In January 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced its intent to establish the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) negotiated rulemaking committee. The committee is charged with developing proposed regulations governing accreditation, including recognition of emerging and existing accreditors, student achievement standards, and other priorities outlined in Executive Order 14279. The Department has now released the committee’s draft regulations and a summary of proposed changes.

The draft regulations would significantly revise the standards accreditors apply to member institutions. Proposed revisions would address student achievement, cost efficiencies, academic freedom, and First Amendment compliance, among other topics. The draft regulations would also prohibit representatives from member institutions from participating in accreditor decision-making bodies, including Commissions.

The proposals are not final and will continue to be refined through the negotiated rulemaking process, followed by a period of public comment before any regulations are finalized. The AIM committee will convene for two sessions in Washington, D.C., beginning April 13-17, 2026 and again May 18–22, 2026. Register to watch the sessions here.

WSCUC is closely monitoring the rulemaking process and will share a summary of negotiations after the first and second sessions.