This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning colleges, universities, campuses, international students, student housing, research initiatives, and federal research funding opportunities. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to see GR activities in areas of the economy related to the Higher Ed channel? Don't miss this week's updates in Social Issues. Also consider subscribing to our Higher Ed - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-22 to 2026-03-28

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

President Trump Signs Executive Order Eliminating DEI Practices by Federal Contractors

President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order on March 26, 2026, prohibiting the use of racially discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) activities by federal contractors. The Order mandates the inclusion of contract clauses that forbid disparate treatment in hiring, promotions, contracting, and program participation based on race or ethnicity. Compliance will be overseen by the Office of Management and Budget, with non-compliant contracts subject to suspension or cancellation and potential legal action under the False Claims Act. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is directed to update relevant regulations. Previous actions by President Trump include ending DEI in federal agencies, the Armed Forces, and Foreign Service, and requiring neutrality in AI implementation.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

President Trump Announces First Appointments to PCAST

On March 25, President Trump announced the initial membership of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), established by Executive Order. The Council, co-chaired by David Sacks and Michael Kratsios, includes Marc Andreessen, Sergey Brin, Safra Catz, Michael Dell, Jacob DeWitte, Fred Ehrsam, Larry Ellison, David Friedberg, Jensen Huang, John Martinis, Bob Mumgaard, Lisa Su, and Mark Zuckerberg. PCAST will focus on advancing U.S. leadership in science and technology and the workforce impacts of emerging technologies. The Council can comprise up to 24 members, with further appointments and session dates forthcoming.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NSF Renews Industry-University Cooperative Research Centers (IUCRC) Grantee Reporting Requirements

The National Science Foundation announced its intent to renew the information collection for the IUCRC program, which supports pre-competitive, industry-funded research at academic centers. Center and site directors are required to submit annual data on structure, membership, finances, and research projects. The collected data—both quantitative and descriptive—allow NSF to monitor operations, evaluate impact, and respond to congressional or policy requests. IUCRC sites report annually; burden is estimated at 16 hours per site for 230 active sites (3,680 hours total per year). Feedback may be provided until May 26, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Education Department Reviews Accrediting Agencies for Recognition

The Office of Postsecondary Education announced a call for written third-party comments regarding accrediting agencies undergoing review for recognition by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Agencies under review include the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, American Dental Association Commission, American Occupational Therapy Association, Association for Biblical Higher Education, Distance Education Accrediting Commission, and Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools. Public submissions are due within 30 days of the March 24 notice. The results inform deliberations at the second 2027 meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI), with oral comments to be scheduled separately.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Education Department Initiates Eligibility Designations for Section 312 HEA Programs

The Department of Education announced the FY 2026 process for determining eligibility under Section 312 of the Higher Education Act for grant programs including the Strengthening Institutions Program. Criteria use Core Expenses per FTE, calculated per IPEDS methodology, and Pell Grant participation rates from the 2023-2024 academic year. Institutions may review eligibility status on the HEPI system and apply for reconsideration if not listed as eligible. Application deadlines are April 23, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8045: Eliminate Interest on Student Loans, Establish Education Affordability Trust Fund

This bill, introduced on March 24, proposes amending the Higher Education Act of 1965 to eliminate interest on student loans, create the Education Affordability Trust Fund, and increase loan limits. The bill was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce and also to the Committee on the Budget for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4165: Mandating Foreign Student and Personnel Reporting in SEVIS

Bill 4165 requires all higher education institutions receiving federal assistance to regularly report information on students, faculty, and administrators who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4167: Federal Clearinghouse on Grant Opportunities for HBCUs

Bill 4167, introduced on March 24, establishes a Federal Clearinghouse to centralize grant opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. It was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8102: Skills Development Funding under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Bill 8102 amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to enhance performance accountability and dedicate additional funding to skills development programs. Latest action was referral to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 4263: Cybersecurity Apprenticeships Grant Program

Bill 4263 would establish a grant program in the Department of Labor to support creation and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity. The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Why College Graduates Feel Betrayed: Recent graduates report growing dissatisfaction amid unemployment and economic challenges.
• Young Graduates Face the Grimmest Job Market in Years: College graduates encounter the toughest hiring market seen in recent years.
• Up North Michigan, schools struggle between pull of home and promise of college: Rural Michigan schools face balancing local priorities and pathways to postsecondary enrollment.

.