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

Carly, Great point on the importance of recognizing that notes recorded should be done professionally! As for documentation from internal audits, I will be anxious to see other responses for best practices. I have seen some schools protect internal audit reports themselves by including an attorney or internal counsel with appropriate disclaimers on those documents. Any resulting actions tied to specific student records would likely follow standard protocols for updating the file accordingly. For example, if a finding required refunding some amount of money to a student or for Title IV funds, there should be some inclusion of a reference… >>>

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Allison, Well said! I think a commitment to corrective action and applying lessons learned helps demonstrate a commitment to ethics, compliance and accuracy. Traci Lee
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Paul, It is frustrating that the very source of comments about needing trained students are quick to call out problems. I like when I see schools submit positive press releases - graduation results, highlights of a successful grad, etc. that end up being published to offset some of the negative publicity. Traci Lee
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Peter, Excellent point that different issues may require a longer term horizon to rectify whereas others may be addressed more promptly. Good suggestion to break them down into these different time frames for corrective action. Traci Lee
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Amanda, I agree with the need to focus on the more complicated processes but have also seen that some of what would seem "simple" can be the most problematic for schools. Traci Lee
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Alexander , You are so right - the viral potential with today's media options has changed the impact and timing of issues which may arise. Traci Lee
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Amanda, Well stated - definitely pros and cons to some of what schools are experiencing. Traci Lee
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Kristen, Good point about how various television shows and celebrities has influenced education. I have heard from several employees at culinary schools about how food related channels and celebrity chefs have positively impacted their schools. It's a good reminder that when we get consumed with some of the negative side that there is also a positive opportunity for many schools and programs based on current trends, expanded media options, etc. Traci Lee
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Ceola, Great point on the contact information! I have seen many schools struggle with processes and policies to ensure having current contact info on students. If anyone reading this has a good "best practice" that works well, please share it here! Traci Lee
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Ceola, I completely agree with your suggestions. Staying on top of things and conducting internal "surprise audits" ensures that there in constant attention on at-risk areas. Traci Lee

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