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BPPE: new Connect platform, licensing backlog shrinking but delays persist
Summary
BPPE staff told the advisory committee the bureau is on target to complete data conversion to a new licensing platform called Connect and that licensing backlogs, particularly for unaccredited full applications, have driven long approval timelines; staff reported process fixes and outreach plans.
BPPE staff told the advisory committee that the bureau is on track to finish conversion from its legacy system (SAIL) to a new platform called Connect, and that the conversion is expected to deliver clearer workflow visibility, online fee payments and an online Student Tuition Recovery Fund/STRF submission process.
"We're on target for what Debbie reported last meeting of spring of this year for three major business outcomes: complete data conversion onto our new platform called Connect, as well as online annual fee payments and quarterly STRF submission," said Jason Piccione, chief information officer for the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Manilla Bongmini, deputy bureau chief over administration and licensing, told the committee the bureau is reviewing application processing timelines and that a backlog in new non‑accredited (full) applications significantly raised the average time-to-approval for this category in the quarter under review. "There is a backlog issue, and we are looking closely at all of the data within the teams," Bongmini said. She said some applications had been "stuck" and are now being completed, which raised averages because of long-outstanding outliers.
Committee members pressed for metrics that will show how long applications spend in each party's queue. Piccione and Bongmini said Connect should provide the needed workflow flags to measure the time an application spends at specific steps and with responsible parties. A committee member requested future reports that show the top 30% fastest cases so institutions can see "what good looks like" when they submit complete files.
The bureau's Quality of Education Unit (QEU) reported modest accreditation changes: one institution became accredited by TRACS and the total count of accredited institutions rose to 71, with other institutions surrendering degree programs or moving through accreditation. Ebony Santee, education administrator for QEU, said there are 97 schools currently in the unit's inventory for degree program statuses (accredited, surrendered, closed, exempt or suspended).
Committee members and bureau staff discussed the interdependence of licensing and the QEU, noting that unaccredited applications require review by both licensing and education specialists, which can lengthen timelines. Bureau leaders said recent management transitions created opportunity to reexamine business processes and align resources to reduce approval times.
Ending: Staff committed to reporting back with more granular performance metrics once Connect is operational and with an example of the "shortest 30%" of cases so stakeholders can see realistic timelines for well-prepared applications.
