Federal Policy Update: July, 2026

Public trust in higher education is under strain, but rebuilding it requires more than a stronger communications strategy. In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina and Jeremy Young of the American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) discuss AAC&U's The Trust Agenda, and the critical role governing boards can play in helping institutions demonstrate trustworthiness through stronger relationships, innovation, student success, community engagement, and accountability. The conversation also examines trustees' role as ambassadors for higher education and the difficult balance between responding to legitimate calls for accountability and defending institutional autonomy and intellectual freedom. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Congress is juggling Department of Education interagency agreements, the College Transparency Act, and a new framework for college athletics. In this episode, Joe Brenckle speaks with Penn Hill Group's Alex Nock about these higher education developments as well as updates on regulation and the Pell grant shortfall. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Who wants to be a college president, and what does it take to succeed in the role?  In this podcast, Melissa Trotta, associate managing principal and senior vice president of AGB Search, speaks with Thomas Gibson, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Roderick McDavis, former president of Ohio University and managing principal and CEO of AGB Search, about leadership, governance, student success, and the evolving demands of the presidency. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

In this episode, AGB's Joe Brenckle speaks with Penn Hill Group's Alex Nock about proposed changes to federal grant regulations, the latest developments in congressional appropriations, and what the next six months might look like for higher education.

In a time of market volatility, inflation concerns, and growing financial pressure across higher education, how can colleges and universities ensure their endowments remain both resilient and mission-aligned? In this episode, AGB's David Bass speaks with Kyle Adams of Cerity Partners about the evolving role of the outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) model and what boards and investment committees should expect from their investment partners today. Together, they discuss how institutions of all sizes can strengthen decision-making, navigate uncertainty, and position their endowments to support long-term priorities. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB. Disclosures Please read important disclosures here. Cerity Partners OCIO LLC ("Cerity Partners OCIO" or "CP OCIO") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cerity Partners LLC (together with its affiliates, "Cerity Partners"). Views expressed are as of the date recorded unless otherwise indicated. Client data is as of February 28, 2026. The NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, which is available for purchase, provides an annual analysis of endowment investment returns, asset allocations, and governance policies and practices at hundreds of U.S. higher education institutions and affiliated foundations. Cerity Partners OCIO is a corporate partner member of NACUBO and sponsors certain NACUBO events. Certain CP OCIO clients may have participated in the study. NACUBO data is as of June 30, 2025. Cerulli Associates provides market intelligence and strategic business for the financial industry.  The Cerulli US Outsourced Chief Investment Officer Function 2025 Report, which is available for purchase, explores the evolving OCIO landscape, including market sizing, forces of growth, demand and needs across client segments, use of OCIO search consultants, and the various challenges facing providers. "CapEx" refers to Capital Expenditures. "Fed" refers to the Federal Reserve. "RFP" refers to Request for Proposal.

At a time when trust in institutions is strained and civic participation often feels out of reach, a growing effort is underway to reimagine how Americans engage in public life. The Citizen Service is advancing a national civic education model rooted in pragmatic, no-blame, community-based problem solving—designed to equip people not just to understand democracy, but to actively participate in strengthening it. In this podcast, John Silvanus Wilson, president of The Citizen Service and a former president of Morehouse College, and Rashawn Davis, who serves as a senior advisor to The Citizen Service, discuss their approach and tools to help higher education institutions advance their civic mission while also preparing students with practical leadership skills. Wilson and Davis discuss how this work is uniquely positioned to cultivate the kind of educated, empowered, and engaged citizenry our democracy requires. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

A projected $17 billion shortfall in the Pell Grant program is putting federal student aid—and institutional planning—under increasing pressure. AGB's Joe Brenckle and Penn Hill Group's Alex Nock discuss what's driving the gap, how Congress may respond, and why timing matters in an election year. They also cover new accreditation rulemaking and what to watch for in the president's upcoming budget, offering key insights for boards tracking federal policy developments. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Immigration impacts nearly every dimension of higher education—from who enrolls and teaches, to how institutions fulfill their mission. In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina speaks with Miriam Feldblum, co-founder and president of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, about the practical steps governing boards can take to support students, faculty, and institutional sustainability in a rapidly shifting immigration landscape. Board members will gain insights into the key populations affected, current policy pressures, and what fiduciary leadership looks like when it comes to protecting talent, values, and opportunity. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

What's next for federal higher education policy? Alex Nock of Penn Hill Group joins AGB's Joe Brenckle to unpack the latest developments in this episode. From federal enforcement initiatives and accreditation shake-ups to judicial rulings on tuition access and political interventions, board leaders are facing complex challenges that demand attention now. With key regulatory decisions slated for 2026, this timely conversation offers insights to help boards stay ahead. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.  

What do higher education boards need to know about free speech today? In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina talks with Jonathan Friedman of PEN America to explore what every governing board should understand about free speech, academic freedom, and institutional autonomy. Together, they explore the First Amendment's role in public vs private institutions, the misconceptions around hate speech, and how governing boards can uphold both inclusion and open inquiry in an increasingly polarized environment. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.