Universities Hit Back Against Proposed Online Attendance Policy
Lauren Coffey
August 27, 2024
Proposed federal regulations have institutions and higher ed groups worried about time and financial burdens.
Hundreds of professors, colleges and higher ed organizations have expressed sharp criticism of the Department of Education’s proposed regulations for online courses, saying they stem from an antiquated mindset about new modalities—and place a time burden on professors and a financial burden on institutions.
Last month, the Department of Education asked for input on the proposed regulations; the comment period closed this past Friday. If the proposal is finalized before Nov. 1, it will be implemented by July 2026 at the earliest.
The attendance policy is one small portion of the new rule, which is part of a larger package of federal policies designed to protect students and hold institutions accountable for the financial aid dollars they receive.
