Roger Swartzwelder represents institutions of higher education in a wide array of regulatory, accreditation, and operational issues. In addition to substantive experience representing clients from public, private non-profit, and proprietary institutions, he also represents third-party servicers and investors in a range of transactions focusing on higher education.

Roger previously served nearly 14 years as general counsel and chief compliance officer for a multi-state system of colleges. He also worked at a nationally recognized accrediting agency for more than 13 years, eight of which he served as the associate executive director and associate executive director/in-house counsel. He is well-known across the country as a presenter on developments related to higher education accreditation, federal regulations, data privacy, and numerous other legal issues.

  • The George Washington University, J.D.
  • The George Washington University, M.B.A.
  • Dickinson College, B.A.

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • District of Columbia

  • Arcadia Beverage, LLC Board of Directors, Arden, N.C., 2017-2019
  • New England College of Business and Finance Board of Trustees, 2012-2018
  • Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, Commissioner, 2007-2012, 2015-2018
  • Annual Conference Planning Committee, National Association of State Administrators and Supervisors of Private Schools, 2010-2011
  • Nominating Committee, Career College Association, 2009
  • Private School Licensure Advisory Board, Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, 2008
  • Region IV Private Career Colleges and Schools, Chairman, Board of Directors, 2006-2008
  • Alabama Association of Private Colleges and Schools, Board of Directors, 2005-2018
  • Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, Doctoral Program Task Force, 2003
  • Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, Recognition Task Force, 2002-2003

  • “Accreditation: In the Glare of the Spotlight”
    Panel Discussion, California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, April 2023
  • “Complying with New Federal Regulatory Requirements”
    Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training, May 2023
  • “Key 90/10 Changes, Pitfalls and Strategies”
    Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools, March 2023
  • “Accreditor Perspectives – Into the Fire”
    Panel Discussion, California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, October 2022
  • “Campus Cybersecurity and Data Privacy”
    Career Schools Private Education Network, August 2022
  • “Title IX – What You Need to Know”
    Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, August 2022
  • “Negotiated Rulemaking Update”
    Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools, July 2022
  • “FTC’s Initiative on Institutional Market Practices – What You Need to Know”
    Career Education Colleges and Universities, June 2022
  • “Accreditation Perspectives”
    Panel Discussion, California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, April 2022
  • “Cybersecurity and Data Privacy – The Path Forward”
    Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools, March 2022
  • “Title IX Framework: What You Need to Know”
    Distance Education Accrediting Commission, October 2021
  • “Accreditor Perspectives: Where Are We Going?”
    Panel Discussion, California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools, October 2021
  • “Current Legal Issues – Where We Are and Where We Are Headed”
    Career Schools Private Education Network, August 2021
  • “Cybersecurity and Data Protection Issues”
    Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges, August 2021
  • “Current Legal Issues – Where We Are and Where We Are Headed”
    Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools, July 2021
  • “Current Legal Issues – Where We Are and Where We Are Headed”
    Career Education Colleges and Universities Annual Conference, June 2021
  • “Institutional HEERF Grant Usage and Reporting”
    Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators, Webinar, October 2020
  • “General Legal Updates for Career Schools”
    Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators Annual Conference, August 2020
  • “Key Regulatory Changes Effective July 1”
    Career Schools Private Education Network, Webinar, June 2020
  • “Federal Regulatory Update and Review”
    California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools Annual Conference, October 2019
  • “Arbitration and Class Action Waivers: What’s All the Fuss About”
    Career Schools Private Education Network Annual Conference, August 2019

I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and reading.