USDE Seeks negotiator nominations for negotiated rulemaking committee 
The United States Department of Education (USDE) is seeking nominations for the negotiated rulemaking committee. Nominations must be submitted by June 2, 2025. To find out more information about Negotiated Rulemaking Committee Nominations, go to the Federal Register. This also includes information about the potential topics.

USDE Seeks NACIQI member nominations
The United States Department of Education (USDE) is seeking nominations for appointment to the National Advisory Commitee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). Nominations must be received by June 6, 2025. To find out more information about this opportunity, go to the Federal Register.

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Recently, the US Department of Education sent out a “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL) which outlined the Department’s directions in relation to its reading of the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and the impact on DEI programs and initiatives at colleges and universities. The letter outlines the Department’s interpretation of “federal civil rights and constitutional law principles” in connection with such DEI programs and initiatives. The DCL directs schools to comply with the Department’s guidance in institutional operations.

Please note the letter states,

This guidance does not have the force and effect of law and does not bind the public or create new legal standards. This document is designed to provide clarity to the public regarding existing legal requirements under Title VI, the Equal Protection Clause, and other federal civil rights and constitutional law principles.

Moreover, the Significant Guidance at the Department of Education website referenced in the Dear Colleague Letter, notes the following:

Guidance documents represent the Department of Education’s (ED) current thinking on a topic. They do not create or confer any rights for or on any person and do not impose any requirements beyond those required under applicable law and regulations.

NWCCU is closely monitoring the Department’s guidance, and institutions are encouraged to review the DCL and stay abreast of the situation as it unfolds. We expect some clarity and guidance will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Feel free to reach out to your NWCCU Liaison if you have concerns or questions.

Please know that institutions may provide feedback regarding the DCL. Comments can be submitted by emailing comments to OCR@ed.gov or wring to the following:

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20202

Sincerely,
Jeff Fox
Interim President

NWCCU Response Letter to Members

C-RAC Feedback

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The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) has recommended the continuation of NWCCU’s recognition as an accreditor. NWCCU has 24 months to update a few policies, in compliance with new federal regulations.

Just like its member institutions are required to undergo a peer evaluative process on a seven-year cycle for reaffirmation of their accreditation, NWCCU undergoes renewal of its recognition once every five years to serve as an institutional accreditor.

NWCCU is deeply grateful to its dedicated staff, Commissioners, and colleagues who helped with NWCCU’s petition for renewal of recognition and many of whom joined the NACIQI appearance on August 2, 2023. The appearance allowed the organization to showcase its commitment to student success and closing equity gaps and to respond to questions from the NACIQI members.

The NACIQI members were complimentary of NWCCU’s data-informed efforts focused on student success and closing equity gaps within our higher education community. They also commended the organization on its vision to ensure access, belonging, and success of every student.

Together with its member institutions, NWCCU champions transformation, embraces data-informed support tools, and fosters innovation to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

NWCCU conveys its heartfelt thanks to its member institutions, Accreditation Liaison Officers, Peer Evaluators, Commissioners, and staff for fostering a culture of educational excellence.

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