June 4, 2020

NEPCSA news + updates

Matthew Keigan, Executive Director of Engineers, Architects and Occupational Schools within the Division of Professional Licensure, issued an update regarding school openings in Massachusetts on May 29th. 

It read:

As you all now, Governor Baker released a four-phase approach to opening businesses that have closed their physical locations in accordance with COVID-19 Order No. 13. Occupational schools, including cosmetology and barbering schools, were not part of the Phase 1 re-opening.

I am writing to inform you that effective May 29, 2020, occupational schools, including cosmetology and barbering schools, are now allowed to permit staff to re-enter their physical school locations for the limited purpose of setting up online training, or preparing the facility and staff to resume classes that have not been offered due to the closure of occupational schools. Until further notice, students are still not allowed to be physically present in or at any school location, and may only participate in training or classes virtually.

Occupational schools who choose to allow their employees back into their physical locations for the purposes outlined above, must comply with the requirements for Safety Standard for Office Spaces and Mandatory Safety Standards for work places. These standards may be found online at:



The goal of the Governor's four-phase reopening plan is to allow businesses, services, and activities to resume while avoiding a resurgence of COVID-19 that could overwhelm our healthcare system, and erase the progress we've made so far.

Previous guidance issued from DPL included conditions regarding continued operations related to COVID-19 for occupational schools that were designated as essential services. That information can be read in full  here .

NEPCSA is working diligently with association leadership to get clarification on these guidelines to determine when private career schools can open again in Massachusetts.

Washington, D.C. -- President Donald Trump issued his 8th veto, H.J. Res. 76, a resolution to overturn a September 2019 regulation issued by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that puts students first and holds post-secondary institutions accountable in a fair and balanced approach. In response, Steve Gunderson, President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities released the following statement:

The Trump Administration's borrower defense rule will protect student borrowers, hold post-secondary institutions accountable, and provide financial protections to taxpayers. Under the new rule, if an institution harms or defrauds a student, including student veterans, it will be held responsible, and the impacted student will be made whole again. The smear campaigns against the administration and the new rule were orchestrated by policymakers and organizations who seek to harm our sector. Allowing for an Obama-era regulation to stand and weaponized by those individuals who seek to advance a partisan agenda at any cost is wrong.

CECU cannot thank President Trump and Secretary DeVos enough for the balanced outcome.

In issuing his first domestic policy veto, President Trump and Secretary DeVos establish a clear and balanced standard for transparency to both the student and post-secondary institution. The veto also will work of the administration's Borrower Defense and Financial Responsibility rulemaking committee.

For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Steve Gonzalez, Senior Vice President of Government, Military, and Veteran Relations at steve.gonzalez@career.org.

Catherine Flaherty | Executive Director

Katie Burke | Program Coordinator

Karen Flynn | Administrative Assistant

New England Private Career School Association (NEPCSA)

11 Robert Toner Blvd., # 234

North Attleboro, MA 02763

Phone: 508-695-3919

www.nepcsa.org