22 new state laws censor higher ed, PEN America finds
Jul 28, 2025 - The bills, which were enacted during the first half of 2025, “have been just as devastating” as federal attacks on the sector, the free speech group said.
2025 Policy and Budget Announcements
Duke University layoffs to come; nearly 600 employees took buyouts
Jul 25, 2025 - Nearly 600 employees at Duke University opted to take buyouts through the school's Voluntary Separation Incentive Program (VSIP).
Faculty Often Missing From University Decisions on AI
Jul 22, 2025 - A new survey from the AAUP shows that a breakdown of shared governance around implementing AI has implications for the future of teaching, learning and job security.
State Department Launches Investigation Into Harvard’s Participation in J-1 Visa Program
Jul 25, 2025 - The US State Department launched an investigation into Harvard’s compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program, which allows universities to sponsor short-term J-1 visas for international instructors, researchers, and certain students.
New memo from UNC System orders schools to prove DEI policies are eliminated
Jul 23, 2025 - UNC System schools implemented the "Equality Policy" last year, eliminating DEI positions. Now, leaders on the Board of Governors want schools to verify those realignments succeeded.
KU requires removal of pronouns from employee email signatures by July 31
Jul 22, 2025 - Kansas University employees must remove personal pronouns from email signatures and university platforms by July 31, following a state directive ending DEI initiatives.
UNO among schools under federal investigation for 'alleged exclusionary scholarships'
Jul 24, 2025 - The Department of Education is investigating the University of Nebraska Omaha among other universities for "alleged exclusionary scholarships."
FY26 Appropriations Update: Senate Releases Funding Plans for NSF, NIST, and NASA; Recommends Mostly Flat Funding
Jul 21, 2025 - Analysis of the Fiscal Year 2026 Senate Appropriations Committee’s Commerce, Justice, Science legislation.
Reactions Are Mixed as Trump Unveils AI Action Plan
Jul 23, 2025 - The new federal AI Action Plan aims to secure U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. Its policies address a range of issues, including worker displacement. Experts have concerns about its impact on state policy.
Columbia University to pay Trump admin $200m to settle dispute
Jul 23, 2025 - The New York college becomes the first to agree to pay the Trump administration after it was investigated over campus antisemitism.
Duke, national groups back new research funding model amid indirect cost cap litigation
Jul 21, 2025 - The Joint Associations Group on Indirect Costs announced its model July 11. The financial impact on Duke “remains to be seen."
UPenn cuts protections for international graduate students in union contract talks, organizers say
Jul 22, 2025 - The University presented four counterproposals to drafts submitted by GET-UP regarding graduate workers' job expectations, scheduling, recognition, compensation, along with support for international and immigrant workers.
Congress passed the Republican tax and spending bill. Here’s how it could impact Brown.
Jul 21, 2025 - While the new endowment tax won’t impact Brown, cuts to federal aid will.
FY2026 National Science Foundation
Jul 21, 2025 - This page contains interactive tables and charts with budget details for the National Science Foundation in fiscal year 2026.
Temple University to lay off 50 employees
Jul 21, 2025- The public institution is cutting 190 positions in an effort to slash its $60 million deficit in half.
What does Trump’s executive order on foreign gift reporting mean for colleges?
Jul 22, 2025 - Institutions that don’t fully comply with Section 117 could end up in the Trump administration’s crosshairs and miss out on federal grants, experts suggested.
Are Trump's Policies Driving STEM Students to Other Countries?
Jul 14, 2025 - International student interest in U.S. engineering programs has dropped sharply. What does this mean for future innovation?
University of Southern California signals layoffs amid $200M budget gap
Jul 16, 2025 - A transformed operating model is needed to address lower federal research support and a growing shortfall.
NIH to dismiss dozens of grant reviewers to align with Trump priorities
Jul 14, 2025 - The move would undo years of work, leaving advisory councils understaffed, and without the full expertise needed for reviews.
American University quietly laid off around 40 employees across the University in early June
Jul 2, 2025 - Participation in voluntary retirement program fell short of goal, leading to layoffs
Pitt’s move to close diversity office follows trend among American universities
Jul 14, 2025 - Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing evolved from ‘Dear Colleague’ working group.
Harvard's Hiring Freeze Continues
Jul 14, 2025 - University Leaders Say $1 Billion Per Year Is At Risk Due to Federal Actions.
Major tax impact on MIT and its mission
Jul 10, 2025 - For MIT, this new 8% tax rate will cost in the range of 10% of our annual central budget.
Harvard Officials Say Federal Actions Could Cost the University $1 Billion Annually
Jul 14, 2025 - The combined financial impact of sweeping federal policy changes could cost the University up to $1 billion annually.
UW-Madison eliminates Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, moves programs, staff to other units
Jul 9, 2025 - Fewer than 10 employees previously under DDEEA were laid off.
Oregon State University ending 2 DEI programs in 2025
Jul 11, 2025 - Oregon State University is ending two programs in 2025 as the school continues to evolve what it calls “inclusive excellence.”
University Leaders Propose New Research Funding Model
Jul 14, 2025 - Some lawmakers and the Trump administration have criticized the government’s long-standing model for reimbursing universities for indirect research costs.
George Mason Is the Latest University Under Fire From Trump. Its President Fears an “Orchestrated” Campaign.
Jul 11, 2025 - When university president Gregory Washington received notice that the Trump administration had opened an investigation into complaints of antisemitism, he was “perplexed.”
George Washington University hints at layoffs amid federal policy upheaval
Jul 9, 2025 - The private nonprofit is facing an “unsustainable compounding deficit” and uncertainty about research funding, top officials said in a community message.
Boston University to lay off 120 staffers amid budget challenges
Jul 9, 2025 - The private institution faces federal funding uncertainty along with operational headaches such as rising costs.