Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues,

While the House was not in session this week, there was significant action in the Senate and within the Trump Administration that will affect independent higher education.

As the July 1 implementation date for the provisions contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act rapidly approaches, it’s important to know that the new program-level accountability metrics that were part of the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell negotiated rulemaking process have cleared their final administrative hurdle within the Office of Management and Budget. We expect the final metrics to be published in the Federal Register any day now. (See story for more details.)

A reminder that you can review our presentations and materials on the regulatory environment and preparing for the July 1 implementation date on NAICU’s website.

In the Senate, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation marked up and passed the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act of 2026 yesterday. It is expected that the bill will be brought to the full Senate for a vote by August. The bill would provide new benefits for college athletes and create a federal framework for Name, Image, and Likeness deals but does not address whether athletes should be treated as employees. (See Soundbites for more details.)

Finally, one of the aspects of our jobs that provides the most satisfaction is meeting with our members. During the past few weeks we’ve had the opportunity to meet with or present to – either in-person or virtually – groups such as the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, the International Association of Baptist Colleges & Universities, the Associated Colleges of the South, and the Board on Science Education within the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.

These engagements are a critical means to keeping our finger on the pulse of the NAICU membership and to hear directly from you on how federal policy is affecting campus communities.

Additionally, Tim Powers, NAICU’s vice president for government relations and policy development, and I will speak at the Annapolis Group’s annual meeting next week about recent federal policy developments and their implications for liberal arts colleges.

Today is Juneteenth National Independence Day. As we recognize this important day in our nation’s history I wish you and your and colleagues a meaningful holiday.

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