College presidents champion culture, data, and support for student success. Strategies include micro-level data analysis, boosting graduation rates to improve earnings, and offering services like food pantries, especially for low-income & marginalized students.
Brown University granted $3M for Rhode Island's workforce development, fulfilling part of a Trump administration settlement to recover research funds. A mandated campus climate survey revealed discrimination, prompting planned anti-discrimination education.
Higher education faces intense government pressure and policy shifts in 2026, including accreditation overhauls and legal battles over student tuition. The Trump administration's strategy of freezing federal grants and pushing for policy changes will continue to challenge institutions.
The Nevada System of Higher Education approved multi-year tuition increases for public universities to offset a $57 million funding gap, addressing rising costs and infrastructure needs despite student concerns.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones initiates a nationwide search for legal counsel at UVA, GMU, and VMI to protect academic institutions from political influence and federal overreach following campus governance disputes.
The federal government plans a major accreditation overhaul, with the under secretary criticizing current accreditors for poor student outcomes, lack of accountability, and anti-competitive practices, while emphasizing ROI. Accreditors seek common ground amidst calls for reform.
Florida's public university system evaluates a plan to pause new H-1B visa hiring by 2027. This proposal aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis' goal to prioritize domestic workers over foreign researchers.
University of Pennsylvania is battling an EEOC subpoena for Jewish employee data, citing privacy & historical concerns amidst an antisemitism probe. Penn offers alternative info, while the EEOC seeks direct contact with potential victims & witnesses.
Research universities spent over $37 million on federal lobbying in 2025. Major players like the University of Florida and University of Phoenix addressed federal policy shifts, OBBBA, and research funding.
Kentucky research reveals dual enrollment modality impacts college enrollment. On-campus programs with high school teachers are most effective, boosting enrollment by 11%. Online courses show weaker results.
Universities must balance speaking out with preserving their mission & social compact. Academic freedom, political pressures, and institutional integrity are key. Colleges must be brave yet mindful.
A report highlights increasing diversity and education levels among community college trustees from 1997-2025, with a focus on demographics, education, and key challenges like funding and enrollment.
Northwestern University resolves funding freeze by paying $75M and enacting policy changes. It avoids legal fight, restoring vital research dollars. The settlement addresses antisemitism and discrimination.
A Cleveland Fed evaluation reveals a shrinking job-finding rate gap between university and high school graduates. Recent data indicates a challenging labor market for young graduates with degrees, signalling potentially diminished returns on investment.
Colleges are shifting away from explicit diversity prompts in admissions essays, but still seek to understand applicants' backgrounds and fit. New essay topics include conflict resolution and AI.
The State Department's Diplomacy Laboratory program faces a shakeup due to the Trump administration's stance against DEI. 38 institutions may lose funding over DEI hiring practices. Impact on universities & research.
Indiana introduces college graduation quotas, leading to program cuts and faculty concerns. Master's programs are most affected. SUSF reviews underperforming programs, causing confusion and chaos.
