August 16, 2026 to August 22, 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

Department of Education Proposes Overhaul of Accreditation Regulations

The U.S. Department of Education issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to revise higher education accreditation regulations under the Higher Education Act. The proposal would update 34 CFR Parts 600, 602, and 668, aligning with Executive Order 14279 to streamline recognition of accrediting agencies, modernize standards and processes, and reinforce compliance with federal law. Key provisions include facilitating competition among accreditors, reducing geographic restrictions, increasing transparency in agency actions, strengthening standards for transfer of credit, clarifying conflicts of interest requirements, and mandating program-level student outcome reporting. Public comment is open until September 21, 2026, and details on submitting remarks are provided in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity Schedules September 2026 Meeting

The Department of Education scheduled the next NACIQI meeting for September 23–24, 2026, at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. The agenda covers renewal of recognition for six accrediting agencies and compliance review for one. The public may submit requests for oral comments concerning agency recognition in advance and can attend virtually. NACIQI will consider accreditor performance relative to statutory and regulatory requirements for supporting federal student aid. Meeting records will be posted publicly following the session.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Releases National Space Transportation Policy

A National Security Presidential Memorandum was issued to update U.S. space transportation policy, aiming for 1,000+ annual launches by 2030. Directives include improvements to launch and reentry infrastructure and integration of commercial and government needs, with a focus on streamlining permitting, enhancing public-private partnerships, and supporting workforce development. Agencies are tasked with publishing range schedules and advancing U.S.-manufactured vehicle prioritization, with NASA to promote commercial lunar and Mars transportation. The policy supersedes prior documents and consolidates responsibilities under the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

NSF Requests Input on Improving Customer Experience Initiatives

The National Science Foundation announced a 60-day public comment period regarding renewal of an information collection designed to improve the customer experience for federal program users, as required under OMB Circular A-11, Section 280. The NSF seeks public opinions, via survey and qualitative customer research, to inform streamlined service delivery, enhance digital platforms, and facilitate reporting for research support. The renewal would affect 2 million respondents annually with an estimated total burden of 101,125 hours.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIH Center for Scientific Review Announces Upcoming Closed Meetings

The NIH Center for Scientific Review scheduled multiple closed peer-review panels from September to October 2026, including sessions on clinical data management, imaging, mental health services, genomics, and technology partnerships. Meetings are closed to the public under Title 5 U.S.C. sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) to protect proprietary information and participant privacy. Meeting details, contact names, and topics for each session are listed in the Federal Register.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026 (H.R. 8476)

The No Antisemitism in Education Act of 2026 remains active, placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 660. The bill addresses antisemitism on college campuses and provides for new requirements related to institutional responses and reporting.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Advancement for Training, Education, Restoration, and Science (WATERS) Act (H.R. 6893)

The WATERS Act, focusing on environmental protection in the Chesapeake Bay region, was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 664. The measure includes funding for education, training, and scientific research programs that intersect with postsecondary institutions.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Lunar Landing Day Act (H.R. 5123)

The Lunar Landing Day Act, centered on commemorating U.S. lunar landing achievements, is currently held at the desk. The legislation includes references to STEM education and public outreach in its language.

Sources: www.congress.gov

New IDEA Act (H.R. 10113)

The New IDEA Act, addressing health and education provisions, has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. The bill's provisions relate to support for students with disabilities and special education services.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill to Prohibit Federal Funding for Gender-Related Medical Treatment Research (H.R. 10127)

A measure to prohibit use of federal funds for studies on gender-related medical treatment has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The legislation would restrict government-backed research in this area.

Sources: www.congress.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Harvard Is Selling a $699 Course Taught by A.I. Clones of Its Faculty: Harvard introduces an online course taught by AI versions of faculty for $699.
• Why College Enrollments Are Expected to Plunge: Analysts review the anticipated sharp decline in college enrollment and underlying demographic factors.
• America’s Colleges Are Hurtling Toward an Enrollment Cliff: U.S. colleges face enrollment declines due to demographic shifts and changing student preferences.
• China Hunts for Scientific Talent. The U.S. Is Making It Easier.: Competition for global research talent intensifies amid new U.S. visa and recruitment measures.
• College should be tough. Michigan's grade plan coddles students. | Opinion: A columnist criticizes the University of Michigan’s proposal to drop grades for some freshmen.
• Opinion | I’m a Former Dean of Admissions. Colleges Shouldn’t Be Paying Rich Kids to Enroll.: A former dean comments on financial aid practices that benefit already affluent students.
• College athletes are now eligible for big time payments. Will nonprofits benefit?: College athletes’ eligibility for compensation expands, raising questions for nonprofits.
• Opinion | Trump and the Campuses, Part 2: Analysis explores President Trump’s stance toward U.S. college governance.

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