Changing Higher Ed

Washington Update: NPRM, FAFSA, Title IX, NC-SARA


Listen Later

In this Washington Update, we welcome back our frequent guest and public policy expert, Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies, who joins us to discuss the latest developments in higher education policy coming out of Washington. McNaughton and Netting dive into the significant revisions to Title IX regulations, detailing the implications for higher education.

Podcast Overview: Revised Title IX Regulations: Unpacking the Changes
  • Expansion of Definitions: The new regulations have broadened the definition of sexual harassment to encompass "unwelcome sex-based conduct," a shift from the previously narrower "severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive" standard.
  • Adjustments in Adjudication Standards: Institutions are now mandated to use the "preponderance of the evidence" standard for determining cases of sexual harassment, moving away from the "clear and convincing" evidence standard unless absolutely necessary.
  • Elimination of Live Hearings: The updated regulations remove the requirement for live hearings, aiming to reduce the potential retraumatization of victims during the adjudication process.
FAFSA Corrections and Their Impact on Enrollment

The discussion extends to the recent corrections made to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and their potential impact on student enrollment:

  • Resolution of FAFSA Issues: After significant updates, the FAFSA system aims to facilitate smoother enrollment processes, which could help stabilize enrollment figures that were feared to decline due to previous errors.
  • Congressional Oversight: The upcoming hearing with Secretary Cardona will focus on these FAFSA updates, reflecting the critical attention these corrections are receiving at the governmental level.
Developments in Student Loan Debt Relief

The episode also covers the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on student loan debt relief, emphasizing its importance and controversy:

  • State Legal Challenges: The NPRM has faced lawsuits from 15 states, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposed student loan debt relief measures.
  • Public Comment Period: Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public comment process, open until May 17th, to help shape the outcome of these significant financial relief efforts.
Enhancements to Program Integrity and Institutional Accountability

Further discussion points include the negotiations affecting financial aid administration and compliance:

  • Modifications in Resource Management: Proposals suggest that students might need to opt-in to receive resources such as textbooks and other materials, potentially changing how educational expenses are managed.
  • Ongoing Negotiations: The complexities of these discussions could deeply influence how institutions administer student loans and maintain compliance with federal standards.
State Authorization and Accreditation for Online Education

The conversation also explores adjustments to state authorization and accreditation processes for online education providers:

  • Regulatory Simplification: Proposed changes aim to simplify compliance across different states, potentially easing the operational burden on institutions offering online programs.
Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards
  1. Immediate Review and Adjustment to Compliance Measures: With the new Title IX regulations set to take effect soon, institutions must review and possibly revise their current policies and procedures promptly.
  2. Active Participation in Public Comment Opportunities: Leaders should ensure their institutions engage in the NPRM discussion, particularly around student loan debt relief, to influence policies that directly affect their students and operational structures.
  3. Preparation for Upcoming Accreditation and Authorization Changes: Universities offering online courses must prepare for the expected changes in state authorization and accreditation standards, ensuring compliance and minimizing disruption to student offerings.

 

Read the transcript on our website →

 

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 Our Podcast Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy, change, and mergers.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
  • Twitter: @thechangeldr
  • Email: [email protected]

#WashingtonUpdate #NegReg #HigherEducation

 

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Changing Higher EdBy Dr. Drumm McNaughton

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

8 ratings


More shows like Changing Higher Ed

View all
Teaching in Higher Ed by Bonni Stachowiak

Teaching in Higher Ed

365 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

8,928 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

86,177 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

55,995 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,259 Listeners

Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed by Jeff Selingo, Michael Horn

Future U Podcast - The Pulse of Higher Ed

134 Listeners

The Dispatch Podcast by The Dispatch

The Dispatch Podcast

3,167 Listeners

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway by Vox Media Podcast Network

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway

5,231 Listeners

The Key with Inside Higher Ed by insidehighered

The Key with Inside Higher Ed

53 Listeners

Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

Coaching Real Leaders

642 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,023 Listeners

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart by Comedy Central

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

10,237 Listeners

HBR On Strategy by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Strategy

79 Listeners

HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

HBR On Leadership

148 Listeners

College Matters from The Chronicle by The Chronicle of Higher Education

College Matters from The Chronicle

65 Listeners