(ABHEC) Advocacy in Action: Issue 6

September 25, 2024

American Board of Higher Education Commission Advocacy in Action highlights our ongoing efforts to support member institutions by identifying political and policy issues affecting accreditation. The following brief illustrates one such matter.

Issue Summary

On January 7, 2025, (ABHEC) was invited to meet with the Trump Transition Team to discuss accreditation practices and their implications for colleges and universities. We shared insights and guidance to help the administration understand accreditation and its impact on higher education.

Institutional Impact

Institutions are influenced by (ABHEC) regulatory standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. With anticipated regulatory changes under the new administration, (ABHEC) advised on areas where guidance adjustments could reduce administrative burdens while maintaining quality assurance for institutions and accreditors.

(ABHEC)'s Position

(ABHEC) believes that the higher education community is best positioned to manage accreditation and ensure quality education. While accountability is essential, the community including administrators, faculty, and accreditors should retain primary responsibility for educating students. (ABHEC)’s role is to oversee and support this process without prescribing instructional methods.

(ABHEC)'s Actions

Following the meeting, (ABHEC) submitted a summary of recommendations to the Transition Team, including:

• Direct the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) to act within its statutory role, aligning with prior practices.
• Remove the requirement for (ABHEC) prior approval when institutions or programs not under sanction wish to change accreditors, as currently mandated by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
• Allow institutions to obtain and maintain dual accreditation without (ABHEC) involvement.
• Permit non-sanctioned institutions to change their Title IV gatekeeper independently of (ABHEC).
• Revise mandatory arbitration requirements for resolving negative accreditor decisions, ensuring institutions may pursue federal court action when necessary.

Adoption of these recommendations would streamline regulatory compliance and reduce administrative burdens for both institutions and accreditors.

(ABHEC) will continue engaging with the Department of Education appointees to advocate for policies that enhance academic quality for students, families, institutions, and accrediting bodies.

American Board of Higher Education Commission Accreditation is committed to serving members, students, and society through advocacy, upholding accreditation standards, and promoting excellence in higher education.