As institutions of higher education continue to innovate with online courses and professional continuing education programs, having a general understanding of the regulatory landscape that such initiatives are subject to is critical to their long-term success. These resources provide an introduction to foundational topics in federal legislation and regulations impacting online and professional continuing education for universities and colleges.
Introduction to the Online Learning Regulatory Landscape
How the “Regulatory Triad” Applies to Online and Interstate Learning Experiences.
As institutions of higher education continue to innovate with online courses and programs, having a general understanding of the regulatory landscape that such initiatives are subject to is critical to their long-term success. The geographic reach of these programs (e.g., whether offered only in the institution’s home state, nationally, or internationally) can introduce new jurisdictions beyond what the institution may have explored for any in-person program. Moreover, online programs can be subject to a variety of additional definitions, regulations, and expectations from enforcement agencies and accreditors that are unique to the instructional modality regardless of where such programs are being offered.
This resource provides an introduction to foundational topics for online education regulatory compliance in the United States.
Access our Introduction to the Online Learning Regulatory Landscape: Brief and Primer
An Introduction to Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education
How stakeholders come together with the federal government to influence, and provide expertise on, the implementation and execution of regulations.
Negotiated Rulemaking (Neg Reg) is a process used by the U.S. Department of Education to develop federal regulations for implementing the Higher Education Act (HEA), a law that governs federal higher education programs, including federal financial aid. This process is particularly important for regulations under Title IV (federal financial aid) and teacher quality enhancement. Unlike other federal agencies, the Department of Education frequently uses Neg Reg, though the Education Secretary can waive this requirement in certain situations. This process is crucial for higher education institutions, as it regularly creates regulations that impact their operations. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to penalties like fees, reimbursement of student tuition, or ineligibility for Title IV funds.
Access our Introduction to Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education: Brief and Primer
Policy Matters: Newsletter
As a compliment to our Policy Matters: Briefs and Insights, you can also keep up to date on the latest through our monthly Policy Matters Newsletter.
Below you can find the latest versions of the newsletter. You can also find a full archive of the Newsletter found here.
UPCEA and Higher Education Groups Urge Congress to Continue Support for Student Aid, Research
UPCEA today co-signed a letter led by ACE and 32 other higher education associations to the leaders of the House and Senate budget and appropriations committees, asking them to maintain Congress’s “historic commitment” to student financial aid and scientific research as they begin work on funding the federal government for FY 2018, which begins Oct. 1. As…
Read MoreUPCEA Signs DACA Support Letter Joining HACU and Others
UPCEA today joined the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and 26 other organizations to issue a letter to Secretary John Kelly of the Department of Homeland Security requesting clarification regarding protections offered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Our concern surrounds DACA holders being deported or detained and threatened with deportation…
Read MoreNational Adult Learner Coalition Created To Advance Student Success
Washington, D.C., February 6th, 2017 – Today, four major organizations join together as a cohesive voice advocating for adult students and the institutions that serve them. With support from Lumina Foundation, the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), Presidents’ Forum, and University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) are…
Read More