February 7, 2022

Each year the U.S. Department of Education facilitates a Negotiated Rulemaking (Neg Reg) process to make regulatory changes for the Federal Student Aid programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. For 2021-2022, the department established committees of negotiators for Affordability and Student Loans, Pell Grants for Prison Education Programs, and Institutional and Programmatic Eligibility to conduct the Neg Reg work.

ACCJC, in collaboration with the other six institutional accreditors, is monitoring and contributing to the Neg Reg process through our membership in the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions (C-RAC). This spring, Jamienne S. Studley, C-RAC vice chair and president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission, is serving as a primary negotiator representing accrediting agencies on the Institutional and Programmatic Eligibility Committee. The committee began its work in January and will meet for a total of three sessions in 2022: January 18-21, February 14-18, and March 14-18. The committee will address:

  • 90/10 under 34 CFR 668.28;
  • Ability to benefit under 34 CFR 668.156;
  • Certification procedures for participation in title IV, HEA programs under 34 CFR 668.13;
  • Change of ownership and change in control of institutions of higher education under 34 CFR 600.31;
  • Financial responsibility for participating institutions of higher education under 34 CFR 668.15 and 34 CFR part 668, subpart L, such as events that indicate heightened financial risk;
  • Gainful employment (formerly located in 34 CFR part 668, subpart Q); and
  • Standards of administrative capability under 34 CFR 668.16.

Meetings are open to the public and will be live streamed. As part of the process, the committee reserves time for public comment. ACCJC looks forward to engaging in the process.

To learn more and to register to attend the next session, click here.