Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues,

Two key areas of focus for NAICU this week centered on our continued efforts to rally support for the student aid programs in the FY 2026 appropriations process and preparing our analysis of the effects on independent higher education of the decisions made by the Department of Education’s Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) negotiated rulemaking committee. 

On the student aid front, the next two weeks will be critical in shoring up support for these vital student resources. If you haven’t done so already, I hope you will contact your Representative and Senators to advocate for the Senate’s version of the Labor-HHS-Education funding bill because it protects critical federal student aid funding and the research enterprise. Our Action Alert from earlier this month includes more details and talking points to assist with your outreach efforts.

The AHEAD negotiated rulemaking committee completed its work last Friday, reaching consensus on a package of accountability measures, including changes to the existing Financial Value Transparency and Gainful Employment frameworks to facilitate the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s accountability system. For our institutions, the outcomes from the negotiations will provide greater clarity about future accountability expectations. (See story for more details and analysis.)

We are also just two weeks away from NAICU’s Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day. We continue to add to our roster of speakers with recent confirmations from Under Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent, Assistant Secretary of Education for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), chair of the House Democratic Caucus, congressional staff from Speaker Johnson’s (R-LA) office and House and Senate appropriations and education committees, and national higher education reporters, among others. If you haven’t already, I hope you will register and join us in Washington, February 1-4.

Regards,

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU

For more information, please contact:
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.