high number of professional accrediting bodies now touching and impacting many colleges and universities, now is the time for higher ed leaders to strive to support and understand how accreditation can improve overall to strengthen post-secondary education even more.

Should Accreditors help Higher Ed Identify What's Good Enough for Them? Different forms of quality check approval

Should Accreditors Help Higher Ed Identify What’s Good Enough for Them?:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 143 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Ralph Wolff

Now more than ever, accreditation is essential in higher education. An increasingly high number of professional accrediting bodies touch and impact colleges and universities to the point where accreditors have the potential to lead or even stifle change in higher ed. This is especially true given that accreditation is the gatekeeper for over $150 billion in federal financial aid.

An Assessment of Higher Ed Accreditation and SACSCOC - Part 2

An Assessment of Higher Ed Accreditation and SACSCOC – Part 2:

Changing Higher Ed Podcast 133 with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Dr. Belle Wheelan

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Belle Wheelan conclude their discussion of the challenges facing higher education accreditation. Wheelan shares her assessment of higher ed accreditation,  SACSCOC standards,  response to criticism of accreditation, and where SACSCOC would like to focus in the future.

Prepare for Changes in Higher Ed Accreditation

Prepare for Changes in Higher Ed Accreditation:

with host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and guest Dr. Cynthia Jackson-Hammond | Changing Higher Ed Podcast 089

Are you staying informed of the changes in higher ed accreditation and what those changes could mean to your strategic planning? Higher education institutions are increasingly being called to improve the quality of education they provide and to be more innovative. Institutional accreditation serves as quality control to ensure that institutions are remaining true to their mission and providing academic benefit to students.

Washington Update: University Regulations and New Stimulus Package

Washington Update: University Regulations and New Stimulus Package:

with Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Tom Netting | Changing Higher Ed Podcast 051

University regulations and new stimulus package – what it means for higher ed institutions. Federal policymakers are trying to figure out their next steps in relation to higher education in the wake of the pandemic. In addition, these policymakers are continuing in developing and implementing regulations. TEN Government Strategies CEO Tom Netting, a regular guest on this podcast, provides an update on new regulations that are coming online as well as recent and proposed federal legislation, including the CARES Act, which provides short-term financial and policy guidance.

NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING 2019

Negotiated Rulemaking 2019 — Washington Update:

with Host Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Guest Russ Poulin | Changing Higher Ed Podcast 029

Negotiated Rulemaking 2019 podcast with Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Russ Poulin. Dr. Poulin served on the subcommittee on the recent federal Negotiated Rulemaking (Neg Reg) negotiations where he had the opportunity to provide input on recommendations that were voted on by the full committee. He was recently promoted to be the Executive Director of WCET.

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