Major Updates

• US Department of Education Seeks Input on How to Reduce Reporting Burdens
  Comment Deadline: August 14
  “The U.S. Department of Education (Department) is seeking comments from the public on how it can reduce the burden associated with its information collection requests (ICRs) on State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments, educational institutions, nonprofits, and individuals, while maintaining data, information, and analyses critical to fulfill the Department’s mission. This effort will help the Department identify improvements, redundancies in information collections, and inefficiencies in collections in order to improve the value and use of data.”
  
  The Department is specifically asking the following questions:
  • (1) Do some Department information collections or processes place a more significant burden on certain types of respondents, particularly individuals and entities that could be more adversely affected? If so, what impact could this have on these respondents in accessing public benefits?
  • (2) Do some Department information collection requests contain questions that the commenter might perceive as having limited value or utility? If so, please identify specific data elements when recommending burden reduction solutions.
  • (3) Do some Department information collections request duplicative information? If so, please recommend solutions (for example, eliminating duplicative questions in a specific collection or consolidating multiple collections)?
  • (4) What data-linkage or data-sharing activities can the Department engage in to reduce the burden of information collections?
  • (5) The Department recognizes that burden can be reduced by improving the usability of forms. How might the Department reduce burden by improving the usability of forms, independent of eliminating data collections or data elements?
  • (6) What additional feedback would you like to share regarding challenges, barriers, or suggested improvements for obtaining benefits from the Department?

Read more and comment by August 14.

• Navigating the Shifting DEI Tides: Key Policy and Judicial Developments in Higher Education
  Webinar | August 16 @ 2-3PM ET
  Join us for an engaging webinar that delves into the significant policy and judicial changes shaping diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education. This session will explore the Supreme Court’s recent decision on affirmative action, shed light on states’ legislation concerning DEI initiatives, and provide invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of DEI programming at educational institutions. From administrators to faculty, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and considerations necessary to navigate these changes effectively. Discover the latest developments, gain practical strategies, and foster inclusive learning environments while considering legal compliance. 
  • • Ishan Bhabha, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP
  • Moderator: Jordan DiMaggio, Vice President, Policy + Digital Strategy UPCEA 

Register for this webinar. 

Other News

• In Statehouses, Tenure Was Bruised, but DEI Was Walloped (Inside Higher Ed)

• Senate Proposes $250 Pell Grant Increase (Inside Higher Ed)