Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning Accrediting Agencies

The Department of Education (ED) recently released a notice of proposed rulemaking, dated June 25, 1999, regarding ED's recognition of accrediting agencies. The proposed regulations incorporate provisions contained in the recent reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA). ED recognizes accrediting agencies to assure that those agencies are, for HEA and other Federal purposes, reliable authorities regarding the quality of education or training offered by institutions or programs they accredit.

The proposed changes to the regulations include the standards accrediting agencies must have, the timeframe for agencies to come into compliance with the criteria for recognition, and distance education. Comments regarding these proposed changes are due on or before August 24, 1999. Submissions should be sent to Karen W. Kershenstein, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 3915, ROB-3, Washington, DC 20202-5244. Comments may also be sent electronically to: karen_kershenstein@ed.gov.

Questions regarding this Federal Register may be directed to Karen W. Kershenstein at (202) 708-7414. A copy of the notice can be found on ED's web site at http://ifap.ed.gov. If you are unable to access this web site and would like a copy, please contact Lynda Reid at (801) 321- 7211. Any questions regarding this bulletin can be directed to the UHEAA Policy and Training Department at (801) 321-7166 or by e-mail at cjudd@utahsbr.edu.