The Future of Higher Ed Is Uncertain—But The Bookmark Remains Essential
Higher education is facing an increasingly tenuous federal landscape, with efforts to drastically reshape the U.S. Department of Education gaining traction. Regulatory uncertainty has left some colleges and universities wondering whether tracking professional licensure requirements will remain a necessity.
Let’s be clear: The Bookmark is more critical than ever.
Why Regulatory Uncertainty Doesn’t Mean Regulatory Irrelevance
Some institutions are hesitant to invest in licensure tracking and compliance, assuming that potential regulatory rollbacks might make it unnecessary. But that assumption is risky.
Here’s why:
Title IV licensure regulations are still in effect. Institutions are still required to certify that programs meet educational requirements for licensure and disclose information to prospective students and students. (34 CFR § 668.14(b), 34 CFR § 668.43(a)(5)(v) , and 34 CFR § 668.43(c))
Regulatory change isn’t immediate. Even if federal regulations shift, dismantling the Higher Education Act—where these requirements originate—requires an act of Congress. That’s a slow, complex process with no guaranteed outcome.
These requirements aren’t new. The licensure disclosure regulations were introduced in 2020 under the first Trump administration and have remained in place ever since, regardless of political shifts.
Other policies still exist. State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) policy 5.2 currently requires institutions to disclose information for all Title IV programs. This responsibility will be extended to non-Title IV programs beginning July 1, 2025.
Students still need this information. Even if federal mandates weaken, institutions still bear the responsibility of ensuring students are prepared for licensure and employment in their chosen fields.
Access to Experts Who Track and Navigate Change for You
With so much uncertainty surrounding the future of higher education regulations, institutions need real-time insights from trusted professionals who are deeply engaged in the policy landscape. As a member of The Bookmark, you don’t have to navigate these potential changes alone.
HELP has a team of experienced professionals who are closely tracking shifts in policy, proposed regulatory changes, and legislative actions that could impact licensure compliance. Through your membership, you gain:
✅ Direct access to experts who understand compliance inside and out
✅ Timely updates and analysis on federal and state-level regulatory changes
✅ Strategic guidance on what’s coming next and how to proactively adapt
Rather than reacting to changes after they happen, HELP ensures that Bookmark members stay ahead of the curve, prepared for any potential shifts in licensure requirements and compliance obligations.
The Bookmark: Your Trusted Guide Through Uncertainty
In times of change, higher education leaders need expert guidance, reliable compliance tools, and a proactive strategy—not a wait-and-see approach.
As a member of The Bookmark, you gain access to:
✅ Regulatory updates and insights from subject matter experts
✅ A trusted compliance tool for tracking and managing licensure requirements
✅ Support navigating changes at the U.S. Department of Education, NC-SARA and beyond
Higher education compliance isn’t going away—it’s evolving. The institutions that stay ahead of these changes will be the ones best positioned to serve their students and remain in compliance, no matter what happens in Washington.
Don’t let uncertainty leave you unprepared. The Bookmark is here to help—now more than ever.