Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome back! I hope you have had a safe and successful return to campus and start to the academic year.
While Washington Update has been on hiatus for the past few weeks, Washington certainly has not. The administration remained busy throughout August, and with Congress back in town, the pace of policymaking is picking up even further.
Indeed, the summer certainly “heated up” on the policy front, with Secretary McMahon’s “National Call to Action,” proposed Treasury Department rules that could make it easier to revoke the tax-exempt status of private schools (NAICU’s Tim Powers was included in the AP’s reporting on this issue), and a federal funding bill blocking implementation of OMB’s Uniform Guidance until at least mid-December, among other developments.
Today’s issue provides a comprehensive look at the developments since we last published in early August, bringing you up to speed on the key actions, decisions, and proposals affecting private, nonprofit higher education.
With the government funded through December 11 under a continuing resolution, Congress has only a limited number of legislative days in Washington before lawmakers return home to campaign ahead of the November 3 midterm elections:
The House will be in session September 14–17.
The Senate will be in session September 14–October 2.
Combined with the post-election lame-duck session scheduled to begin November 9, this compressed calendar leaves little time for our community to weigh in on the many consequential issues moving through Congress and the Trump Administration.
In addition to the eight stories below covering a wide range of issues and proposals affecting higher education, I want to call your attention to several upcoming opportunities.
National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday, September 15. Colleges and universities can use the occasion to remind students about registering to vote, important state deadlines, and where to find reliable election information. NAICU’s Your Vote Your Voice resources can support those efforts.
Constitution Day is Thursday, September 17. Under federal law, institutions receiving federal funding are required to hold an educational program on the U.S. Constitution each year. Campuses have flexibility in meeting this requirement through lectures, discussions, panels, or other educational programming.
Together, these observances provide a timely opportunity for campuses to reinforce civic learning and encourage students to participate in the democratic process.
Webinars
NAICU is also hosting two webinars next week:
Trump Administration’s “National Call to Action” to University Presidents and Governing Boards [register] — Sept. 15, 2:00–3:00 p.m. EDT. This webinar will help campuses consider whether and how to respond to Secretary McMahon’s “call-to-action” to campus leaders.
Building the Leadership Pipeline: Evaluating Talent and Strengthening Internal Succession in Higher Education [register] — Sept. 17, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT. This sponsored webinar with Pearl Meyer will examine the importance of thoughtful succession planning.
I know this is a great deal to digest, particularly at the start of a new academic year. But significant issues are being debated in Washington right now that could have considerable implications for your students and campus. NAICU will continue to keep you informed, engaged in our advocacy efforts, and aware of opportunities to make your voice heard.
Finally, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost that day and honor the courage and sacrifice of the first responders and countless others who came to the aid of those in need. We also remember the families, friends, and communities forever changed by the tragedy.
On this solemn anniversary, we pause to honor their memory and reflect on the resilience, service, and sense of community that emerged in the days that followed.
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, D.B.A.