Other News

Stimulus Bill Discussions Resume
Congressional leaders, Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell, who had been at loggerheads over stimulus funds, resumed talks after weeks of inaction. Legislators are under pressure to provide relief before temporary regulations governing student loan payments, unemployment benefits, and rents expire on December 31, 2020. They are also facing a possible government shutdown if a spending bill is not passed this week. However, Congress is expected to pass a bill to extend that deadline. A bipartisan bicameral committee proposed a $908,000,000 stimulus bill that appears to have the support of President-elect Biden. Read more.

Loan Servicing Forbearance Put on Hold
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos extended the administrative forbearance for federal student loans to January 31, 2021. The Department of Education had already instructed federal student loan servicers to postpone the resumption of billing. Under federal law, servicers had until December 8, 2020, to issue bills due on January 1. 2020. Read more.

Institutions Spend Cautiously
In an apparent rebuff of requests for additional funds, Secretary DeVos unveiled a new Department portal that tracks CARES Act spending. Data show institutions have not yet exhausted the funds already allocated to them. The Secretary offered this as proof additional funding is not needed. However, administrators say they fear violating the complex restrictions that govern spending. The cost of adjustments and the loss of primary and auxiliary revenues may surpass CARES Act funding. Read more.

DACA Restored
U.S. District Judge Nicholas Garaufis ordered the federal government to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The secretary of Homeland Security had shortened DACA work permits and stopped accepting applications. Earlier this year, the federal government estimated that 216,000 of the approximately 454,000 undocumented immigrant students enrolled in postsecondary institutions are DACA-eligible. Read more.

Judge Rules Against Latest Restrictions on H-1B Visas
US District Judge Jeffrey White blocked a federal government attempt to impose new restrictions on H-1B high-skilled foreign worker visas. Judge White ruled that the government was not justified in circumventing the required rulemaking procedures. In October, Judge White blocked a H-1B Visa rule that suspended new visas for foreign workers.  Read more.

College Scorecard Updated
The Department of Education added second-year post graduation earnings and cumulative loan data to the college scorecard website. Read more.

Degree Embedded Industry Certifications
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, and Workcred, an affiliate of the American National Standards Institute, have been working to find ways to align and embed certifications with bachelor's degree programs. The participants have made available a framework they developed for embedding certifications and certification pathways in healthcare, cybersecurity, and manufacturing bachelor degree programs. Read more.

Athletic Scholarships Tied to Persistence
Research conducted by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education suggests athletic scholarships provide an important economic buffer for students. Black student athletes graduated at a significantly higher rate than black students in general. The research confirms data released by the NCAA. However, as the NCAA acknowledged that accuracy is compromised by the flawed method used to calculate the federal graduation rate. Read more.

Webinar Series
NASPA Region III wound down its HBCU Webinar Series, which ran from September 30 through November 19, 2020. The series concluded with a session on accountability and sustainability at HBCUs. The series was coordinated by North Carolina A&T State University Director for Student Affairs Assessment and Staff Development, Dr. Kellie Dixon. Recordings are available online. Watch.

Third Annual National Summit for Sustainability of HBCUs
The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation hosted the first virtual National Summit for Sustainability of HBCUs. Participants included Wells Fargo, Quest Diagnostics, Cocoa Cola Company, ED Choice, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, the UNCF, the TMCF, 100 Black Men of America, NAFEO, and HBCU administrators. Panel discussions covered the pandemic, corporate philanthropy, social justice, and HBCU sustainability. Read more.

Federal Student Aid Conference
The Department of Education held its annual Federal Student Aid Training Conference online. The conference provided student financial aid professionals with technical information needed for compliance. The event also provided participants with a preview of the revamped student aid website and new mobile app. Secretary DeVos gave the keynote address. An estimated 14,000 people attended the four-day affair. Read more.

Settlement in College Rankings Investigation
The Department of Education has reached a settlement with Temple University for allegedly boosting the ratings of Fox School of Business by submitting false information to U.S. News & World Report. The University says that when it discovered inaccurate information had been submitted for certain programs it withdrew those programs from ranking consideration and established protocols to prevent reoccurrence. Under the agreement, Temple will pay $700,000 to the Department of Education. Read more.

