October 11, 2026 to October 17, 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

Education Department Initiates Study of Program Closures at U.S. Institutions

The U.S. Department of Education, through its Institute of Education Sciences, has issued a request for public comment related to its new information collection study on post-secondary program closure trends. The study, titled "IHE Considerations Around Program Closure: How External Pressures and Internal Policies Shape Decision Making," focuses on analyzing institutional responses and decision-making, exploring governance, HR practices, and external influences since 2022. Approximately 2,160 annual responses are expected, with a total estimated burden of 384 hours. Comments can be submitted electronically via regulations.gov until December 14, 2026. Diana Epstein is listed as the point of contact.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Extension of Measures and Methods for the National Reporting System for Adult Education

The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) at the Department of Education is seeking comment for an extension, without changes, to its approved information collection for the National Reporting System for Adult Education. The initiative collects annual performance and fiscal reports from 57 states and outlying areas receiving funds under the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act. The estimated annual burden is 5,700 hours for 57 respondents. Public comments are invited via reginfo.gov by November 16, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Requests Comment on Job Corps Student Experience Assessment

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration is soliciting public input on the Job Corps Centers Student Experience Assessment survey, which aims to evaluate satisfaction among active Job Corps students. The collection is set for a three-year PRA authorization, with an estimated 24,000 respondents and 48,000 responses annually, generating a 15,840-hour time burden. Comments may be submitted through reginfo.gov by November 16, 2026. Michael Howell is designated as the information contact.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Notification of National Institutes of Health Peer Review Meetings: November 2026

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Center for Scientific Review has scheduled several closed meetings in mid-November to evaluate grant applications across a range of special emphasis panels, including Mentored Research Scientist Development, Bioengineering and Tissue Engineering for Neuroscience, Infectious Disease Drug Development, Global Infectious Disease Research Training, Bioanalytical and Molecular Sciences, Early-Stage Research in Communication Disorders, and Immunopathogenesis. Meetings are virtual and not open to the public due to confidentiality requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIH Amends Meeting Date for Basic Neurosciences Fellowship Review

The National Institutes of Health's Center for Scientific Review has revised the schedule for its Special Emphasis Panel on Basic Neurosciences Fellowship. The meeting, originally planned for November 3–4, will now be a single-day event held virtually on November 4, 2026. Notice is provided by Rosalind M. Niamke, Office of Federal Advisory Committee Policy.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NIH Announces November Peer Review Committees for Digital Health, Communication, and Metabolism Research

New notices from NIH Center for Scientific Review detail virtual panels convening November 10–13 to review grants on topics including clinical translational research for digital health and substance use interventions, communication and cognition, neuroendocrinology, respiratory sciences, eye development, transition awards in Down Syndrome, metabolism in collaborative international research, cancer immunotherapeutics, medical imaging, and small molecule therapeutics. Participation is restricted due to proprietary and personal information concerns.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Additional NIH Closed Meetings Announced for Early November

Federal Register Volume 91, Number 197 details additional NIH Center for Scientific Review closed meetings for November 9–10. Panels include Cancer Immunology Fellowships, Synthetic Chemistry, Kidney Physiology, Small Business Clinical Care, Neurological and Mental Health Study Section, Collaborative International Research, Complex Mental Development, and Population-based Infectious Disease Studies. Meetings are virtual and restricted to maintain confidentiality.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• PE Daily: University Endowments Get AI, Space X Boost: University endowments are reporting gains attributed to portfolios with AI technology and investments in SpaceX.
• This university cracked down on Greek life. Here’s how it’s going: Cornell and West Virginia University's restrictions on Greek life have led to measurable changes in campus culture and student conduct.
• Opinion | The future job market will break career ladders. Find out who could fall.: New analysis examines how automation and artificial intelligence may disrupt traditional career paths for Gen Z.
• Harvard Endowment Soars to $68 Billion Even as Federal Cuts Force Layoffs: Harvard reports a record endowment of $68 billion, but federal funding reductions have resulted in workforce reductions.
• The Tireless Activist Who Became the Face of India’s Young Protesters: India's student protest movement continues to gain momentum, led by prominent young organizers like Neha.
• The hidden divide that makes life so much less affordable for some Americans: Student and auto loan obligations are increasing financial strain for households, according to new reporting.
• Edward Waters announces it will build first on-campus dorm since 1982: Edward Waters University is constructing its first on-campus residence hall in decades to accommodate enrollment growth.

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