In this Washington Update, Tom Netting, President of TEN Government Strategies, provides a comprehensive overview of recent regulatory changes and challenges facing higher education institutions. This update covers a wide range of topics, including FAFSA, Title IX, FSA, IDR, SAVE, NC-SARA, NACIQI, PPA, TRIO, Clery Act, Gainful Employment, Title IV, and Chevron Decision Impacts, and more.

Key Discussion Points Regulatory Environment and Negotiated Rulemaking:

• Overview of the 2023-2024 federal Negotiated Rulemaking process
• Proposed changes to distance education regulations, particularly affecting clock-hour programs
• Potential expansion of TRIO programs to increase access for disadvantaged and disabled individuals

Title IX and State-by-State Implementation:

• Complexities arising from state-by-state variation in Title IX implementation
• Challenges for institutions operating under multiple, sometimes conflicting policies
• Ongoing legal battles and potential Supreme Court involvement

FAFSA Rollout and Enrollment Implications:

• Delayed rollout of the new FAFSA form and its impact on Fall 2024 enrollments
• Phased implementation plan for the 2025-2026 FAFSA form
• Potential challenges for institutions in admissions and financial aid processes

Student Loan Repayment and the SAVE Program:

• Current repayment statistics and challenges as the loan pause ends
• Introduction of the SAVE (Saving on a Valuable Education) program
• Ongoing legal challenges to repayment initiatives

Institutional Quality and Oversight:

• Proposed changes to accreditation processes and NACIQI oversight
• Increased transparency in Program Participation Agreements (PPAs) and administrative enforcement actions
• Implications for institutional reputation and compliance strategies

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders

1. Stay informed and engaged with the rapidly changing regulatory environment.
2. Develop flexible strategies to adapt to evolving requirements in areas like distance education, Title IX, and financial aid.
3. Prioritize compliance and transparent communication about institutional status and efforts.

Final Thoughts

The current higher education policy landscape is marked by complexity and rapid change. Institutional leaders must stay proactive, informed, and adaptable to navigate these challenges successfully while maintaining focus on their core educational missions.

Read the transcript and extended show notes on our website at https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-neg-reg-clery-act-and-chevron-decision/

#HigherEducation #NegReg #HigherEdCompliance

About Our Podcast Guest

Tom Netting

Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.