Davis & Dowd: Federal Policy: Past, Present, Future. The Impact on Digital Learning
DAY 3 : February 28, 2025
Time 11:30AM – 12:30PM
Federal Policy: Past, Present, Future. The Impact on Digital Learning
Along with the development of innovative means to provide broader access to learners through digital learning, there has been a fifteen-year trend to increasingly regulate academic programs, institutional quality, and accountability. U.S. Department of Education federal regulations tie institutional compliance to the disbursement of Federal aid in order to provide student consumer protection and ensure the integrity of federal financial aid programs.
In this session, we’ll look at the past, present, and future of digital learning federal policy. We believe it is important for institution faculty and staff to be aware of the policy discussions that have transpired, what institutional compliance is presently required, and what to watch for in the future as the new Trump administration begins.
Lately, it seems that institution staff must use a federal policy scorecard to keep up with the various rulemaking sessions, public comment opportunities, enforcement delays, court decisions, guidance, and effective regulations. This session will be beneficial to all institutional faculty and staff creating and supporting digital learning, including course design, contracting for third-party services, serving out-of-state students, and fulfilling the special obligations associated with programs that lead to a professional license or certification.
First, our session will begin in the past with a look at the Biden Administration rulemaking of Winter 2024, as well as the recent Dear Colleague letter on online program managers. And we’ll also provide a quick review of the Summer 2024 U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down the Chevron Doctrine and how that could impact regulations.
Second, we will talk about the current regulations for which institutions must presently comply when serving students by distance education. It’s important to understand these requirements and communicate with your institutional stakeholders so you can develop efficient compliance strategies. We’ll also share directions to resources to guide institutions to ensure compliance management.
Finally, we will bring out the crystal ball to look into the future, including looking at artificial intelligence and its impact on institutional policies. And we’ll share our initial observations and thoughts on the new administration’s priorities and the new leadership at the U.S. Department of Education.
There will be time for discussion and hope that attendees will come with their thoughts and questions!
Dr. Van L. Davis Executive Director, WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies) & VP of Digital Learning, WICHE (Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education).
Cheryl Dowd, Esq., Senior Director, State Authorization Network (SAN) & WCET Policy Innovations, and Cyber Fellow for WICHE
Track: Online Admin/Leadership
