NC-SARA, SARA, and SAN: The Power of Collaboration

Policy

Published by: WCET | 1/7/2025

T’was the final weeks of December when most of higher education was not stirring – except for the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department was preparing gifts announcements finalizing the regulatory issues from the Winter 2024 rulemaking. In late December, the Department released two important announcements: These announcements separate the Winter 2024 issue areas […]

Practice

Published by: WCET | 1/6/2025

In the world of digital learning policy and practice, few names resonate as profoundly as Russ Poulin’s. Reflecting on a career spanning over three decades, it’s evident that Russ has been a pioneering force and fostered a community of passionate educators and advocates committed to the evolution of online learning. From his early efforts in […]

Policy

Published by: WCET | 12/12/2024

Every few years, WICHE (WCET’s parent organization) publishes a pivotal analysis of high school graduate projections for the United States. This analysis, presented in WICHE’s Knocking at the College Door report, tells the story of shifting demographics, evolving opportunities, and the need to adapt to meet students wherever they are. Of key interest this year […]

Practice

Published by: WCET | 12/5/2024

In my role here at WCET, I’m always inspired by the innovative ways institutions tackle challenges to support their students. For rural colleges, overcoming barriers like limited broadband and digital literacy requires creativity, resilience, and the right tools. Originally from Idaho and now living in Montana, I’m particularly interested in how our more rural institutions […]

Event

Published by: WCET | 11/21/2024

The State Authorization Network (SAN) has announced the winners of the 2024 SANsational Awards. Since 2015, the awards have recognized the achievements of higher educational institutions and organizations nationwide that have raised the bar when developing comprehensive and viable solutions to challenging distance education compliance/state authorization issues. This year, SAN honored seven winners in three […]

Policy

Published by: WCET | 11/14/2024

The direction for regulations and guidance for digital and distance education shifted greatly with the recent election. As you may recall, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) was planning to release sweeping regulatory changes on distance education, accreditation, state authorization reciprocity, and mandatory fees for books and materials. They also planned changes to guidance […]

Policy

Published by: WCET | 11/7/2024

A recent NWHeat webinar highlighted that public institutions must mobilize immediately (if not sooner) to meet the coming U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accessibility guidelines. Released in April 2024, the new regulation requires “state and local governments to make their websites and mobile applications accessible for people with disabilities.” These rules encompass all public colleges and universities. […]

Event

Published by: WCET | 10/31/2024

Welcome to Frontiers! It’s getting colder on my side of the country, so I’m fondly thinking of our week in CA earlier this month. Today, I’m sending you all the sandy, sunshine-filled highlights from WCET’s 36th Annual Meeting! Picture this: Nearly 300 digital learning enthusiasts swapping tales of AI adventures, chatting about accessibility, and finding […]

Practice

Published by: WCET | 10/24/2024

Digital Learning technologies can foster meaningful engagement even at a distance. New approaches in Washington and Arizona show how AI can help support distance education students. These tools help schools provide personalized, timely communication. AI-driven initiatives like Washington’s OTTERS project and Arizona’s Ask Benji make students feel more connected and supported. We are happy to […]