IBHE Launches New Consumer Protection Website

              Contact: Don Sevener, 217.557.7334
Cell: 217.836.7395
sevener@ibhe.org
January 20, 2006
IBHE LAUNCHES NEW CONSUMER PROTECTION WEBSITE
SPRINGFIELD – Students looking for the best college option to fit their needs –
including tips to identify diploma mills and other consumer fraud – have a valuable new tool:
www.ibhe.org.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) today launched a revamped website
highlighted by a consumer information guide to help students navigate the sometimes daunting
array of higher education opportunities.
“Higher education is more important today for more and more of our citizens than it’s
ever been before,” Judy Erwin, Executive Director of the Board of Higher Education, says. “At
the same time, the higher education la ndscape has changed dramatically in recent years, and our
new website is an attempt to assist students and others in making wise and informed choices
through a user-friendly environment designed to make them smarter consumers.”
The web guide includes a listing of key questions and issues for students to consider
when shopping for a college, including information about:
· Why college is increasingly important and what to expect from the collegiate
experience,
· What kinds of financial aid programs are available and how to apply for student
assistance,
· How higher education institutions differ in mission and purpose and what types of
degrees, fields of study, and academic programs they offer,
· How accreditation is different from state approval of programs, and why each is
useful in evaluating institutions and academic offerings,
· What distance learning opportunities are available and how to access them, and
· How to seek accommodations for students with disabilities and what to do if you
have a complaint about a college or university.
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