Negotiated rule‑making dates are set and federal accreditation reform is moving onto institutional agendas as the U.S. Department of Education prepares regulatory changes. Inside Higher Ed’s podcast previewed the negotiated‑rulemaking topics the Department is likely to press, and the CHEA/CIQG annual conference convened accreditors, campus leaders and policymakers to debate modernization and accountability. Speakers included CHEA President Nasser H. Paydar and Under Secretary Nicholas Kent, who signalled the Department’s interest in revisiting accreditation policy to emphasize student outcomes and transparency. Participants described a possible policy window for targeted reforms but urged measured engagement to avoid unintended compliance burdens for institutions and accreditors.