There are many issues and topics of discussion in Washington, D.C. that are occurring below the "radar". I share the following information about the creation of the Program Integrity and Improvement Committee of Congress related to the negotiated rulemaking that is to occur as a result of the pending reauthorization of the 1965 Higher Education Act.
The Program Integrity and Improvement Committee of Congress was established to address a number of topics that will directly impact the title IV Federal Student Aid Programs under section 492 of the Higher Education Act. Negotiators of the committee will be selected based on their expertise and experience related to the issues at hand. Most importantly, the Department plans to seat individuals having interests that are significantly affected by the proposed topics up for negotiation. Individuals will represent various constituencies, including students, consumer advocates, businesses, state officials and representatives from different types of institutions.
The committee meetings are open to the public and interested individuals are encouraged to attend. Members of the committee invite parties to send comments on the topics suggested by the Department and recommend additional topics for consideration. After the nominations for the negotiators are confirmed (TBD), the committee is scheduled to convene for three sessions on the following dates:
- Session 1: February 19-21, 2014
- Session 2: March 26-28, 2014
- Session 3: April 23-25, 2014
Committee Topics: The topics the Program Integrity and Improvement Committee is likely to address are:
- Cash management of funds provided under the title IV Federal Student Aid programs, including the use of debit cards and the handling of title IV credit balances;
- State authorization for programs offered through distance education or correspondence education (online learning);
- State authorization for foreign locations of institutions located in a State.
- Clock to credit hour conversion when awarding credit;
- The definition of “adverse credit” for borrowers in the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program; and
- The application of the repeat coursework provisions to graduate and undergraduate programs.
What are your thoughts on these topics and in what ways do you think these issues might influence the Federal Student Aid programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965?