Department of Education Initiates Search for Members of the "New NACIQI"

The Department of Education is soliciting nominations for membership on the National Advisory Council on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI).  NACIQI is a body that advises the Secretary regarding the federal recognition of accreditation agencies.  Institutions of higher education may not participate in federal financial aid programs unless they are accredited by a federally recognized agency.

As a result of concerns that NACIQI was being used to promote greater federal control and standardization, Congress completely re-wrote that section of the law last year.   The previous council, composed of members who all were appointed by the Secretary, was disbanded.  It will now be replaced with a group appointed by both the Secretary and Congress. 

The Department's June 22 Federal Register notice solicits nominations for the six members to be appointed by the Secretary for a term of three years.  Nominations must be submitted by July 22, 2009.

For more information, please contact:
Tim Powers