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MCC Daily Tribune

Federal Compliance Response Committee Update

Our Federal Compliance Response Committee (FCRC) continues to meet weekly to monitor and evaluate emerging and evolving compliance requirements. As an advisory body to me and the Executive Leadership Team, the FCRC plays a vital role in helping the College anticipate and prepare for change. The committee provides timely updates related to developments from federal, state, SUNY, and other governing bodies—including tracking Executive Orders as they are released.

Regulation Updates that Affect Higher Education Webpage

As I mentioned in my last update, to stay current with the changes facing higher education institutions nationwide, the FCRC has developed a centralized webpage with updates on compliance requirements, proposed changes, and responses from respected organizations like SUNY, the American Association of Community Colleges, and the Association of Governing Boards. This webpage is now live and may be found at - Regulation updates that affect higher education

As is their practice, the FCRC continues to discuss a range of topics related to changes or potential changes in the field of higher education. Recently, the committee discussed the potential impact of volatile tariffs and the resumption of defaulted student loan collections, which could impact students, staff, and the College as a whole.

They considered that tariffs may result in reduced buying power and increased financial pressure on students and staff—affecting their ability to meet basic needs, negatively influencing physical and mental health, widening the digital divide, and leading to lower retention rates. At the institutional level, we must be prepared to navigate rising costs and mounting demands across key departments such as Facilities, Technology Services, Financial Aid, and the MCC Association.

Institutional Accreditation

Another topic explored by the FCRC is the Executive Order related to accreditation reform, particularly as Monroe Community College (MCC) is engaged in the accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE has issued two statements, dated February 24, 2025 and April 25, 2025. The FCRC and the Executive Leadership Team continue to monitor any proposed changes to MSCHE or other accrediting bodies' standards, including those with DEI components. In keeping with guidance from SUNY and in accordance with our missions, vision, and values, MCC is not making any adjustments to our accreditation reporting work at this time. This approach aligns with MSCHE guidance, and MCC will continue to comply with all New York State and Federal laws.

Title IX Compliance

The FCRC also discussed issues related to Title IX compliance. While the law remains in effect, the federal government is expected to reassign enforcement responsibilities away from the Department of Education to another agency/office. As our policy and procedure undergo their scheduled five-year review, we will ensure that MCC continues to remain fully compliant.

Artificial Intelligence Education and Modernizing America’s Workforce Executive Orders

While some Executive Orders may pose challenges for MCC, others may present opportunities—such as those focused on promoting artificial intelligence education, modernizing the nation's workforce development programs, and expanding registered apprenticeship initiatives.

The Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth directive opens the door for MCC to support K-12 teachers and students by providing resources focused on foundational AI literacy and critical thinking. It also presents an opportunity for MCC to develop AI-related programs to prepare future educators for emerging roles in AI within the K-12 education system.

The Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future order asks the Secretaries of Labor, Education, and Commerce to review all federal workforce development programs and submit a report of their findings within 90 days of the order. They must also submit proposals aimed at reaching 1 million new active apprentices within the next 6 months. As a result, community colleges may be able to expand their offerings of high-paying skilled trades and apprenticeship programs - a possibility MCC's Executive Leadership Team is actively exploring.

Conclusion

We acknowledge that uncertainties surrounding various Federal actions have been unsettling for many of our employees and students. Rest assured that MCC’s administration is taking proactive steps to understand and determine the path forward in collaboration with our labor and shared governance partners, as well as external partners in the public and private sectors.

As the President of MCC, I continue to engage in active advocacy on behalf of our College community on the local, state, and national levels—the work of the FCRC supports those efforts. I again thank both FCRC members for their hard work and the College community for its continued dedication to our students and to each other. As we face the challenges and uncertainty before us, we do so with the knowledge that our community continues to demonstrate a commitment to our mission and one another.

DeAnna Burt-Nanna
Office of the President
05/20/2025