OMB Memorandum

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Office of Postsecondary Education

Accreditation and State Liaison

January 8, 2009

Ms. Sharon Mar

Desk Officer

Office of Management and Budget

Dear Ms. Mar:

We are pleased to submit for your consideration the application for information gathering authority for the Accreditation and State Liaison Unit of the Office of Postsecondary Education.

The information gathered by this unit supports the process of recognition of accrediting agencies by the Secretary of Education. Authority for this activity is found in the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, and is supported by regulations found at 34 CFR 602. Institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the Secretary are eligible to apply to participate in Title IV and other federal student aid programs.

This submission reflects some changes since our last filing. The Department has implemented a web-based template agencies use to submit their petitions for recognition and supporting documentation. This eliminates the need for the agencies to file paper documents in multiple copies. Department staff uses the template to enter their analyses of agency petitions, and members of the Advisory Committee have access to the system to review agency submissions in preparation for the Committee hearing. The new system streamlines record keeping and archiving responsibilities by allowing the easy transfer of electronic documents.

I appreciate your consideration of this request. Please let me know if we can provide any additional information that may expedite your review.

Sincerely,

Nancy C. Regan, Director

Accreditation and State Liaison

1990 K Street, NW , #7105

Washington, DC 20006-8509

Our mission is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation.