MELA Minutes 2023-2024

August 2024, not all submissions have been received, necessitating a focused effort to meet these obligations. Krista proposed a strategic approach to prioritize the review of programs based on student enrollment from outside the state of Mississippi. She emphasized the need to identify programs that may impact enrollments due to non-compliance with state requirements in other states or territories. While acknowledging the eventual need to review all programs, she stressed the urgency of focusing on those with the most significant potential impact. During the discussion, Katherine Puckett raised concerns regarding the requirements for the attestation form and the challenges of ensuring sufficient student understanding and compliance. Krista acknowledged the complexities of this requirement and the lack of clarity provided by the Department. She mentioned ongoing efforts to draft a form that meets the Department's expectations while providing adequate consumer protection for students. Krista clarified that the attestation form must include both standardized fields and a narrative from the student, indicating their current residence and intended employment state. She emphasized the importance of ensuring students understand the implications of their choices and the need for transparency in the process. Regarding regulatory updates, Krista highlighted the implementation of a weekly regulatory roundup communication to provide institutions with timely information and support in navigating compliance requirements. She acknowledged the varying levels of content in these communications but assured attendees of their significance in staying informed about developments in regulatory matters. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue collaborative efforts to address