New committee to review accreditor recognition, costs, and student outcome measures.
The U.S. Department of Education announced plans to convene a negotiated rulemaking committee focused on higher education accreditation, known as the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) committee. The group will develop proposed regulations addressing how accreditors are recognized, the role of accreditation in rising college costs and credential inflation, and safeguards against conflicts of interest.
“Accreditation functions as the central nervous system of higher education, and the system cannot be made healthy without addressing its deepest flaws,” said Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent. “Rather than focusing on whether member institutions offer high-quality programs that benefit students and the workforce, the current accreditation regime has become a protectionist system that shields existing players, fuels rising costs, drives credential inflation, adds administrative bloat, allows undue influence from related trade associations, and promotes ideologically driven initiatives. We welcome nominations from key stakeholders willing to challenge the status quo to help reform this unhealthy system.”
The rulemaking process follows public hearings held earlier this year and is required under the Higher Education Act before proposed regulations governing Title IV programs can be issued.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Under Secretary of Education Kent to be discerning as he oversees the rulemaking process.
- For Education Department officials and committee members shaping accreditation policy.
Sources: Department of Education
