September 27, 2026 to October 03, 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
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

Treasury and IRS Release Proposed Regulations on Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service have issued a notice of proposed rulemaking governing the new nonrefundable Federal tax credit for qualified contributions to scholarship granting organizations. Section 25F, as enacted by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, applies to taxable years ending after December 31, 2026. The proposal clarifies operational rules for eligible scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), defines a "qualified contribution" as a designated cash donation, and describes income limits for student eligibility as 300 percent of area median gross income. The regulations detail procedures for state participation, SGO certification, reporting requirements, and donor substantiation, while setting safe harbors for income verification and scholarship-spending requirements. Public comments on the proposal are due by December 1, 2026, and an IRS hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Executive Order: Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence

On September 29, 2026, President Trump issued an executive order mandating that the federal government replace the term "Artificial Intelligence" (AI) with "Super Intelligence" (SI) in all executive branch communications, reports, and policy documents. The order defines SI with reference to existing statutory definitions of artificial intelligence and directs the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology to recommend legislative language establishing a new federal definition for "Super Intelligence" within 60 days. The directive does not alter previously issued regulations or contracts, and applies prospectively to non-statutory documents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Presidential Message on National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

President Trump released a message for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reiterating the administration's commitment to defending U.S. infrastructure, private-sector networks, and personal data. Referencing recent executive actions and the Cyber Strategy for America, the message points to the ongoing implementation of the "GOLD EAGLE" public-private partnership to leverage advanced intelligence for vulnerability identification and cyber defense. Initiatives spearheaded by the First Lady, including the Presidential Super Intelligence Challenge, aim to educate young Americans on safe technology use.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Department of Education Seeks Public Comment on Eligible Career Pathway Program Information Collection

The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office has published a notice inviting public comments on an extension, without change, of the information collection requirements for the Eligible Career Pathway Program. The program allows students without a high school diploma to qualify for Title IV federal student aid through specified Ability to Benefit alternatives. Documentation requirements are outlined in section 668.157 under the Higher Education Act. The Department estimates 5,000 annual responses and 50,000 annual burden hours for affected parties; comments are due by November 2, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notice of Proposed Information Collection: IMLS Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant Program

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is soliciting public comments on renewal of the Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity. This grant program supports Native Hawaiian nonprofit organizations in improving library services in their communities and aims to renew OMB clearance through January 2027. The collection is estimated to affect 10 annual respondents, with a total annual burden of 350 hours. Comments must be submitted by November 28, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Ken Griffin Is Making the Largest Donation to Higher Education in U.S. History: Ken Griffin’s record-setting gift marks the single largest higher education donation in U.S. history.
• How a senior thesis changed classrooms across America: The origin story of Teach For America traces back to an undergraduate thesis project.
• Opinion | Stop Funding the College Conformity Machine: Commentary argues federal funding drives uniformity and groupthink in university institutions.
• Inside the anti-climate campaign against researchers: An investigation explores conservative-backed efforts targeting climate scientists at major universities.
• When the Grid Goes Dark, the Boardroom Becomes the Battlefield: CISO and Board Advisor Professor Kai London Publishes 100+ Title Cyber, AI and Critical Infrastructure Library: Professor Kai London releases a comprehensive cyber and AI critical infrastructure library.
• Video: Opinion | Cornell and the Age of Impunity: Opinion video discusses campus disciplinary actions in light of recent events at Cornell.
• Cornell Rape Case Collides With Colleges’ Growing Embrace of Fraternities: The Cornell rape case brings renewed scrutiny to fraternity culture on American campuses.
• At Cornell, rape allegations spark outrage, soul-searching over campus culture: Cornell University faces protests and internal debate after rape allegations surface.
• 30 Ideas for Fixing U.S. Schools, Ranked by Experts: Education analysts evaluate and rank 30 proposed ideas for school reform.
• Nearly Two Years In, President Trump Is Still Stacking Historic Wins at Record Speed: The White House outlines key education and research-related policy changes from the past year.

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