WCET & SAN Member Policy Series: Practical Approaches to Compliance, Part 1

Kathryn Kerensky

Director, Digital Learning Policy & Compliance, State Authorization Network

kkerensky@wiche.edu

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Expertise Includes:

• State authorization of distance education,
• Federal regulatory compliance relating to distance education (including regular and substantive interaction),
• Compliance considerations for operating internationally.

Bio

Kathryn joined us in July 2021 as the director, digital learning policy, and compliance where she assists with the overall activities of the WCET State Authorization Network (SAN). In collaboration with the senior director for policy innovations and the director, interstate policy and compliance, she focuses on institutional and programmatic compliance rules and regulations, including accreditation requirements, international compliance issues, and strategies for institutional regulatory compliance when serving students by means of digital learning. Kathryn coordinates training materials, builds communities of practice, and canvasses members for compliance strategies; she is an integral asset to our team. Previously, Kathryn worked on state authorization and related compliance issues for the University of Louisville for seven years, during which she gained experience in analyzing and interpreting various federal, state, and accreditor requirements while developing institutional policies and procedures for compliance. Her exemplary work and dedication earned her institution three SANsational awards along with multiple invitations to present at conferences and webinars. Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville and is a licensed attorney in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Outside of work, Kathryn spends time with her family (her husband, son, and three cats). From running to fostering cats and kittens for a local rescue organization to listening to podcasts, Kathryn keeps plenty busy and, when she’s not busy chasing around her toddler son, she enjoys immersing herself in various craft and video projects. Currently, her favorite character is “the Joker” (Heath Ledger, from the Dark Knight).

Erika Swain

Assistant Director of Academic Compliance and Authorization, University of Colorado Boulder

@ErikaGSwainLinkedIn Profile

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Erika Swain serves as the assistant director of academic compliance and authorization at the University of Colorado Boulder and the associate director for state authorization at the University of Colorado System, working to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations relating to state authorization and accreditation requirements. In addition, she works closely with campus leadership and academic affairs to coordinate the process for new and revised university program offerings to verify compliance with state and federal regulations as well as university policies and procedures. Prior to joining CU, Erika worked for many years in regional accreditation, overseeing training and federal compliance programs in her various roles at both the Higher Learning Commission and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and has also previously served as the Registrar at North Country Community College in Saranac Lake, NY. Erika also currently serves on the SAN Advisory Committee and leads the SAN Special Interest Team on Professional Licensure.

Cheryl Dowd

Senior Director, State Authorization Network & WCET Policy Innovations

cdowd@wiche.edu

LinkedIn Profile

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Expertise Includes:

• Policy analysis for judicial opinions, statutes, regulations, and guidance related to postsecondary digital education,
• Compliance training for institutions to meet distance education-related requirements to provide student consumer protections,
• State and Federal Compliance considerations for out-of-state activity compliance for postsecondary institutions (including for military students).

Bio

Cheryl joined WCET in August 2015 as the director of the State Authorization Network. She currently serves as the senior director, policy innovations. She directs the overall activities of WCET’s State Authorization Network (SAN), including coordination of staff addressing interstate policy and compliance and other ancillary compliance issues. As senior director, Cheryl also serves the overall WCET membership in addressing emerging and special regulatory issues related to digital learning in postsecondary education. She brings extensive experience in education and compliance to the WCET team and is a contributing author for State Authorization of Colleges and Universities, a guidebook for understanding the legal basis for State and Federal compliance for activities of postsecondary institutions.

Cheryl holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree in criminal justice from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from James Madison University. She is the mother of four kids, all of whom have been instrumental in helping her develop new interests in theatre, hockey, and figure skating. Outside of work, Cheryl enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid fan of movies and TV shows written by Aaron Sorkin.