July 26, 2026 to August 01, 2026

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.

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📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

Proposed Rule for Exchange Visitor Program Status and Extensions

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for revisions to the Exchange Visitor Program under 22 CFR Part 62. Major changes address termination procedures, extensions, and reinstatement to valid status for participants on J-1 and J-2 visas. Sponsors must now submit extension requests 90 days prior to expiration for any period beyond the maximum authorized duration, with outlined documentation requirements and fees. The rule codifies procedures for correcting SEVIS record errors and formalizes reinstatement processes, incorporating deadlines and conditions aligned with DHS policy. Definitions for 'Unauthorized Employment' and 'Valid Program Status' are updated for greater regulatory clarity. The Department estimates 14,563 annual extension requests at a fee of $367 each, amounting to an expected $5.34 million in cost recovery, and 155 annual reinstatement requests. The public comment period remains open for 60 days from July 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Solicits Comments on Hazardous Waste Standards for Academic Laboratories

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public input on the extension of its information collection related to hazardous waste generator standards for laboratories owned by eligible academic entities. Subpart K in 40 CFR part 262 applies to colleges, universities, affiliated teaching hospitals, and research institutes. The estimated burden is 146,160 hours per year and $8,088,511 in total costs from approximately 246 respondents. Academic institutions can choose to comply under alternative regulations designed for laboratory settings or retain standard generator requirements. Written comments will be accepted through September 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Education's Career Pathway Program Information Request

Federal Student Aid has issued a request for public comments on the information collection related to the Eligible Career Pathway Program. The collection enables individuals without a high school diploma to access Title IV student aid through Ability to Benefit alternatives. Institutions must document compliance under Section 668.157 of the Higher Education Act for program approval. An estimated 5,000 responses are expected annually, representing 50,000 burden hours. Feedback may be submitted until September 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Reconsideration Request Information Collection

The Department of Education is requesting public comment for a proposed extension of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Reconsideration Request information collection. This form is used by student loan borrowers to seek reconsideration of PSLF or TEPSLF denial decisions. The extension retains the current collection form without changes despite other updates impacting the Direct Loan program. Estimated annual responses total 36,000, with a burden of 9,000 hours. Comments are due by August 31, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Revision to CAP Performance Report for Disability Advocacy

The Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services has announced a proposed revision to the RSA-227 Annual Client Assistance Program (CAP) Performance Report. The CAP is mandated to provide information, advocacy, and legal representation under the Rehabilitation Act and ADA Title I. Grantees submit the RSA-227 annually by January 29, assisting federal reporting and evaluation. The revision aims to reduce respondent burden while maintaining necessary data integrity. 57 responses are anticipated each year, adding up to 912 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act of 2026

Bill 9960 was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The legislation proposes expanded access and support for homeless and foster youth in higher education, including modifications to the financial aid process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Amend HEA for Homeless and Foster Care Youth

Bill 5146, read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, seeks to adjust the Higher Education Act to improve financial aid procedures specifically for homeless and foster care youth populations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

College Transparency Act

Bill 2511 was ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The Act would mandate reporting on student outcomes and institutional performance for colleges and universities.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State-Based Education Loan Awareness Act

Bill 4097 was ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The bill directs federal support for state-level efforts to increase student loan awareness and borrower education.

Sources: www.congress.gov

A Bill to Require Federal Partnerships for Accelerated Doctoral Programs

Bill 5187 was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The proposal aims to foster partnerships among higher education institutions, National Laboratories, and industry to bolster the science and engineering workforce through accelerated doctoral initiatives.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Students: Is A.I. Changing Your Life? Tell Us.: NYT asks students to describe the impact of artificial intelligence on their daily lives and education.
• US signs letters of intent worth $874 million to boost semiconductor research: Researchers and academic partners gain new funding as the US government supports semiconductor research with $874 million in planned grants.
• SEC, Big Ten add long-missing support to college sports bill and revive its chances in the Senate: Major college athletic conferences announce support for the Protect College Sports Act, increasing its viability in Congress.
• SEC, Big Ten agree to support historic 'Protect College Sports Act' after intense negotiations | OutKick: The SEC and Big Ten reach agreement to back congressional college sports legislation following intensive talks.
• Philippines defends efforts to put China-linked education programmes under more scrutiny: The Philippines government discusses measures to increase oversight of Chinese-affiliated education initiatives in the country.
• Weekly Education: Politico’s education newsletter covers policy moves, grant activity, and ongoing industry developments in US schools and colleges.
• To Recruit Teachers, School Districts Are Building Homes: Districts are addressing teacher shortages by developing affordable housing for educators as part of broader recruitment strategies.

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