Washington Update Focuses on Funding and Policy Changes

Significant federal funding is expected to continue to come to higher education institutions and students. College and university presidents need to be very mindful about how they use this funding. It is important to use these funds to create a new institutional future instead of trying to return to the previous “normal.”

The Department of Education’s top two officials have been approved by the Senate. However, several key positions remained unfilled. These vacancies will slow the Biden Administration’s educational efforts.

Negotiated regulation processes will begin in several areas. One involves Title IX, which will include virtual hearings. The Biden Administration’s proposal would reverse the Trump Administration’s stance in this area. Additionally, another NegReg will focus on Title IV in relation to student loans. Both NegReg processes bear watching since they could have major consequences for higher education institutions.