Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI) participated in public testimony before the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education on May 21. Vickie Schray, Bridgepoint Education’s senior vice president of regulatory affairs & public policy, offered oral testimony and submitted written testimony to address the Department’s plan to convene another round of negotiated rulemaking.

“Bridgepoint Education’s academic institutions provide higher education opportunities to many non-traditional students who were not being served by other universities,” Schray said. “It’s critical that the needs of these underserved students are considered when the Department of Education considers new rules and regulations.”

Schray’s testimony focused on the Department of Education’s intention to hold negotiated rulemaking sessions over the next several years to address access to higher education, possible steps to improve the quality of higher education in the United States, and methods to encourage students to complete their education.

“We agree that there is a need to address these issues as there is a growing demand for higher education, especially from non-traditional students who want even greater options in the delivery of high-quality education,” Schray testified. “There is a continued call for increased accountability – for all institutions – and we are witnessing a major shift in policy from access to success with an emphasis on education and employment outcomes.”

Schray also commended the Department of Education for taking a collaborative approach in addressing issues and seeking input from educational institutions. She encouraged the Department to continue to engage the higher education community in a national dialogue regarding regulatory challenges.

About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master’s and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.