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
Crhistine - Looking at your items from the eyes of an auditor is a great approach. What would you do if you find something unacceptable prior to the audit?
Madeline - I agree, creating this culture is key and it must start at the top!
Susan - As you noted, there are a lot of rules and regulations to follow. Sometimes the challenge is when the various regulations are not in exact alignment, and staying current on the regulations, which are subject to change. It's also important to remember that the accrediting bodies hold insitutuions accountable for enforcing their stated policy - even if the policy is beyond the scope of their regulations.
Discussion Comment
Excellent point, Shannon. You are right - the focus can be so much on response to the audit team versus the individuals responsible for implementing the action plans. This is a good point to keep in mind!!
Discussion Comment
Shannon - two really important points in your comment: First, the dedicated team makes for emhpasizing this priority. Second, the variety of disciplines represented helps cover the vast areas that must be audited.
Barbara - you are right - it's hard to pick just one area when all are important.
Brandi - I am definitely a big advocate of such training. Can you share what kind of training you provide to employees at your institution with regard to such compliance issues?
Discussion Comment
Barbara - I completely agree. The challenge is sometimes HOW to present findings without coming across in an accusatory manner. Do you have a strategy for how to present findings to come across in your positive manner?
DeMario - I have also heard reps say things that they should not. As painful as it can be to hear it, some form of "mystery shopping" or, using a system that records calls (with the appropriate disclosures) can be beneficial. First, if they know they are being recorded, they may be more "on guard" with what they say. Second, it immediately identifies those that say things they shouldn't. Then you can narrow down what is being said wrong due to lack of training and what requires other means of resolution.
Discussion Comment
Linda - I like the idea of 100% compliance everyday. It makes for much easier preparation when there is a regulatory visit.

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