Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues:

Late last month, the Department of Education released its notice of proposed rulemaking on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) regulations, which cover the new program-level accountability framework from reconciliation.

I know there is considerable uncertainty and questions related to these regulations. Earlier this week, NAICU hosted a webinar that took a deep dive into the accountability metrics. Further evidence about the issues that NAICU members have with the proposed framework is that we had nearly 100 questions posed during the webinar. We are working on a Q&A document for members that will address as many of the questions we are receiving as possible.

Now that the AHEAD Committee has released the framework regulations, NAICU is preparing comments for submission to the Department and strongly encourages institutions to submit their own comments as well. Comments to the Department are due by May 20.

NAICU is also preparing for the final round of negotiations of the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) committee, which will occur the week of May 18.  On June 2, NAICU is hosting a webinar where we will breakdown the AIM negotiated rulemaking and field your questions. We will also be hosting a webinar on June 4, to help you prepare for the July 1 deadline for complying with the provisions contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

You can register for these webinars and view our past sessions on the new federal loan limits, program-level accountability, and the President’s FY2027 budget on our webinars page.

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.