Post-Secondary Education Resources
Learn more about the legal and regulatory issues that affect higher education operations by discovering The Bruman Group’s relevant trainings and publications, helpful summaries of education laws, and links to government documentation.
Overview of Relevant Laws & Programs
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (CTE)
The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, most recently reauthorized as Perkins V, is the primary federal law supporting career and technical education (CTE) for secondary and postsecondary students.
Our firm partners with state agencies, colleges, and technical institutions to provide legal guidance that supports effective implementation, ensures compliance, and promotes innovation in workforce-aligned education. Our Firm’s CTE experts support clients on all components of Perkins V program administration, including requirements surrounding special populations, biennial updates to the comprehensive local needs assessment, State and federal monitoring of subgrantees, methods of administration civil rights obligations, drafting memoranda of understanding, and more.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the cornerstone of the federal workforce development system. It provides funding and structure for employment, education, training, and support services aimed at helping job seekers—especially those facing barriers—access high-quality jobs, while supporting employers in hiring and retaining skilled workers.
We provide legal counsel that is responsive, strategic, and grounded in the realities of workforce development. Our services include clarifying board roles, responsibilities, and appointment procedures; advising on regional planning and alignment with state workforce strategies; supporting the development of bylaws, charters, and governance policies; preparing clients for audits, monitoring visits, and performance reviews; offering support on subrecipient oversight and cost allocation strategies; representing agencies in disputes related to funding, eligibility, or service delivery; and responding to findings from federal or state oversight bodies.
Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA)
The Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), reauthorized under Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is the primary federal law supporting adult education and literacy programs. AEFLA empowers states and local providers to deliver foundational education, English language instruction, and career pathway services to adults seeking economic self-sufficiency and civic engagement.
Our firm partners with AEFLA grantees to provide legal guidance that strengthens program integrity, supports innovation, and ensures alignment with federal and state requirements. Our attorneys advise on eligibility, allowable uses of funds, and program design; how grantees can ensure alignment with WIOA core programs and labor market needs; drafting partnership agreements and MOUs with service providers; monitoring and audit preparation; cost allocation, procurement, and subrecipient monitoring; intake, eligibility, and assessment procedures; and integrated education and training (IET) and career pathways.
The Higher Education Act (HEA)
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) is the foundational federal law governing postsecondary education in the United States. Enacted as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society agenda, the HEA was designed to strengthen the educational resources of colleges and universities and expand access to higher education through financial assistance and institutional support. Today, the HEA authorizes a wide range of programs that impact nearly every aspect of higher education—from student financial aid and teacher preparation to institutional development and international education.
Our Firm offers tailored legal counsel to help colleges and universities manage their responsibilities under the HEA and related federal laws, including strategic regulatory guidance, support with policy development and institutional governance, program compliance, risk management and investigations, and training and capacity building.
Federal Student Aid
Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA) authorizes the federal government’s primary student financial aid programs, which serve as the backbone of college affordability in the United States. These programs provide grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to millions of students annually, and are administered through participating institutions of higher education.
Our firm partners with colleges and universities to provide legal guidance that ensures compliance with federal aid regulations, protects institutional eligibility, and supports the responsible administration of student aid programs. The Bruman Group provides services related to eligibility for Title IV programs, return of Title IV funds, reviewing and negotiating program participation agreements, institutional accreditation and State authorization compliance, financial policies and consumer disclosures, borrower defense to repayment and gainful employment rules, and student loan forgiveness and repayment programs. Our firm also represents institutions in disputes with the U.S. Department of Education, including responding to findings from program reviews or audits.
TRIO Programs
The Federal TRIO Programs, authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act (HEA), are a suite of federally funded outreach and student services initiatives designed to support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds in their pursuit of postsecondary education. These programs help low-income, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, veterans, and other underserved populations overcome barriers to academic success.
We offer comprehensive legal support to help TRIO grantees manage their programs effectively, particularly in light of recent funding instability. Our attorneys have advised clients on grant terminations and appeals processes. We also support clients regarding eligibility, program design, and competitive grant applications; partnership agreements and MOUs with service providers; audits, site visits, and annual performance reporting; internal policies for recruitment, service delivery, and documentation; staff training and professional development; and federal monitoring and audits.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs, administered by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the U.S. Department of Education, are designed to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. These programs are authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended by Title IV of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Our firm provides legal counsel to eligible grantees—including state VR agencies, nonprofits, and educational institutions—to support effective program implementation, ensure regulatory compliance, and promote equitable access to employment services. Our attorneys consult on matters related to program design and grant strategy, regulatory compliance and oversight, operational support and policy development, and risk management and dispute resolution.
