University of Kentucky®
The University of Kentucky is proud to announce two significant accolades recognizing its pioneering work in the field of distance education compliance. These awards from the State Authorization Network (SAN) highlight UK’s commitment to setting new standards and ensuring transparency and effectiveness in educational processes.
The awards recognize two innovative projects — the formation of a workflow system that involved numerous departments and resources to streamline the global compliance research and approval processes, and the launch of a triple-level compliance screening process integrated into the university’s application systems to comply with new federal regulations regarding certification procedures effective July 1, 2024. Both projects have led to streamlined workflows and the necessary documentation and communication of students’ locations of study that impact programs and students who engage in distance learning activities.
“I’m especially proud of our team and their proactive approach to monitoring changing regulations, exploring proactive solutions, and implementing workflows that best serve the interests of our students and the institution,” said Miranda Hines, Distance Learning Associate Director.
Hines credits the team’s commitment to having collaborative and transparent discussions with colleagues and external experts as the key factor in the successful implementation of these strategies.
SANsantional Awards
The Compliance Innovations Award recognizes UK's Global Compliance Project for its comprehensive achievements. The project formed the Distance Learning Global Compliance Research Group, which includes members from UK Online, Information Technology Services, University Financial Services, and the Office of Legal Counsel. Through collaboration with key campus partners—such as Institutional Research, Analytics & Decision Support (IRADS), and Enterprise Salesforce Operations—the project established new industry standards, including a framework for distance learning global compliance research, a content management system to streamline research documentation and approvals, and user-friendly dashboards for both public and internal use.
“This project has allowed us to expand online program offerings from 9 countries to nearly 170 countries and provides legal guidance for colleges to offer online programs overseas,” said Ping Jiang, Ph.D., Assistant Director for Distance Learning Compliance, who serves as the project manager on this effort.
The Licensure Programs Award was given for UK’s Certification Procedures Planning Project, which was developed in response to new federal regulations and introduced a triple-level compliance screening process integrated into the university’s application systems. This screening process allows prospective students to verify their enrollment eligibility before submitting an application, preventing unexpected enrollment restrictions and safeguarding their educational journey.
The impact of this work is significant and was made possible by the collaboration of key campus partners, including UK Online - Distance Learning, Information Technology Services, Institutional Research, Analytics & Decision Support, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Graduate School, professional schools, the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, Enterprise Salesforce Operations, and all licensure programs.
“The Certification Procedures Planning Project ensures that the UK’s professional licensure programs maintain Title IV eligibility and comply with relevant federal regulations,” explains Jiang.
A Testament to Innovation and Collaboration
These awards reflect the University of Kentucky’s dedication to excellence and innovation in distance learning compliance. By developing and implementing forward-thinking solutions, UK has not only navigated the challenges presented by the pandemic and new regulations, but has also set a benchmark for institutions nationwide.
The university’s efforts exemplify how collaboration and innovation can drive positive change and improve the educational landscape. As UK continues to lead by example, it remains committed to advancing industry standards and ensuring a transparent and effective educational environment for students across the globe.