Universities Hacked
At least 14 universities in the United States were victims of a phishing campaign aimed at harvesting student credentials and university funds. Research suggests that hackers timed their attack to take advantage of the chaos that is characteristic of the first few days of the term. Read more.

Faculty Burnout
As the pandemic drags on, concern for the mental and physical health of faculty is escalating. According to recent surveys, stress, fatigue, increased workloads, health concerns, increased family responsibilities, and job insecurity are factors contributing to burnout. During a Chronicle of Higher Education webinar, college presidents spoke about how helping employee take advantage of unused existing benefits, including child and elder care, boosts retention. Stress, already common among adjunct faculty, is devastating tenured and tenure-track faculty as well. Read more.

Marijuana Legalization
The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill legalizing marijuana on the federal level. The decriminalization movement has gained advocates who see marijuana as a potential source of revenue for states. Legalization may also increase the opportunities and scope of research. Several HBCUs are currently involved in cannabis research and commercialization. Read more.


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Student Financial Aid

2020 Virtual FSA Training Conference

The FSA Training Conference was held December 1-4, 2020. The conference highlighted recent and pending updates under the NextGen FSA Initiative, including:

• StudentAid Mobile App
• Updated Loan Simulator
• Updated interactive Public Service Loan Forgiveness tools
• Borrower Defense to Repayment application form
• Partner Connect and the Knowledge Center (new IFAP) announcement and (video)
• Student Financial Empowerment/Financial Literacy (Betsy DeVos describes AI assistant Aiden, myStudentAid App, and the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement)
• Updated StudentAid.gov (interactive forms and applications, loan management tools)
• Various Topics (Session PDFs)
• Understanding the Cohort Default Rates Process

On the first day of the conference, a discussion on professional judgment covered adjustments to expected family contribution, adjustments made to cost of attendance, and the pandemic considerations. The video may still be available here.

On the final day of the conference, a training officer discussed the top 10 compliance audit findings. She stressed the importance of administrative capability and internal controls. Video of the session may be available for viewing. The top ten findings were:

1. Student Status: Inaccurate/Untimely Reporting
2. Repeat Finding: Failure to Take Corrective Action
3. Return of Title IV (R2T4) Calculation Errors
4. Verification Violations
5. Qualified Auditor's Opinion Cited in Audit
6. Student Credit Balance Deficiencies
7. Entrance/Exit Counseling Deficiencies
8. G5 Expenditures Untimely/Incorrectly Reported
9. Pell Grants Overpayments or Underpayments

Compliance

• College Financing Plan and the FAQ for 2021-2022
• 2021-2022 FAFSA Verification-Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Return Transcript Matrix notice and spreadsheet
• Submission in Religious Liberty and Free Inquiry Final Rule
• Additional COD System Changes for the CARES Act Beginning Nov. 8, 2020 (Supplemental Phase) PDF
• Title IV Compliance Reminder
• COD System Changes to Support CARES Act Rules
• Best Practices for using the Coronavirus Indicator. Note that mistakes made using the Coronavirus Indicator are not easily corrected.
• HEERF Reporting Webinar: overview, recording, slides, and checklist
• HEERF FAQ (Question 49 Updated November 20, 2020.)
• HEERF Round 3 FAQ (Question 14 Updated November 20, 2020.)
• CARES Act webpage (Updated October 20, 2020.)
• Distance Learning Rule goes into effect July 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted.
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) rule expires December 31, 2020.
• The rehabilitation tax credit is available to property owners including tax-exempt entities that have formed limited partnerships to substantially rehabilitate a historical property.
• IRS guidance on reporting deferred employee payroll tax.
• FSA provided updated information regarding Revolving Fund Distribution of Assets Timeline for 2020–21 and Reimbursement for Perkins Loan Service Cancellations
• The NSLDS Perkins Data Provider Instructions were updated.
• NSLDS Enrollment Reporting Guide and Appendices and a NSLDS Enrollment Submittal Template (Excel)
• The policy regarding qualifying payment for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program has been updated. A new form and support tool will be available soon.
• The email address used to report fraud to the Office of Inspector General is no longer valid. The complaint web portal should be used to report fraud. The report spreadsheet has been updated (Excel).
• Fact Sheet on Procuring, Donating, or Loaning Personal Protective Equipment and Other Medical Supplies and Equipment Purchased with Federal Funds.
• Fact Sheet providing information on Repurposing Federal Equipment and Supplies to Combat COVID-19.
• FAQ for COVID-19 Title IV
• Title IV Aid Disbursement Reporting, Excess Cash, and Reconciliation Requirements

