Traci Lee

Traci Lee

About me

I currently serve as the Vice President of Business Solutions for Bridgepoint Education. In my present role, I provide guidance to the company's ground based and online colleges to optimize their operations while staying within regulatory guidelines.

I have over 22 years of experience in the education industry. My experience encompasses virtually all aspects of the education business, including admissions, financial aid, academics, career services, and management of multi-campus operations. I’ve held senior level management positions at Career Education Corporation, MedVance Institute and the University of Phoenix (Apollo Group) as well as providing consulting services to a multitude of colleges and universities during my tenure with Campus Management Corporation.

My focus has been on campus start ups, regulatory compliance, process improvement, and operational oversight of multiple campus colleges, including international campuses. I recognize the challenges of working in a highly regulated environment that has grown more complex as companies have expanded operations, either organically or through acquisition, to include multiple regulatory bodies and governing oversight entities.

I hold a B.S. degree in Business from Arizona State University and an M.A. degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. I have completed the Apollo Group's Executive Development Program and the Career College Association's (now APSCU) Leadership Institute.

Activity

Discussion Comment
Annette, I like your approach to the realities of an audit aligning with the life cycle of a student thru the college. It keeps the focus on the purpose of our institutions rather than on the regulations themselves. Thanks for sharing! Traci Lee
Kara, Excellent points. It's also important that all materials are consistent and aligned - information in such marketing materials should match what is provided in disclosures, annual reports, and other places where such information is stated. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Kara, Good summary of areas to review in preparation for an audit. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Sara, I think it's important to communicate any known inadequacies to management. For the areas one may be unfamiliar with, I suggest staying current with relevant information from trusted sources including associations that the school belongs to and networking with colleagues thru state, accreditation, and other respected organizations. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
treva, I have seen some schools track the added costs of managing to certain regulations, which ultimately can drive costs to students which seems in conflict with the stated intention of such regulations. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Tim, Well stated. As schools commit to continuous improvement efforts, there is reduced opportunity for any weaknesses to be exploited with the commitment to do things right. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Sara, I agree that community involvement offers "win-win" for all parties. Students (and employees) should consider community involvement as a means toward professional development. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Jennifer, Well stated - a good audit response can be understood by anyone without knowing the details of this history of the finding/observation. Traci Lee
Allison, Great points! In addition to student files and documents, consider any printouts including reports from student information systems, spreadsheets, etc. that are sometimes printed for reference. I have often seen schools that are meticulous about securing files forget to address such printouts laying around the campus on desks, in trash cans (vs. shredding bins) and other vulnerable places. Traci Lee
Discussion Comment
Mary, I completely concur! Internal auditors should be viewed as partners with the campuses and departments to establish and improve processes to ensure compliance. But, a "gotcha" approach is not conducive to that kind of relationship. Fortunately, when I worked in an internal audit department, our Director made every attempt to establish relationships that were perceived as helpful vs. an attempt to "catch" schools doing something wrong. Some people were still cautious with us but, the majority were cooperative and viewed our audits as beneficial to long term success. Traci Lee

End of Content

End of Content