HIGHER ED ASSOCIATIONS ADVOCATE FOR BALANCED OVERSIGHT IN DISTANCE EDUCATION RULES
A group of higher ed associations, led by ACE, submitted comments this week to the Department of Education expressing serious concerns about the proposed rules on distance education, program integrity, and institutional quality. The letter shares concerns that the proposed changes could hinder innovation, increase regulatory burdens, and reduce access to flexible learning options. Key issues raised include redefining virtual "additional locations" for online programs, stricter reporting requirements that could lead to data inaccuracies, the elimination of asynchronous learning for clock-hour programs, and more stringent regulations for tracking student attendance. ACE's comments emphasize the need for balanced regulations that protect both institutional innovation and student success without compromising oversight.
