Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.

Dear Colleagues:

Earlier this week, NAICU was joined by several state executive and secretariat associations and organizations in submitting comments to the Department of Education on its proposed Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization rule. (See story for more details.)

While generally supportive of the Department’s efforts to reduce regulatory burden and reimagine parts of the accreditation process, NAICU urged several changes to ensure the final rule remains consistent with federal law, preserves institutional and accreditor autonomy, and avoids imposing unnecessary new compliance costs and burdens.

In the letter, we made seven core recommendations the Department should consider to ensure that its final rule is “consistent with the principle that accreditation should remain focused on ensuring that institutions provide a quality education to students.”

As a reminder, in addition to our own comments, we also signed on to a higher education community letter that was sent to the Department last week.

We also continue to hear questions and concerns about the administration’s proposed regulations that would strip federal tax-exempt status from private schools, including private colleges and universities, that engage in race discrimination, regardless of intent. We are soliciting input from members and have begun drafting our comments, which are due in November. In the coming weeks, we will share additional information and provide opportunities for the NAICU community to learn more about the proposal and its potential impact.

Finally, as we look ahead to next year, registration is open for NAICU’s 2027 Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day, January 31–February 3, 2027. Register early to take advantage of our Early Bird rates.

Join your colleagues in Washington, DC, as we prepare for the important conversations you will have with policymakers during Advocacy Day and throughout the year—both in Washington and in your congressional district and state.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Regards,

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU

For more information, please contact:
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.