Accreditation 101: A Fireside Chat on How Colleges Are Measured

College accreditation is in the news in a way not seen in recent memory. Politicians all the way up to the likes of Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida and President Donald Trump have attacked the system publicly, accusing accreditors of being in step with a “woke” liberal agenda. The administration has promised a “revolution” in accreditation, prompting fears it will be used as a political tool.

But what is accreditation? Learn about the system that unlocks $120 billion in federal financial aid for colleges from two of the most prominent experts in the field. This 101 on accreditation will discuss the U.S. Department of Education’s upcoming negotiated rulemaking and allow time for substantial audience Q&A:

• Antoinette Flores, New America Director of Higher Education Accountability and Quality, who led accreditation policy during the Biden administration
• Robert Shireman, founder of The Institute for College Access and Success and member of the federal advisory board NACIQI