CECU Daily Update Email

CECU Hill Day
This morning, president and CEO of CECU, Steve Gunderson, kicked off the 2020 Hill Day in Alexandria, Virginia. Today's attendees will hear from Robert “Bob” King, Assistant Secretary for Higher Education; Paul Lawrence, Under Secretary of VA for Benefits; Jinann Bitar, Bipartisan Policy Center; a panel of veterans organization voices and a special briefing preparing for the Congressional visits tomorrow.

​Education Politics and Policy
Chairman Scott Asks Education Department Watchdog to Investigate DeVos’ Plan to Deny Full Debt Relief for Defrauded Borrowers
Today, Committee on Education and Labor Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) sent a letter to the Education Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) requesting an investigation into the Department’s plan to deny full debt relief for borrowers defrauded by for-profit colleges. 

​Member Spotlight
WyoTech Acquires 70 Acres as Growth Skyrockets – Laramie Live
This is a huge development for WyoTech, as their staff and student population have skyrocketed within the last two years. They have gone from 11 students to over 200 students, and 7 staff members to nearly 80. 

​GI Bill® News
VA to suspend enrollment of new GI Bill® students at University of Phoenix, Career Education Corporation, Bellevue University and Temple University – VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), acting within its required approval authority under the law limiting certain advertising, sales, and enrollment practices, notified the University of Phoenix, Career Education Corporation (Colorado Technical University, American InterContinental University), Bellevue University and Temple University, March 9, of the agency’s intent to disapprove the enrollment of new GI Bill® students at these institutions.
 
GI Bill® Enrollments to Be Halted at 5 Universities – Inside Higher Ed
In a move consumer groups said was long overdue, the Department of Veterans Affairs took aim at Temple, Phoenix and three other universities, saying they’ve misled prospective students.
 
Durbin, Takano, Levin Statement On Department Of Veterans Affairs Action To Protect Student Veterans At For-Profit Colleges
Durbin, Takano, Levin today issued the following statement after the VA announced it would halt new GI Bill® enrollments at for-profit University of Phoenix and former Career Education Corporation (CEC) schools.

​Education News
Vermont’s liberal arts colleges push back on closure concerns – Education Dive
Four years ago, there were at least a dozen private liberal arts colleges scattered across the small state of Vermont. Today, just eight remain, with one planning to fold into a Massachusetts college and another at risk of closing if it doesn’t shore up its finances.
 
10 Certificate Programs That Pay Well – U.S. News
These programs, often offered by colleges, offer training in specific fields. You can take certificate programs as a college graduate, but there are many designed for people who have a high school diploma or GED and want additional training to land an entry-level position.
 
As college admissions scandal turns 1, a look at the tough judge Lori Loughlin, other parents will face – USA Today
He slammed Hot Pockets heiress Michelle Janavs for her “disingenuous” claim that she bribed college officials for the love for her daughters, then ordered her to five months in prison. 

​Coronavirus News
Proactive Steps for Employers to Take In Light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak – Cooley
As COVID-19 spreads throughout the United States and around the globe, employers are wondering what they can or should be doing to ensure health and safety among their personnel.
 
Going Online in a Hurry: What to Do and Where to Start – The Chronicle of Higher Education
Even just a few weeks into the crisis, and really only a few days since class cancellations started to become a reality, there are top-quality guides free for the taking, created by people who really know their stuff.
 
Additional Coronavirus Coverage - Updated
More Than 40 Colleges Cancel In-Person Classes In Response To Coronavirus – NPR; Coronavirus forces more shifts to online education – University Business; Colleges Reacting To The Coronavirus Should Consider The Needs Of Students – Forbes.