The U.S. Department of Education (EDU) has disclosed a series of issue papers aimed at ensuring high-quality educational opportunities for students. The initiative involves updates to regulations for accreditation, state authorizing agencies, and other policy areas to bolster student protection.
As per an EDU news release, the initiative will be deliberated from Jan. 8-11 during the inaugural meeting of the Institutional Quality and Program Integrity Committee. This committee will consist of non-federal negotiators from 15 constituency groups tasked with providing recommendations regarding accrediting agencies that oversee the academic quality of postsecondary institutions and educational programs for federal purposes. The committee's agenda also includes discussions on cash management, return of Title IV funds, and distance education.
"The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to ensuring that higher education institutions and programs are held accountable for delivering on their promise of a better future for students and our financial aid programs are helping students accomplish their goals," said U.S. Secretary of Education James Kvaal in the release. "These efforts are another step in improving the higher education system and ensuring colleges are providing all students with high-quality opportunities for upward social and economic mobility."
According to the release, there will be six issue papers across various categories that include measures aimed at enhancing the powers of state and accrediting agencies with more authority to hold schools accountable in providing high-quality educational opportunities. Additionally, the EDU is seeking to limit who can serve on the governing bodies of entities overseeing state authorization reciprocity agreements while simplifying the process for students to receive money from financial aid to pay for college.
The news release also reveals that the EDU plans to expand access to federal TRIO programs, which assist underserved student groups in navigating their way through college.
