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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Dates: 2026-03-08 to 2026-03-14

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🏛️ This Week's Congressional Calendar
• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

This Week's Congressional Calendar

• House Education and Workforce Committee Markup: Higher Ed and Workforce Oversight Bills: The House Education and Workforce Committee will meet on March 17 in Rayburn 2175 to mark up the Science of Reading Act of 2026 (H.R. 7890), No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026 (H.R. 7892), Student Aid Fraud Oversight and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7891), FAFSA Verification Efficiency Act (H.R. 7893), ERISA Litigation Reform Act (H.R. 6084), Truman Scholarship Clean House Act (H.R. 7894), and the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (H.R. 7661).

Federal Government News

Department of Education Proposes Major Rule on Workforce Pell Grants and Aid Eligibility

The Department of Education published a proposed rule that would amend regulations related to institutional eligibility, general provisions, and the Federal Pell Grant Program, implementing changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal introduces a Workforce Pell Grant for short-term, high-quality programs lasting 8–14 weeks and 150–599 clock hours, subject to both Secretary and Governor approval. Students would be ineligible for a Pell Grant if non-Federal grant or scholarship aid equals or exceeds their cost of attendance. Outcome requirements include 70% minimum completion and job placement rates, and new value-added earnings accountability standards. The proposal also details program recertification, loss and regaining of aid eligibility, and sets an April 8, 2026 deadline for public comment. Institutions, states, and other stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on several implementation questions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NSF Solicits Public Comment: Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering

The National Science Foundation's National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics announced plans to renew its annual Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS). The census covers graduate enrollment and postdoc data by department at U.S. academic institutions. The GSS collects information on student and postdoc demographics, financial support, and employment details, and also includes data on postdocs in Federally Funded Research and Development Centers. The agency is seeking comments on the methodology and burden estimate through May 8, 2026, in advance of seeking Office of Management and Budget approval for the next three survey cycles.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

NSF Requests Comment on Institutional Reporting for Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers

The National Science Foundation is requesting input on plans to renew the reporting requirements for grantees under the Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) program. Annual reports require detailed information on research, facilities, education, knowledge transfer, partnerships, management, and budgets, with a focus on both qualitative and quantitative outputs. MRSECs must address objectives, performance indicators, challenges, and outcomes for internal review and continued funding. Comments are due by May 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Agency Information Collection: Reporting for NSF Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation Program

NSF issued a notice seeking input on data collection and reporting protocols for grantees in its Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation (EFRI) program. Multi-year projects must provide annual updates to support longitudinal evaluation. Reporting includes details on personnel, funding, research activities, education outcomes, patents, publications, and knowledge transfer. The feedback period closes May 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Health and Human Services Issues Findings of Research Misconduct

The Office of Research Integrity announced administrative actions against Dr. Chen-Yeh “George” Ke, formerly of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, for research misconduct involving intentional falsification and fabrication in NIH-funded work. Over a three-year period, Dr. Ke is subject to supervision and barred from PHS advisory roles. All PHS-supported research involving Dr. Ke must implement special oversight and reporting procedures.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• If U.S. Colleges Are Dying, Why Are Students Applying?: Despite narratives of higher ed's decline, application numbers at U.S. colleges remain robust.
• A for-profit college, once accused of duping students, gets a lift from Washington: The University of Phoenix sees a resurgence amid shifts in federal policy for for-profit institutions.
• Opinion | How the Iran War Is Hitting Campus: Campus communities continue navigating the ramifications of the conflict in Iran on free speech and student activity.
• Opinion | India’s Boundless Biotech Potential: India advances as a global player in biotechnology, with implications for research and academic collaboration.

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