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The Public Architects (PA) Committee promotes excellence in public architecture and enhances the role of the public architect as an essential element in the planning, design, construction, and management of public facilities. Join us!

  • 1.  OPM listening sessions for eliminating college degree requirements

    Posted 08-14-2020 01:41 PM
    Is anyone at the AIA working on this issue?

    https://federalnewsnetwork.com/hiring-retention/2020/08/opm-to-host-listening-sessions-with-agencies-private-sector-on-new-federal-hiring-eo/

    The bill signed by President Trump in June calls for OPM to re-evaluate all position descriptions/classifications in the federal government with the intent to reduce or eliminate the requirement for college degree unless its legally required.  As our professional requirements are state legislated, l'm very concerned how this federal overhaul may be implemented.

    This OPM review could potentially have negative impacts on the hiring process to obtain qualified architects to work in the federal government. Already, the federal position is weak and does not require licensing for any architect position level that I'm aware of, from GS-7 all the way through GS-12, full performance level.  While experience is an important consideration, we know that education is critical to our profession, similar to the medical profession.

    Please let me know who is on the listening sessions and where or how I can potentially engage with this imporant effort.

    thank you!
    Deborah Marcella Rehn, AIA
    Atlanta, GA

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    Deborah Marcella Rehn, AIA
    Atlanta GA
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  • 2.  RE: OPM listening sessions for eliminating college degree requirements

    Posted 08-17-2020 05:25 PM
    Deborah,
    The AIA Federal Architecture Task Group, which is responsible for monitoring and working developments in proposed laws and regulations, is reviewing the Executive Order (not a bill - only Congress writes and passes bills) signed by the President.  EOs still require enabling regulations to implement - FATG is reviewing and proposing changes to keep professional education requirements as part of the hiring process for architects.  You can contact me if you have any questions.
    Best,
    Ed Gauvreau, FAIA