Keeping Members
Up-to-Date
School Reopening Information
May 21, 2020
Connecticut
On May 8th, the State of Connecticut Higher Education Subcommittee issued a report recommending the plan for school re-openings. The chart below outlines the timeframe.
Massachusetts
Layla R. D’Emilia, Commissioner, Division of Professional Licensure, issued an update regarding school openings in Massachusetts on May 18th.
It read in part, "Occupational schools and cosmetology and barbering schools are not part of the Phase 1 opening. This means that for those schools that do not teach programs considered to be essential their physical locations must remain closed to all employees, students, and the public until further guidance is issued." Read the entire article here.
Previous guidance issued from DPL included a conditions regarding continued operations related to COVID-19 for occupational schools that were designated as essential services. That information can be read in full here.
NEPCSA is working diligently with association leadership to get clarification on these guidelines to determine when private career schools can open again in Massachusetts.
It read in part, "Occupational schools and cosmetology and barbering schools are not part of the Phase 1 opening. This means that for those schools that do not teach programs considered to be essential their physical locations must remain closed to all employees, students, and the public until further guidance is issued." Read the entire article here.
Previous guidance issued from DPL included a conditions regarding continued operations related to COVID-19 for occupational schools that were designated as essential services. That information can be read in full here.
NEPCSA is working diligently with association leadership to get clarification on these guidelines to determine when private career schools can open again in Massachusetts.
Rhode Island
According to the Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner (RIOPC), schools that cannot offer online instruction, can seek authorization to open. See message below.
Degree-granting Institutions of Higher Education who are not NC-SARA approved through their State Portal Entity because they do not offer online instruction, who are now seeking temporary authorization from the RIOPC during the COVID-19 pandemic to offer instruction online to Rhode Island residents, should request permission in writing to the Commissioner of Postsecondary Education and include details on how the institution is supporting such transition, and information related to technology, faculty training/support, student accessibility, anticipated duration of transition, and their student complaint resolution policy.
COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
May 13, 2020
Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Coronavirus.gov offers the most up to date information about this rapidly evolving situation.
Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for school settings.
Health officials are currently taking steps to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") into communities across the United States. Coronavirus.gov offers the most up to date information about this rapidly evolving situation.
Through collaboration and coordination with State and local health departments, State and local educational agencies, other education officials, and elected officials, schools can disseminate critical information about the disease and its potential transmission to students, families, staff, and community.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for school settings.
Distribution of Student Grants and the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Guide for the Distribution of Student Grants Under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund1
On April 9, 2020, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced the U.S. Department of Education (“Department”) was making immediately available to postsecondary institutions more than $6.2 billion in emergency grants for students impacted by Coronavirus and authorized in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”).2 The approximately $6.2 billion accounts for the portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (Sec. 18004) that must be used to provide emergency financial aid grants directly to students. The institutional share of funds is not yet available.
The use of these student emergency financial aid grants is governed by Sec. 18004(c) of the CARES Act and states, in part, that:
“Institutions of higher education shall use no less than 50 percent of such funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.” Emphasis added.
This first allocation of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund must be used exclusively for student emergency financial aid grants. Secretary DeVos makes clear in her letter to college and university leaders that, “We (the Department) are prioritizing this funding stream in order to get money in the hands of students in need as quickly as possible.”
Secretary DeVos further states that, “I would like to encourage the leadership of each institution to prioritize your student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. I would like to encourage the leadership of each institution to prioritize your students with the greatest need, but at the same time consider establishing a maximum funding threshold for each student to ensure the funds are distributed as widely as possible” (e.g., $6,195).
Finally, Secretary DeVos suggests that if you conclude your institution’s students do not have significant financial need, you should consider giving some or all your allocation to those institutions that might have students with significant need.
CECU would like to emphasize that both the CARES Act and Secretary DeVos’s April 9 letter refer to the definition of a student’s cost of attendance under Section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 when it comes to determining eligible expenses.3
The use of these student emergency financial aid grants is governed by Sec. 18004(c) of the CARES Act and states, in part, that:
“Institutions of higher education shall use no less than 50 percent of such funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.” Emphasis added.
This first allocation of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund must be used exclusively for student emergency financial aid grants. Secretary DeVos makes clear in her letter to college and university leaders that, “We (the Department) are prioritizing this funding stream in order to get money in the hands of students in need as quickly as possible.”
Secretary DeVos further states that, “I would like to encourage the leadership of each institution to prioritize your student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. I would like to encourage the leadership of each institution to prioritize your students with the greatest need, but at the same time consider establishing a maximum funding threshold for each student to ensure the funds are distributed as widely as possible” (e.g., $6,195).
