1. Current Higher Education Issues and the Accreditation Process 1 SC Graduate Deans Association Charleston, SC October 10, 2014 Michael S. Johnson Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff SACSCOC

2. Goals National Policies –Renewal of the Higher Education Act –Neg-Reg Regional v. Specialized Accreditation Accreditation Issues Regarding Graduate Education –Faculty –Curriculum –Substantive Change 2

3. Goals Newer Issues and Challenges –Competency-Based Education –Dual and Joint Degrees –Combination Degrees 3

4. Higher Education Act Renewal Senate –Harkin Bill (Senate) Financial Aid-Affordability and Debt Increased Accountability –Financial services code of conduct –Penalties for poor outcomes, “Warning List” –Mandatory release of accrediting documents –Mandatory Federal review if on Probation 4

5. Higher Education Act Renewal –Harkin Bill (Senate) Demonstration Projects –Competency-Based education 5

6. Higher Education Act Renewal House –Competency-Based Education Demonstration –Financial Aid Counseling –Strengthening Transparency 6

7. Higher Education Act Renewal Accreditation Impacts –Transparency –New accreditors? –Reporting requirements Other Concerns –Campus safety 7

8. Department of Education - NegReg “Negotiated Rulemaking” –Gainful employment –State authorization (distance education and international programs) –Ranking of Colleges 8

9. Accreditation and Graduate Education Regional v. Specialized Accreditation –Cross-reporting of negative actions –Overlap in standards Institutional Effectiveness Faculty Qualifications Program Content –Differences in Standards 9

10. Accreditation and Graduate Education Accreditation Issues Regarding Graduate Education –Faculty –Curriculum –Substantive Change 10

11. Accreditation and Graduate Education Newer Issues and Challenges –Competency-Based Education –Dual and Joint Degrees –Combination Degrees 11

12. Interpretation of CR 2.7.1 A combination program with degrees conferred by the same institution (combination baccalaureate and graduate degree or a combination of two graduate degrees) should meet or exceed the credit hour thresholds in the standard for the degrees awarded (e.g., a combination baccalaureate and master’s degree is a combined minimum 150 semester credit hours). 12

13. Interpretation of CR 2.7.1 The degree program should only allow a “substitution” or “transfer” of a maximum of one year (30 semester hours) of graduate coursework for the final year of the baccalaureate degree. This internal “transfer” also assumes an organic relationship between the subject areas of the undergraduate major and the graduate coursework used to complete the undergraduate degree. 13

14. Interpretation of CR 2.7.1 This internal “transfer” also assumes an organic relationship between the subject areas of the undergraduate major and the graduate coursework used to complete the undergraduate degree. The institution also provides a justification for all degrees that include fewer than the required number of semester credit hours or its equivalent unit. 14

15. Interpretation of CR 2.7.1 This interpretation does not deny an institution’s ability to admit outstanding students – on a case-by-case basis – to graduate programs (the practice commonly referred to as early admission). Should such a pathway become formalized, either as an articulation agreement between two or more institutions or as a formal internal “joint” or “dual” degree pathway… 15

16. Standards Specific to Graduate Education CS 3.6.1 Program Rigor CS 3.6.2 Curriculum – research/practice CS 3.6.3 One-Third Rule CS 3.6.4 Published Requirements 16