Bill to Regulate "Diploma Mills" Would Create Classical Ombuds

The California State Assembly considered a bill (SB 823) to re-establish regulations on private for-profit postsecondary schools including so-called “diploma mills,” that serve an estimated 400,000 students. The bill, called the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2007, was introduced because a previous regulatory act had lapsed, leaving the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE). Along with re-establishing the BPPVE, the bill establishes the position of ombudsperson to act as an intermediary between students and schools. In addition, the ombudsperson would review and comment on proposed legislation and bureau reports, and make recommendations for an independent monitor. (California Progress Report; Text of SB 823.)