In a significant move aimed at enhancing higher education in the United States, the Biden-Harris Administration recently proposed new regulations designed to increase college access and quality while strengthening oversight of distance education. These regulations are poised to address some of the most pressing challenges in higher education today. Higher education professionals, including faculty and staff, must understand these changes to adapt and leverage the opportunities they present.

Key Highlights Of The Proposed Regulations

The proposed regulations encompass several critical areas, each aimed at improving various facets of higher education. Here are the key highlights:

1. Increasing College Access & Affordability

The administration's proposal emphasizes making college more accessible and affordable for all students. This includes:

• Simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
• Expanding access to Pell Grants for students in short-term programs.
• Encouraging institutions to offer competency-based education, which can reduce the time and cost to degree completion.

2. Enhancing Quality of Education

To ensure students receive a high-quality education, the proposed regulations focus on:

• Strengthening accreditation standards to hold institutions accountable for student outcomes.
• Improving transparency around student success metrics, such as graduation and job placement rates.
• Supporting innovative educational models and practices that have demonstrated effectiveness.

3. Strengthening Oversight of Distance Education

With the rapid growth of online learning, the need for robust oversight has become more critical. The proposed regulations aim to:

• Ensure that online programs meet the same standards of quality and rigor as traditional programs.
• Enhance protections for students enrolled in online and distance education programs.
• Improve data collection and reporting to better monitor the effectiveness of online education.

4. Promoting Equity & Inclusion

The regulations also prioritize equity and inclusion by:

• Addressing the unique needs of historically marginalized and underserved student populations.
• Supporting institutions that serve a high percentage of low-income students and students of color.
• Enhancing support services for students, including mental health resources and academic advising.

Implications For Higher Education Professionals

For faculty and staff in higher education, these proposed regulations carry several implications that could impact their work and the institutions they serve. Understanding these changes is crucial for adapting to the evolving landscape of higher education.

1. Curriculum & Program Development: Faculty may need to revisit and revise curriculum to align with competency-based education models. This approach focuses on students demonstrating mastery of skills and knowledge, which can accelerate time to degree completion and reduce costs. Additionally, institutions offering short-term programs may see increased demand and should ensure these programs meet high-quality standards to qualify for expanded Pell Grant eligibility.
2. Accreditation & Accountability: Higher education institutions will need to prepare for more stringent accreditation processes that emphasize student outcomes. This includes collecting and reporting data on graduation rates, job placement, and other success metrics. Faculty and staff involved in these processes should be ready to provide evidence of program effectiveness and continuous improvement efforts.
3. Online & Distance Education: The proposed regulations underscore the importance of maintaining high standards in online education. Institutions offering online programs must ensure that these programs provide the same quality and rigor as their on-campus counterparts. This may involve investing in faculty training, improving instructional design, and enhancing student support services for online learners.
4. Equity & Inclusion Initiatives: Faculty and staff should focus on developing and implementing initiatives that promote equity and inclusion within their institutions. This could include expanding support services for marginalized students, creating inclusive curricula, and fostering a campus culture that values diversity. Additionally, institutions may need to prioritize mental health resources and academic advising to support student success.

Leveraging Opportunities For Improvement

The proposed regulations present an opportunity for higher education institutions to improve and innovate. By proactively addressing these changes, faculty and staff can contribute to creating a more accessible, affordable, and high-quality educational experience for all students.

1. Collaboration & Professional Development: Faculty and staff should engage in ongoing professional development to stay informed about best practices and regulatory changes. Collaboration across departments and institutions can also foster the sharing of innovative ideas and successful strategies.
2. Student-Centered Approaches: Emphasizing student-centered approaches in teaching, advising, and support services can enhance student engagement and success. This includes using data to identify and address barriers to student achievement and implementing interventions that support diverse learning needs.
3. Continuous Improvement: Institutions should embrace a culture of continuous improvement, using data and feedback to refine programs and services. By regularly assessing the effectiveness of initiatives and making data-driven decisions, institutions can better meet the needs of their students and achieve desired outcomes.

Conclusion

The Biden-Harris Administration's proposed regulations mark a significant step toward improving higher education in the United States. For higher education professionals, understanding and adapting to these changes is essential for ensuring that institutions provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality education to all students. By embracing the opportunities these regulations present, faculty and staff can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education.

For nearly 20 years, Innovative Educators has assisted college leaders in building foundations of success for their faculty, staff, and students. Institutions have seen employee engagement and retention increase as a result of utilizing Go2Knowledge; Innovative Educators live and on-demand professional development resources. Go2Knowledge includes 150+ live webinars and 350+ pre-selected, on-demand webinars delivered by over 200 experts.

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By Meg Foster, Online Learning & Design Specialist - Consultant & Wendy Archer,  Web Content Coordinator 
July 30, 2024