Federal Policy Update: March, 2026

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.

What should campus leaders know about the shifting federal enforcement of Title VI? In this episode, AGB's Jackie Gardina speaks with former Department of Education Office of Civil Rights attorney Beth Gellman-Beer about the surge in investigations and the growing focus on shared-ancestry discrimination. Together, they break down what institutions should expect if they come under scrutiny and how to strengthen compliance efforts. The conversation offers trustees and administrators practical guidance for maintaining a safe and inclusive campus climate amid rapidly changing expectations. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB. In an era of polarization and heightened scrutiny, how can higher education boards ensure that disagreement leads to progress—not gridlock? In this podcast, AGB Consultant and Senior Fellow Terry MacTaggart talks with Mylien Duong, Vice President of Research and Innovation at the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI). They explore research-based habits for constructive disagreement and share strategies to build trust, improve board culture, and keep shared purpose front and center. This episode offers timely, practical insights for board members, presidents, and board professionals navigating complex conversations on campus and in the boardroom.

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. They explore the upcoming negotiated rulemaking process for student loans and Workforce Pell, a sweeping executive order on race and admissions data reporting, and the potential implications of a looming government shutdown. Alex and Joe offer insights into the Department of Education's spring Unified Agenda and what it signals for accreditation and Title IV rulemaking in 2026. 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 board members need to understand about the rise of antisemitism on college and university campuses—and why does it matter for institutional leadership? In this episode, AGB Senior Fellow Mary Papazian speaks with Rachel Fish, a nationally recognized scholar and advisor to the Brandeis University President's Initiative on Antisemitism. They discuss how higher education leaders and trustees can recognize contemporary expressions of antisemitism, ensure alignment with institutional policies, and foster learning environments grounded in safety, inclusion, and academic freedom. This timely conversation offers practical insights for boards striving to lead with clarity and integrity in a time of rising polarization and campus unrest. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

Accreditation affects everything from financial aid to institutional viability—but many board members don't realize how directly they're accountable. In this episode, AGB's Natalie Boehm talks with AGB Consultant John Cavanaugh about what every board should know: why accreditation matters, how it connects to fiduciary duties, and what questions boards should be asking. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.

What does it really mean to serve on a higher education board? In this podcast, governance expert Tom Hyatt breaks down fiduciary duty—not just as a legal requirement, but as the cornerstone of courageous, strategic leadership. Learn why showing up, speaking up, and standing by your mission matters more now than ever. Opinions expressed in AGB podcasts are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the organizations that employ them or of AGB.