The Family Education Rights to Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA, enacted in 1974, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. It applies to all educational institutions receiving federal funding, including public and most private schools, colleges, and universities.
Our firm provides comprehensive legal counsel to educational institutions, and nonprofit partners navigating FERPA’s complex requirements. The Bruman Group has the expertise to draft and audit FERPA-compliant privacy policies, consent forms, and data-sharing agreements; conduct workshops for administrators, faculty, and staff on FERPA rights, exceptions, and best practices; review third-party agreements to ensure “direct control” and proper data handling; support internal audits and readiness for U.S. Department of Education investigations, provide legal guidance for data breaches, unauthorized disclosures, and emergency disclosures; and represent institutions in FERPA-related complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO), among other services.
Post-Secondary Education Training
In-Person EventsEDGAR Academy – Sacramento, CA – November 19, 2026
$610.00🗓️ November 19, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Phoenix, AZ – October 14, 2026
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
The Next Exit: Preparing for Changes to Uniform Guidance
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00October 8th, 2026
Changes to the Uniform Grants Guidance affect virtually every aspect of federal grant administration from procurement and subrecipient monitoring to internal controls and audit readiness. As OMB finalizes its proposed changes and federal agencies move toward implementing updates to 2 CFR Part 200, education administrators should begin evaluating the potential impact on policies, procedures, and compliance systems. This webinar will provide a practical roadmap for understanding the proposed/final changes and preparing for implementation before enforcement begins.
- Webinars
Road Signs and Fine Print: Understanding Federal Award Conditions and Oversight Trends
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 24th, 2026
Federal agencies are increasingly using grant conditions, certifications, and assurances to communicate expectations and shape recipient behavior. Understanding these requirements—and the consequences of overlooking them—is critical for education administrators responsible for managing federal awards. This webinar will discuss current appropriations and examine key cross-cutting federal issues affecting grant recipients and provide practical strategies for evaluating new obligations, documenting compliance, and responding to evolving federal oversight initiatives.
- Webinars
Rules of the Road: Navigating Civil Rights, Student Privacy, and Federal Enforcement
Price range: $250.00 through $360.00September 10th, 2026
Recent court decisions, regulatory shifts, and evolving federal enforcement priorities are reshaping the education civil rights landscape. Education leaders must understand how Title IX developments intersect with FERPA obligations, Title VI requirements, and changing Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforcement practices. This timely session will help administrators evaluate current compliance frameworks, understand emerging legal risks, and prepare for increased scrutiny surrounding student rights, discrimination complaints, privacy obligations, and institutional accountability.
- Webinars
Taking an Alternate Route: Federal Flexibility
$250.00August 27th, 2026
With growing uncertainty surrounding federal education funding requirements, administrators need a clear understanding of the flexibility tools available under federal law. This webinar will explore the latest developments related to ESEA waivers, transferability authority, and other administrative flexibilities that may impact budgeting, program implementation, and spending decisions during the upcoming school year. Participants will gain practical insight into how current flexibilities can support local priorities while maintaining compliance and preparing for potential legislative and administrative changes.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Lincoln, NE – Introductory Session
$610.00🗓️ October 14, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- In-Person Events
EDGAR Academy – Greensboro, NC – Introductory Pre-Session at NCFEPA
$595.00🗓️ October 20, 2026
Build a strong foundation with this all-day in-person engaging session on EDGAR and the Uniform Guidance. Learn the essentials through practical examples and expert instruction from the Bruman Group. Walk away with clear, actionable insights and the confidence to manage federal education funds effectively from day one.
- Webinars
Post-Secondary Updates (PRWORA; Workforce Pell, Indirect)
$250.00🗓️ Recording Only
This session will cover recent action from the administration and related litigation updates that impact postsecondary grantees. Topics covered will include the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) and grantees’ immigration status verification responsibilities, indirect costs and proposed future changes, and the implementation status of the Workforce Pell program, including updates from December rulemaking sessions.
