Borrower Defense to Repayment: What State Regulators Need to Know about the Rules, Process and Latest ED Activity
The Borrower Defense to Repayment ("BDR") provisions of the Higher Education Act and related U.S. Department of Education regulations have recently been in the forefront of Title IV compliance matters. With various BDR regimes potentially applicable to schools and student borrowers, the Sweet v. Cardona settlement agreement for certain cohorts of BDR claimants, and recent litigation over the latest changes to the BDR regulations, it is important for all actors in the Title IV regulatory triad to remain current on how the BDR regulations are being implemented and what related actions are expected from the Department in the near term.
Presenters:
Jonathan Tarnow, Partner, Education Practice, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Sarah Pheasant, Associate, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Navigating the M&A Landscape: Current Trends and Implications for Higher Education Stakeholders
This presentation delves into the current trends driving higher ed consolidation, including declining enrollment, financial pressures, and the desire for expanded resources and offerings. We will explore common M&A structures and analyze their implications for student access, program quality, and institutional stability. Further, the presentation will address the complexities of M&A processes, highlighting common problems such as integration issues and potential disruptions to students. We will examine the Department of Education's process for reviewing M&A activity, focusing on its role in ensuring institutional viability, financial stability, and student protection, and how that overlaps with the roles of states and accreditors.
Katie Wendel – Counsel, Thompson Coburn, Washington, D.C.
Hope Watson – Associate, Thompson Coburn, Washington, D.C.
Regulator Listserv Live
Join fellow regular members for a virtual roundtable discussion to talk about recent activities, important topics, and more. Listserv live is an open forum to ask questions, raise concerns, and provide advice to your fellow members. Be sure to share what topics are of greatest interest to you when you register!
This is a highly interactive event, so please come ready to ask questions, share solutions, and network with your fellow regulators.