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

Brian - I am glad to hear I am not the only one who actually enjoys this stuff! I think the challenge these days on keeping up to speed on regulatory changes is the many entities that a college may have to monitor for such changes. For example, online colleges are sometimes subject to regulations for the states in which their students reside, depending on how they handle their recruitment and operations. With a lot of changes occurring at a state level, in addition to the federal and accrediting body updates, it can be a lot to stay current on.… >>>

Discussion Comment
You bring up good items, Lisa. In addition to meeting with the management team, it's also good to communicate with all staff on how to address/direct questions as certain external regulators will ask questions of any staff they encounter.
Excellent points, Alan. In this dynamic industry, changes occur frequently and as such could impact exemption status. Since labor law is a tricky area, it may require reliance on an external resource to ensure compliance.

Great question, Kathleen. I would love to see others respond with ideas and suggestions. While I prefer to manage by rewarding good behavior, I think that violations like this need to be treated with appropriate consequences. Such breaches should be disciplined accordingly. On the "encouraging good behavior" side, I would suggest making compliance as easy as possible. For example, if there is a common shredder that is not convenient, you may consider small, individual shredders that can be at every desk beside a trash can. They are relatively inexpensive and far better than the consequences. For cabinet keys, keeping the… >>>

Discussion Comment

I think each audit becomes a "lessons learned" opportunity to continually improve for subsequent reviews. I applaud your commitment to have this ready for your next audit, Kathleen! As for other areas, I think the same diligent review in advance is advisable. Finding and resolving discrepancies prior to, vs. following, an audit can save a lot of time, effort and headaches. Even in a young institution, you may have some individuals with some insight to what areas to look for during a review. Various accreditors and federal websites may also have good checklists to review based on typical audit findings.… >>>

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Yes, Catherine. the validation of correction is critical and all employees need to have compliance as part of their responsibilities as it hits all departments.
I completely agree that marketing communications are critical since these messages are published externally to mass audiences and particularly subject to scrutiny.
Discussion Comment
Peter - do you maintain a "checklist" type process for processing files? And, how would you handle the follow up on missing paperwork - in particular, what kind of deadlines would you set for obtaining missing documents and, if these are required to come from students, what would be the consequences of not receiving the documents? (i.e. would the students have to be dropped or any other "penalty"?)
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The challenge for some is that they don't use media outlets but, the media "finds them" when there is a negative issue.
Discussion Comment
I think it's important that schools attempt to provide the media with the "good news" messages. Although not as "exciting" for them to publish, if they have space, these positive messages may make it in, which helps.

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