Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues:

While summer has brought a slower pace to many college campuses, the same cannot be said in Washington. Although Congress is in recess, the administration continues to move aggressively on higher education policy, announcing a bevy of potential regulations that could have significant implications for colleges and universities.

This week, NAICU hosted two webinars to help campuses prepare for the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) proposed overhaul of its Uniform Guidance and to provide an update on the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) regulations and graduate loan reporting requirements.

The strong participation in both webinars—and the many thoughtful questions from attendees—underscored the level of concern these issues continue to generate. Those concerns are also reflected in the nearly 100,000 public comments submitted on the Uniform Guidance proposal. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) has likewise urged OMB to extend the comment period and withdraw key portions of the proposal. (See story for more details)

If you were unable to join us, recordings of both webinars and the presentation slides are available on our website.

Our regulatory webinar series continues next week with a program on the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Do No Harm final rule:

• Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00 p.m. ET
  Do No Harm Final Rule
  NAICU's policy experts will provide a detailed overview of the final regulations issued through the AHEAD negotiated rulemaking process, highlighting key changes from the proposed rule and what they mean for independent colleges and universities.

Just as it appeared this year’s rulemaking cycle may be winding down, the administration released its 2026 regulatory agenda on July 3, outlining five additional negotiated rulemaking sessions before the end of the year. At the same time, several major civil rights regulations are in the final rule stage and could be issued as early as this month. (See story for more details)

I hope the Independence Day holiday provided an opportunity to recharge. The months ahead promise to be exceptionally active on the regulatory front, and NAICU will continue to keep you informed and engaged—and advocate on your behalf—as these developments unfold.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Regards,

Barbara

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

For more information, please contact:
Barbara K. Mistick