When it comes to compliance, higher education institutions are held to different standards due to the wide range of regulations, departments, and data security considerations. Leaders must factor in financial aid, campus safety, and academic integrity, while remaining inclusive and providing students with quality education.
As such, higher education establishes compliance committees to act as an anchor for the institution, providing support and expert guidance on navigating the compliance process.
Intelligent meeting software helps higher education institutions maintain accurate and accessible records, a key step for demonstrating compliance with state and federal education laws. Additionally, meeting software facilitates real-time collaboration and enhances communication across all departments, ensuring alignment for all stakeholders.
This blog outlines compliance challenges impacting higher education and examines the board of directors’ role in compliance.
What is Compliance in Higher Education?
Compliance in higher education refers to the process of ensuring that colleges and universities follow federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and ethical standards. It includes areas such as accreditation, financial aid regulations, Title IX requirements, research integrity, data privacy, and workplace safety.
Institutions must implement policies, training, and monitoring systems to meet legal obligations and maintain accountability. Effective compliance protects students, faculty, and staff while upholding the institution’s reputation and funding eligibility.
A compliance manager typically implements and monitors policies to ensure the institution adheres to legal, regulatory, and accreditation reporting requirements. They work closely with the board of directors and other departments to identify risks, provide training, and make compliance-related decisions.
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5 Compliance Challenges in Higher Education
By identifying challenges within the compliance process, higher education leaders can proactively address gaps, safeguard the institution’s reputation, and ensure adherence to ever-evolving regulations.
Meeting software for higher education can help your organization stay on track with compliance by providing a secure way to hold important discussions and safeguard documents related to this process.
1. Financial Aid and Student Loan Compliance
Financial aid offers essential financial support to students, making college more accessible by covering costs like tuition, books, and living expenses. Higher education institutions must ensure they follow strict regulatory guidelines surrounding state and federal laws. Failure to properly manage financial aid compliance can lead to legal repercussions and jeopardize students’ access to financial support.
2. Accreditation and Academic Integrity
Accreditation and academic integrity are essential to higher education, ensuring students receive fair treatment. By complying with accreditation and academic regulations, institutions build trust with the Department of Education, maintain quality, and promote transparency. This helps them meet the expectations of students, faculty, and other stakeholders.
3. Data Privacy Compliance
Maintaining data privacy in higher education can be challenging because of the constant balance between sharing information for academic purposes and protecting sensitive data amidst growing cybersecurity threats. Poorly managed data privacy compliance puts students and faculty at risk of identity theft and financial loss, directly impacting the institution’s reputation.
4. Disability Accommodation Compliance
Disability accommodation involves adjusting systems, services, or physical spaces to remove barriers and provide individuals with disabilities the support they need to thrive in their pursuit of education. To remain compliant with disability accommodation, you need to foster an inclusive environment and protect against legal risks and reputational damage.
5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Regulations
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) focuses on fostering environments that respect and celebrate differences, ensure fair opportunities, and promote belonging for all individuals, regardless of their background or abilities. DEI in higher education supports students and enriches the learning process by giving them an opportunity to contribute to society in a meaningful way.
Achieving Your Compliance Goals
As your higher education institution establishes compliance protocols, make sure to designate a compliance committee with the knowledge and skills to navigate the evolving legal and regulatory landscape surrounding compliance challenges.
AGB OnBoard meeting software helps higher education institutions improve compliance by streamlining board and committee meetings, ensuring clear documentation and enhancing decision-making transparency.
The platform centralizes meeting materials like compliance committee agendas, tracks actions, and provides secure access to important documents, reducing the risk of errors or noncompliance. Automated workflows and audit trails help institutions meet accreditation, financial, and regulatory requirements.
Schedule a free Trial Request today to learn how AGB OnBoard empowers higher education institutions to maintain compliance while focusing on their missions.
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About The Author
- Adam Wire is a Content Marketing Manager at OnBoard who joined the company in 2021. A Ball State University graduate, Adam worked in various content marketing roles at Angi, USA Football, and Adult & Child Health following a 12-year career in newspapers. His favorite part of the job is problem-solving and helping teammates achieve their goals. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife and two dogs. He’s an avid sports fan and foodie who also enjoys lawn and yard work and running.
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