Deadlines

• The two-step confirmation of SAIG mailboxes and user accounts must be completed by December 11, 2020, to maintain access to the system. Remember to delete individuals who no longer require access.
• FISAP edit corrections must be submitted on or before December 15, 2020 .
• The deadline for the Annual Security Report, the Annual Fire Safety Report, and distribution of the annual Equity in Athletics Disclosures is December 31, 2020.
• Note that the 2016 Handbook for Campus Safety and Security Reporting has been replaced.
• Updated versions of the TDClient and EDconnect software applications must be installed by February 6, 2021, to maintain access to the system.
• The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement requirement is postponed to 2021.

Appointments

Jackson State University named alumnus Thomas K. Hudson, JD, its next president. He had been serving on an interim basis since February 2020. Read more.

South Carolina State University Board of Trustees has agreed to extend the contract of President James E. Clark for another two to four years. Read more.

Voorhees College President Dr. W. Franklin Evans will assume the presidency of West Liberty University in West Virginia on January 1, 2021. Read more.

Carver Bible College named Pastor C.L. Jordan, president. Pastor Jordan comes to Carver from Louisville, Kentucky where he leads two churches. His tenure begins February 1, 2021. Read more.

Morehouse College executive vice president and chief business officer , Gerald L. Hector has been named the senior vice president for Administration and Finance at the University of Central Florida. His tenure begins January 4, 2021. Read more.

South Carolina State University appointed Dr. Joshua Idassi to be the state's leader for sustainable agriculture and natural resources. Dr. Idassi most recently served at the University from North Carolina A&T State University. Read more.

Talladega College named April R. Clark, associate vice president for institutional advancement. Ms. Clark comes to the College from St. Augustine's University, where she served as director of development .Read more.

Harris-Stowe State University named Dr. Edward Hill associate provost for academic affairs. Dr. Hill comes to the University from Wilberforce University where he served in a similar capacity. The University also named James Fogt as chief innovation officer of its new Center for Academic Innovation and Technology Transfer. Read more.

Rust College announced Dr. Ishmell Edwards will retire, effective June 1, 2021. After earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science from Rust College in 1971, Dr. Edwards stayed on and served in various capacities. He is currently the athletic director and vice president for college relations. His doctoral dissertation at the University of Mississippi was on the history of Rust College. Read more.

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Kudos

Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen has been named the Chief Executive Officer of the Biden-Harris Presidential Inauguration Committee. Dr. Allen served as special assistant and speechwriter for Mr. Biden during the 1990s. Read more.

Allen University sent its students home with personal protective equipment care packages. The packages contained washable cloth masks, disposable masks, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, written material, and non-perishable food items. Read more.

Alcorn State University's Library won the Best Year-Round Effort by an Individual Library to Publicize Library Services in General award during the 2020 Mississippi Library Association's Virtual Conference. The award acknowledged the outreach programs the library provides for students and the community. Read more.

North Carolina A&T State University Professor Dr. Brandis Phillips' expertise was featured on Wallet Hub, a personal finance website. Dr. Phillips, a CPA, is an associate professor of accounting and finance and a published authority on technology. Read more.

Spelman College has named a scholarship for Helen Smith Price, a trustee and alumna. The Helen Smith Price, C’79, Endowed Finish Line Scholarship is supported by Cocoa-Cola and will provide need-based awards to high achieving students. Read more.