Finally, Secretary DeVos suggests that if you conclude your institution’s students do not have significant financial need, you should consider giving some or all your allocation to those institutions that might have students with significant need.
CECU would like to emphasize that both the CARES Act and Secretary DeVos’s April 9 letter refer to the definition of a student’s cost of attendance under Section 472 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 when it comes to determining eligible expenses.3
1 This guide does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice.
2 See: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak
3 See: https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Higher%20Education%20Act%20Of%201965.pdf, p. 520.
2 See: https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/secretary-devos-rapidly-delivers-more-6-billion-emergency-cash-grants-college-students-impacted-coronavirus-outbreak
3 See: https://legcounsel.house.gov/Comps/Higher%20Education%20Act%20Of%201965.pdf, p. 520.
Your School and the SBA Loan
What the SBA Loan Program Might Mean for Your School!
March 31, 2020
Executive Summary
On March 27, 2020, President Trump sign into law H.R. 748 (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act”). This is the largest economic bill in U.S. history, providing economic relief to businesses, states, municipalities, and individuals affected by COVID-19. Although the scope of the CARES Act is wide-ranging, this summary is limited to providing CECU members with a high-level overview of the relief available for qualifying business concerns (generally small businesses with certain limited exceptions).
CECU will publish additional information as the Small Business Administration (SBA) issues implementing regulations in the coming days and weeks.
Read More...
Executive Summary
- The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a $2 trillion stimulus package with significant implications across financial services and nearly all other aspects of the economy.
- The CARES Act provides $349 billion for section 1102 and $10 billion for section 1110 to assist small businesses through the Small Business Administration.
- Loans will be available through the Small Business Administration, and Department of Treasury approved banks, credit unions, and some nonbank lenders. Please contact your lender.
- For additional information from SBA on guidance and loan resources, click here.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump sign into law H.R. 748 (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act”). This is the largest economic bill in U.S. history, providing economic relief to businesses, states, municipalities, and individuals affected by COVID-19. Although the scope of the CARES Act is wide-ranging, this summary is limited to providing CECU members with a high-level overview of the relief available for qualifying business concerns (generally small businesses with certain limited exceptions).
CECU will publish additional information as the Small Business Administration (SBA) issues implementing regulations in the coming days and weeks.
Read More...
Massachusetts DPL Issues Order to Close All Schools
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Message from Layla R. D’Emilia
Commissioner, Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure |
March 26, 2020
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 13, effective immediately all schools licensed by the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) shall close their physical locations to all employees, students, and the public until Tuesday, April 7th at noon.
Read More...
Pursuant to Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 13, effective immediately all schools licensed by the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL) shall close their physical locations to all employees, students, and the public until Tuesday, April 7th at noon.
Read More...
A Message from Steve Gunderson, CECU President and CEO
Urgent Government Relations Update "Higher Education and Our Sector!"
March 25, 2020
Colleagues:
We are in the process of confirming every single item as we get access to actual bill language, here is what you should know:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provides:
Grants for Emergency support for Education Institutions: $30.75 billion
Read More...
Colleagues:
We are in the process of confirming every single item as we get access to actual bill language, here is what you should know:
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act provides:
Grants for Emergency support for Education Institutions: $30.75 billion
- 46% of which goes to Institutions of Higher Education (IHE): 14.145 billion
- 9.8% of which goes to Governors for use within their state: -1.358 billion
- 7.5% of which goes to minority serving institutions: -1.061 billion
- Net amount to IHE’s (not primarily on-line): $11.726 billion
Read More...
Postsecondary Career Schools and the Coronavirus
March 18, 2020
NEPCSA has learned that public health officials in some states are conducting inspections of local businesses, including private career schools, to ensure compliance with new policies enacted to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Some schools have learned that public health officials consider "single room or space" bans as per building, not per classroom.
In Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo announced that gatherings of 25 or more people have been banned statewide. Citizens are advised to only leave home for essential errands, such as grocery shopping, getting gas, and visiting the pharmacy. While public transit remains open, citizens should take care not to board a bus with 25 people on it already, the governor said, and instead wait for the next one.
In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17th and effective until April 6th.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed a new executive order that revises the previously enacted prohibition on large gatherings to a capacity of 50 people.
NEPCSA has learned that public health officials in some states are conducting inspections of local businesses, including private career schools, to ensure compliance with new policies enacted to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Some schools have learned that public health officials consider "single room or space" bans as per building, not per classroom.
In Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo announced that gatherings of 25 or more people have been banned statewide. Citizens are advised to only leave home for essential errands, such as grocery shopping, getting gas, and visiting the pharmacy. While public transit remains open, citizens should take care not to board a bus with 25 people on it already, the governor said, and instead wait for the next one.
In Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17th and effective until April 6th.
In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed a new executive order that revises the previously enacted prohibition on large gatherings to a capacity of 50 people.
CAREERCONN 2020 State’s Largest Career and Occupational Expo Being Rescheduled
COVID-19 concerns prompt officials to postpone March 19th gathering that was expected to attract over 1,600 students, adult learners & veterans.
HARTFORD, CONN (March 10, 2020) Organizers of the inaugural CareerCONN2020 announced Tuesday that they are postponing the March 19th Expo at the Dunkin’ Donuts Park amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The decision follows Governor Lamont’s recent directive to all state agencies to postpone events that involve bringing together more than 100 individuals. Over 1,600 high school students from 40 school systems plus adult learners and veterans and 35 occupational schools from across the state
Read More...
HARTFORD, CONN (March 10, 2020) Organizers of the inaugural CareerCONN2020 announced Tuesday that they are postponing the March 19th Expo at the Dunkin’ Donuts Park amid concerns about the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. The decision follows Governor Lamont’s recent directive to all state agencies to postpone events that involve bringing together more than 100 individuals. Over 1,600 high school students from 40 school systems plus adult learners and veterans and 35 occupational schools from across the state
Read More...
COVID-19 Resources and Webinars from CECU
March 2020
Career Education Colleges and Universities launched an information webpage for institutions responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19). CECU’s Coronavirus webpage includes a multitude of helpful resources to assist higher education leaders understand the various legal and operational implications of temporarily closing a campus or adapting courses to online learning.
"Responding to COVID-19: What postsecondary career schools need to know now"
March 19th | 2:00pm EST
Presenters: Steve Gunderson, President and CEO, CECU; Steve Gonzalez, Senior VP of Government, Military, and Veteran Relations, CECU; Nicholas Kent, Senior VP of Policy and Research, CECU
Description: As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact America’s schools, institutions of higher education have been inundated with communications from Congress, Executive Branch agencies, states, accreditors, and other organizations.* Much of this information is intended to provide temporary flexibilities and outline best practices to help alleviate disruptions to students, faculty, and staff; however, many questions remain. Join CECU for this timely webinar to breakdown what postsecondary career schools need to know to limit the impact of COVID-19 on their campus communities. Topics include transitioning students to online learning, managing hands-on practica and experiential learning, protecting student privacy, and understanding the potential impact to GI Bill benefits. Although time is allotted for live Q&A, attendees are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to communications@career.org.
Register Here
Career Education Colleges and Universities launched an information webpage for institutions responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19). CECU’s Coronavirus webpage includes a multitude of helpful resources to assist higher education leaders understand the various legal and operational implications of temporarily closing a campus or adapting courses to online learning.
"Responding to COVID-19: What postsecondary career schools need to know now"
March 19th | 2:00pm EST
Presenters: Steve Gunderson, President and CEO, CECU; Steve Gonzalez, Senior VP of Government, Military, and Veteran Relations, CECU; Nicholas Kent, Senior VP of Policy and Research, CECU
Description: As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to impact America’s schools, institutions of higher education have been inundated with communications from Congress, Executive Branch agencies, states, accreditors, and other organizations.* Much of this information is intended to provide temporary flexibilities and outline best practices to help alleviate disruptions to students, faculty, and staff; however, many questions remain. Join CECU for this timely webinar to breakdown what postsecondary career schools need to know to limit the impact of COVID-19 on their campus communities. Topics include transitioning students to online learning, managing hands-on practica and experiential learning, protecting student privacy, and understanding the potential impact to GI Bill benefits. Although time is allotted for live Q&A, attendees are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to communications@career.org.
Register Here
February 2020
MaxKnowledge has recently launched a new course in the Online Training Center!
ED144 - Student Empowerment for Learning Success
This course explores the different components of student empowerment and the value that it has in learning success. Student empowerment is a necessary component for students as they transition to and through postsecondary training. Content will be presented that will raise awareness of what student empowerment is and how it can enhance the learning process for students. Strategies are given for enhancing the development of student empowerment that can be implemented both online and onsite.
NEPCSA Members can purchase Enrollment Keys to access this or any Online Course.
MaxKnowledge has recently launched a new course in the Online Training Center!
ED144 - Student Empowerment for Learning Success
This course explores the different components of student empowerment and the value that it has in learning success. Student empowerment is a necessary component for students as they transition to and through postsecondary training. Content will be presented that will raise awareness of what student empowerment is and how it can enhance the learning process for students. Strategies are given for enhancing the development of student empowerment that can be implemented both online and onsite.
NEPCSA Members can purchase Enrollment Keys to access this or any Online Course.