​Education Politics and Policy
Bipartisan Policy Center Releases Higher Education Policy Recommendations
Yesterday, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) held a public event to announce the release of their report, “A New Course for Higher Education: Strengthing Access, Affordability, and Accountability.” In a four (4) page summary of the report, the BPC provides 45 recommendations for higher education reform.
 
New rules limit states' oversight of online colleges. How will they react? – Education Dive (CECU Senior Vice President of Policy and Research Nicholas Kent Quoted)
The Education Department's state authorization regulations for distance education could curb states' options as consumer advocates when overseeing out-of-state institutions.
 
Increased Legal Scrutiny for Sexual Assault Policies – Inside Higher Ed
A federal appeals court’s decision in California puts pressure on institutions to ensure Title IX policies and procedures effectively prevent sexual misconduct. 

​Education Politics and Policy
Education Department Looks to Address Sudden College Closures – U.S. News
THE TRUMP administration, at an all-hands-on-deck meeting Wednesday, will consider ways to stem rapid closures of colleges and universities that over the last few years have stranded thousands of students.
 
A Call for More Aid, and More Accountability – Inside Higher Ed
A panel including lawmakers involved in Congress’s last renewal of the Higher Education Act says that law is now obsolete, recommending a series of changes.
 
A Closed-Door Education Department Symposium Will Address “Sudden College Closures” – Politico
Century Foundation thinkers are pitching their latest policy proposals to identify schools at risk of closing and craft better protections for affected students and taxpayers. 

​Accreditation News
Speaking to accreditors, Ed Dept’s Auer Jones emphasizes autonomy in new rules – Education Dive
U.S. higher education is still “the envy of the world” due to the diversity of experiences it offers students, but accountability should be tailored to what makes institutions unique, said Diane Auer Jones, principal deputy under secretary at the U.S. Department of Education.
 
CHEA President Judith Eaton to Retire – Inside Higher Ed
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation announced Tuesday that Judith Eaton would retire as its president. Eaton has served as the council’s president for 22 years and joined shortly after its founding as an organization that represents colleges and universities on accreditation issues. 

​Education Politics and Policy
CFPB Puts New Limits on How it Regulates ‘Abusive’ Practices - Politico
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Friday issued a new policy on how it will go after companies for “abusive” practices against consumers, imposing new restrictions on when the agency will bring those types of enforcement actions under federal consumer protection law.
 
West Virginia Senate passes bill to give students college, wage data – WBOY
Lawmakers on Monday unanimously approved the measure, dubbed the Students’ Right-to-Know Act. It now moves to the House of Delegates for consideration.
 
Aiming to rein in student loan industry, Virginia House passes ‘borrowers bill of rights’ – Fredriskburg.com
Legislation aimed at forcing student loan service companies to be more transparent and forthcoming in their dealings with borrowers cleared the House of Delegates with bipartisan support Monday.
 
Democratic candidates are promising student loan debt forgiveness, but do voters care? – USA Today
But while campaigns have made college financing a major issue, and are likely to continue doing so in the final push before the Iowa Democratic caucus on Feb. 3, some voters say it’s just one of many factors that will impact who they cast their vote for. 

​Education Politics and Policy
Sen. Warren Examines Questionable Business Practices of Largest Managers of Online Degree Programs – Framingham Source
United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) wrote to the five largest Online Program Management (OPM) companies that administer online degree programs for many colleges and universities, raising concerns about their business practices that appear to undermine the best interests of students, and inquiring about their contracts and use of federal student aid dollars. 

​Member Spotlight
4th Generation Locally Owned Business Celebrates 50 Years in Serving the EL Paso Community
Western Technical College, a fourth generation locally owned establishment, will be celebrating 50 years of service to the El Paso community. Western Technical College began as El Paso Trade School in January 1970 and was established to meet the unmet need for many types of trained technicians in the El Paso region. The first program was Combination Welding (now Advanced Welding), followed in subsequent years by programs in (HVAC)Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning; Automotive; Diesel; Electronics Engineering Technology; Information Systems and Security; Medical Clinical Assistant; Medical Billing and Coding, Massage Therapy; Physical Therapy Assistant, Commercial Driver Training, Nursing, and Business Administration.
 
Independence University donates tablets to help veterans and their families
Independence University is proud to help veterans and their families by donating 20 tablets to the Fisher House in Salt Lake City. The Fisher House provides a place for veteran families to stay—free of charge—while their loved one receives medical treatment at the George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
 
Florida Career College West Palm Beach Campus Makes Donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation
Florida Career College West Palm Beach campus is proud to present a check for $1,000 to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, a non-profit organization that focuses on creating life-changing wishes for children who are diagnosed with critical illnesses. 

​Member Spotlight
Southeastern Institute Charlotte ribbon cutting draws state and federal officials to new 32,000 square-foot campus
On Wednesday, January 15, 2020, Southeastern Institute hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of its newest campus in Charlotte, N.C. More than 150 guests were in attendance to witness the big moment, including Charlotte area state and local government officials and businesses.