September 28, 2021
As information and events continue to rapidly unfold related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at DEAC trust that you and yours are keeping safe and well. The spread of the coronavirus will continue to cause major disruptions. We are thinking about you and how to more flexibly support DEAC institutions and programs. Please know that DEAC is fully operational while staff telework from home. You may contact us any time via email or reach us or at the DEAC main phone line at (202) 234-5100.
DEAC's paramount concern during the ongoing global pandemic is the health and safety of our evaluators, our institutional partners, and our staff. As we return to in person on-site evaluations, DEAC will continue to monitor travel guidance from credible sources, such as the CDC and World Health Organization. DEAC evaluators are asked to participate in on-site evaluations on a voluntary basis. We have developed Covid-Related Travel Health and Safety Protocols for our on-site evaluations, which will apply to our volunteer evaluators, as well as our staff members. Please click here to view/download a copy of the DEAC Covid-Related Travel Health and Safety Protocol (On-Site Evaluations).
Additionally, all evaluators participating in an on-site evaluation are required to sign a Covid 19 vaccination attestation and liability waiver ahead of the on-site evaluation. A copy of the waiver shall be distributed to evaluators via Docusign, and you can click here to read a copy of the Covid 19 vaccination attestation and liability waiver.
2020 On-site evaluation schedule
DEAC's Director of Accreditation, Nan Ridgeway, is contacting institutions that are anticipating visits for Spring and Fall 2020 to review options for the on-site evaluation schedule. DEAC understands institutions are making adjustments to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, faculty and staff. We appreciate hearing from institutions about any changes that need coordination with DEAC in view of the standards of accreditation. The USDE Office of Postsecondary Education offered guidance to accreditors regarding on-site evaluations that DEAC is reviewing carefully. We will keep all institutions informed of any changes to DEAC procedures that may result from these guidelines.
Guidance and resources
DEAC institutions, especially those that participate in Federal Student Financial Aid programs, should review the following resources for important guidance and information.
UPDATED December 22, 2020: Summary of H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
Provided by Card and Associates
December 15, 2020: Federal Register: Federal Student Aid Programs (Student Assistance General Provisions, Federal Perkins Loan Program, William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, and Federal-Work Study Programs)
December 15, 2020: Summary of Major Provisions in the December 11, 2020 Federal Register
Provided by Card and Associates
June 22, 2020: COVID-19 Guidance for Postsecondary Institutions
Provided by Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville PC
COVID-19 Planning Guide and Self-Assessment for Higher Education
Provided by CHEA, Johns Hopkins University and Tuscany Strategy, this website provides resources to support safer higher education operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CARE Act Stimulus Program for Higher Education
May 15, 2020: Guidance for Interruptions of Study Related to COVID-19
COVID-19 Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel
COVID-19 and Forbearance Information for Borrowers
Summary of the Higher Education-related Provisions of the Cares Act
May 22, 2020: COVID-19 Guidance for Postsecondary Institutions Summarized by PPS&V
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Potential Procedural Adaptations for F and M Nonimmigrant Students
U.S. Department of Education Requires Public Disclosure of CARES Student Grant Use, Inviting Scrutiny for Schools
U.S. Department of Education Guidance on Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEER) Fund Reporting- Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students
FAQs: HEER Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act