Updated: Thursday, September 17th, 2009

The challenges and opportunities of distance learning and the pursuit of online degrees will be the subject of discussions on regulation next month.

The October 13 meeting of the President's Forum, a collaboration of distance learning leaders from across the country, will focus on methods of multi-state regulation of distance learning and online higher education. The meeting is intended to foster better communication and interstate cooperation on online education regulation to ensure only accredited programs reach potential students.

The session, organized by Excelsior College and funded by a grant from the Lumina Foundation for Education, will be held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC.

John F. Ebersole, president of Excelsior College, said that this session aims to address "an increase in concern for protecting the public interest from illegitimate programs."

Ebersole adds that "this response means legitimate institutions are increasingly being challenged by multiple jurisdictions to address a patch-work of individual state regulations," an issue the conference aims to resolve.

Accredited associates and bachelors programs exist for those wishing to purse an online degree. Studies have shown that salaries of those with college degrees consistently surpass the earnings of those without higher education.

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