NASPA - PPD Weekly News and Policy Digest, Nov 19, 2024
International Level
Hire Ed Dive (November 18, 2024)
U.S. international student enrollment reached a record 1.1 million during the 2023-24 academic year, with graduate enrollment rising 7.6%. The Open Doors report forecasts growth despite potential policy changes under President-elect Trump. Indian students surpassed Chinese enrollment, reflecting shifts in recruitment priorities. With international students contributing over $50 billion to the U.S. economy, uncertainties around visa and work programs could impact this trend.?
#InternationalStudents #HigherEd #EducationPolicy #GlobalEducation #EconomicImpact
National Level
New America (November 13, 2024)?
Parenting college students face heightened risks of homelessness, with 7%—over 213,900 families—reporting housing instability, according to NPSAS data. Despite programs like Section 8, insufficient funding leaves many without stable housing, jeopardizing academic success and children’s development. Homelessness affects over 427,800 individuals, perpetuating intergenerational instability. Policies must prioritize housing and wraparound support for student parents to break these cycles and foster economic mobility through education.?
#StudentParents #Homelessness #HigherEd #EconomicMobility #EducationPolicy
Inside Higher Ed (Date posted: November 18, 2024)
Colleges are navigating legal and political complexities as they plan support for undocumented students amid deportation threats under a potential Trump administration. Institutions are bolstering resources like legal services, workshops, and policy guides while emphasizing privacy protections under FERPA. Leaders balance protecting students and adhering to the law, avoiding terms like “sanctuary campuses” to mitigate backlash. Many campuses leverage existing frameworks developed during Trump’s first presidency to aid undocumented students. #HigherEd #UndocumentedStudents #ImmigrationPolicy #StudentSupport
Inside Higher Ed (November 18, 2024)?
A federal judge in Texas struck down the Biden administration’s overtime rule, which would have increased eligibility for overtime pay to employees earning under $58,656 annually. The decision resets the threshold to $35,568, affecting nearly 59,000 college staffers nationwide. While supporters argued the rule ensured fair pay, opponents cited excessive costs and disruption. This ruling adds to legal setbacks for Biden’s agenda. The administration may appeal to the Fifth Circuit.?
#OvertimePay #HigherEd #LaborPolicy #BidenAdministration #CourtRuling
Higher Ed Dive (November 8, 2024)
The FBI is investigating racist text messages sent to Black college students nationwide, which included threats and offensive language. Some messages referenced slavery and were signed "A Trump Supporter." Institutions like the University of Alabama and Clemson University are supporting affected students and collaborating with authorities. TextNow, the platform used, disabled the accounts and is assisting law enforcement. Civil rights groups condemned the attacks, linking them to a rise in hateful rhetoric.?
#HigherEd #HateCrimes #StudentSupport #CivilRights #FBIInvestigation
Inside Higher Ed (November 13, 2024)
An Inside Higher Ed/Hanover Research survey reveals 91% of faculty believe academic freedom is under threat, with many self-censoring on topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict, DEI, and federal politics. Over 40% reported a decline in teaching freedom, while 15% avoided specific research topics. Faculty cited pressures from political environments and campus climates as key factors. Geographic and demographic differences also shape perceptions of and responses to these challenges.?
#AcademicFreedom #HigherEd #FacultyRights #FreeSpeech
Indiana Capital Chronicle (November 15, 2024)?
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has recommended reducing Frank O’Bannon Grant financial aid awards due to FAFSA changes increasing eligibility. The cuts range from 14% to 86%, depending on institution type and student need. Maximum awards for high-need students will drop to $5,300 (public), $10,600 (private), and $4,050 (community/proprietary colleges). While more students will still receive aid, total spending must stay within budget limits. The recommendation awaits State Budget Committee review.?
#FinancialAid #HigherEd #IndianaPolicy #StudentSupport
The Hill (November 14, 2024)?
As President-elect Trump prepares to assume office, K-12 and higher education institutions face a politically hostile environment. Trump has proposed punitive measures, including taxing endowments, cutting funding for DEI initiatives, and restricting federal aid to schools teaching certain topics like critical race theory. Potential changes to Title IX and federal research funding policies further heighten uncertainty. Institutions are bracing for impacts on academic freedom, equity efforts, and financial stability while seeking protections for vulnerable student populations.?
#HigherEd #EducationPolicy #AcademicFreedom #DEI #FederalFunding
Campus Level
WUNC (Date posted: November 14, 2024)
The UNC Board of Governors is considering a system-wide protest policy following demonstrations at multiple campuses. Proposed guidelines include pre-approval for campus spaces, gathering restrictions near classrooms, and professional handling of conduct violations. Opinions differ, with some chancellors emphasizing campus-specific flexibility over uniform policies. The proposals aim to balance free expression with order, with feedback requested ahead of a January meeting.?
领英推荐
#HigherEd #FreeSpeech #CampusPolicy #Protests
Higher Ed Dive (November 11, 2024)
Grand Canyon University (GCU) won a legal victory as a federal appeals court ruled the U.S. Department of Education applied an incorrect legal standard in denying its nonprofit status for Title IV purposes. The case now returns to the Department for reconsideration. Despite IRS and Arizona recognizing GCU as a nonprofit, its ties to Grand Canyon Education (GCE) remain contentious. GCU continues to face regulatory and legal challenges, including a $37.7 million fine and FTC allegations.?
#HigherEd #NonprofitStatus #FederalPolicy #TitleIV #EducationLaw
Opinion
Diverse (November 14, 2024)
Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education could significantly impact special education. The department oversees enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring students with disabilities receive free and appropriate education, individualized support, and necessary accommodations. Its removal risks fragmented enforcement, reduced funding, and growing inequities between states. The lack of federal oversight could jeopardize resources, advocacy, and innovation, potentially reversing decades of progress in special education.?
#SpecialEducation #IDEA #EducationPolicy #EquityInEducation
Post-Election Updates
Presidents’ Alliance Resources
Congressional Action to Watch
Expected Executive Actions
Other News and Updates
On November 14, 2024, Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced the "Expanded Beta 4" testing phase for the 2025-26 FAFSA. This phase allows all potential applicants to complete and submit the FAFSA by visiting StudentAid.gov. The functionality during Expanded Beta 4 mirrors that of the full launch, enabling FSA to assess system performance under higher user volumes. The full launch is anticipated by December 1, 2024.
Key Points
Upcoming Webinars
Looking Back, Looking Forward: Lessons Learned from the 2024 Election and What it Means
November 19, 2024 1pm ET
Register today - https://bit.ly/vfcnovember
The ballots have been cast, most races have been called, and transitions are underway. Join the Voter Friendly Campus team for our final 2024 webinar to explore the lessons learned so far from the 2024 Election, and begin to understand what it all means. Resources to examine data will be presented, and an open discussion will welcome takeaways from participants.?
2025 NASPA Racial Equity & Social Change Conference Planning Committee-November 26 (Deadline)
Apply today - Apply Here
NASPA is thrilled to begin the planning process for the 2025 NASPA Racial Equity and Social Change Conference (RESC) taking place in Long Beach, CA in December 2025.
The NASPA JEDI team is seeking committee members to provide input for the conference’s learning outcomes and schedule, suggest speakers, as well as review and select program submissions.
Past Webinars