St. Philip’s College faculty member, Irene Young, has won the Alamo Colleges District award for Outstanding Efforts on International Education. The award acknowledges her work in international studies. Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, Vice President for Student Success at the College was chosen by a panel of national community college leaders to participate in the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI). Read more.

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Programs

Texas Southern University Jesse H. Jones School of Business has partnered with the Texas Bankers Association to launch the Future Bankers Leadership Program. The program includes a commercial banking concentration, internship opportunities, and exposure to industry executives and mentors. Plans are underway to expand the program to include fintech, banking compliance, and governance, and other initiatives. Read more.

Howard University announced a new Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctor joint degree program will be open to incoming freshmen. The program provides a pathway for eligible students to complete both their Bachelor of Arts and their Juris Doctor degrees in six years. Read more.

North Carolina A&T University launched its online Transfer Credit Articulation Tool. The tool makes it easier for students to make informed decisions when considering a transfer. It provides real-time credit evaluation of courses taken at other institutions. Read more.

Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda Allen signed an articulation agreement with Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black. The agreement establishes a pathway for qualified Delaware County Community College graduates to transfer to the University as juniors en route to completing a baccalaureate. Seventeen of the College's associate degrees are covered by the agreement. Read more.

Morgan State University Board of Regents approved a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering. The Regents also approved a Ph.D. in Secure Embedded Systems and a (3+2) Year Dual Bachelor of Science Degree program offered in partnership with Purdue University. Read more.

Meharry Medical College and Tennessee State University (TSU) launched the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Medical, Dental Accelerated Pathway Program. It prepares qualified students at Tennessee State to gain early acceptance at Meharry medical or dental school. The program's namesake, a TSU alumnus, was the first physician to successfully implant a defibrillator in a patient. Read more.

Florida A&M University has secured initial accreditation for its Master of Health Administration Program. The Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education accreditation opens up additional opportunities for graduates of the program. They will be eligible for otherwise restricted fellowships and residencies. Read more.

Grambling State University launched Grambling Global Academy. The academy offers low-cost online courses to help adults finish their bachelor's degree. Read more.

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Sports

Southern University's Athletic Director, Roman Banks, announced Chris Crenshaw will serve as interim head coach for baseball. Mr. Crenshaw is currently serving as the assistant baseball coach. Former head coach, Kerrick Jackson resigned, to accept the position of president of the Major League Baseball Draft League. Read more.

Coach Oliver Buddy Pough will continue to lead South Carolina State's football program through December 31, 2021. He has been with the University 18 years. Read more.

Bowie State University's assistant athletic director for media relations Mr. Gregory Going announced he will retire in May 2021. He has been with the University since September 2003.] Read more.

Paine College has partnered with Augusta National Golf Club to launch a women's golf program. The partnership will also fund the Lee Elder Scholarships for the men's and women's golf teams. Lee Elder was the first African American to compete in the Masters Tournament. Read more.

Benedict College has partnered with Blaze Fire Games, a digital content provider, to launch an eSports club and provide access to related certificate-level courses. The Benedict Tigers have begun hosting and competing in tournaments. Read more.

Teams from 20 HBCUs competed in the first HBCU eSports Homecoming Classic. The event was held online and included live performances and a half-time show. Winners received cash and scholarships. Read more.

Basketball Schedules in Flux due to the pandemic. Basketball games have been postponed and even canceled due to COVID concerns. Surveillance testing is performed regularly and though not common, positive COVID results have occurred. Read more.

Universities Exercise Caution Virginia State University has opted out of basketball citing pandemic concerns. Florida A&M University has opted out of 2021 spring football, volleyball, and indoor track and field. The women's basketball team has also opted out for the spring due to the pandemic. Read more.

Singer Beyoncé Knowles Carter and interactive fitness platform, Peloton, have partnered to bring themed workouts to HBCUs during homecoming. Peloton awarded two-year memberships to students at 10 HBCUs. Read more.

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WPG Special Report