Major Updates

• UPCEA Joins National Opposition to Federal Compact
  UPCEA has joined with over thirty higher education associations to make a statement opposing the federal government’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education.” The coalition, coordinated by ACE, warns that the compact would impose federal conditions on what and how colleges teach, threatening academic freedom and institutional autonomy. UPCEA’s participation underscores the shared concern across all sectors of higher education, including online and professional education, that innovation and independence must remain central to the mission of U.S. colleges and universities. Read the full statement.

• Let Your Legislators Know – Contact Congress Now to Oppose Cuts to FWS and to Save FSEOG
  The House has written its education funding bill, proposing the elimination of the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and a nearly 40% cut to Federal Work-Study (FWS). If enacted, these cuts would be detrimental to low-income students who need additional resources to access postsecondary education and succeed to degree completion. It is critical that Congress hear your opposition to these cuts. Please tell your Representative and Senators to oppose the elimination of FSEOG and funding cuts to FWS. Please contact your Representative and Senators today!
  UPCEA is a proud member of the Student Aid Alliance.

• Invite Your Students to the 2026 DC Student Summit
  Being held this coming March 23-25, the three-day DC Student Summit in our nation’s capital will equip students with the skills necessary to elevate their stories and lived experiences directly to federal policymakers. Led by the Today’s Students Coalition (of which UPCEA is a steering committee member), students will have the opportunity to: learn how to effectively share their stories with policymakers; hear about the most pressing issues in D.C. related to higher education; engage in conversations with dozens of congressional offices and representatives from both the legislative and executive branches of government. Read more and share with students.

Other News

• Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee Negotiated Rulemaking (U.S. Department of Education)
  • Second Session occurring November 3-7. Register to watch live. 
• VA Seeks Comments on Distance Education Definitions (Due November 3) 
• Preparing Four-Year Institutions for Workforce Pell (UPCEA) 
• Higher ed groups push for colleges to be exempt from $100K H-1B visa fee (Higher Ed Dive) 
• In Fourth Week, Government Shutdown Increasingly Hinders Higher Ed (Inside Higher Ed) 
• Department of Education’s Government Shutdown Plan (U.S. Department of Education) 
• Higher Education Litigation Summary – October 28 (Thompson Coburn LLP)