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Proposed Uniform Guidance Update

The Office of Budget and Management (OMB) published a proposed regulatory update to the Uniform Guidance in the Federal Register. The proposal largely fulfills the directives issued in an August 2025 executive order (EO) titled Improving Oversight Of Federal Grantmaking. It comes on the heels of a court order that restored over 1,400 grants cut from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Although the EO included a section on restricting indirect costs, the proposal did not change the rate negotiation system. Rather, it indicated that OMB may consider the topic in a future update. 

 

Under the proposed rule, each agency or department would have an appointee responsible for vetting grant applications against select criteria. The appointee would review grants to ensure they are consistent with the current administration’s priorities and do not support DEI or theories of disparate-impact liability unless legally required to do so. The rule would tighten controls over subawards and expand reporting requirements. OMB also changed the name from Uniform Guidance to Uniform Grants Regulation.

 

The OMB stated it had three objectives in publishing this update: to clarify its authority, control federal spending across all departments, and excise any residual DEI policies from federal agencies. The comment period closes on July 13, 2026. Read more on Inside Higher ED.

HBCU, Small College, and Higher ED News

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Accreditation Rulemaking Update

The Department of Education’s (ED) negotiated rulemaking committee reached consensus on changes to accreditation rules. Although ED compromised on some of the items on its agenda, the changes that made it through represent a significant shift in focus. Of note, the consensus draft: 

• Removes the stipulation that to be recognized by ED, an accreditor needs to conduct accreditation activities for two years; 
• Introduces a prohibition on accreditors and affiliated trade organizations sharing resources;
• Requires accreditors to enforce select academic performance metrics; and 
• Requires accreditors to monitor academic freedom protections, research misconduct, and intellectual diversity. 

In drafting the final rule, ED must stick closely to the language in the consensus draft. Experts predict the rules will face legal challenges. ED may also face challenges based on the committee composition. Critics pointed to limited representation of institution-types compared with previous administrations. Read ED’s press release and analyses from Inside Higher ED and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Transcripts and recordings from the sessions are also available for review.

 

Fallout from Cyber Breach

Several lawsuits have been filed against KKR and Instructure in the wake of security breaches that brought down Canvas, their popular educational platform. Used by colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and school districts, Canvas was struck during the academic end-of-year busy season. Although it went back online fairly quickly, some users waited for their IT to complete internal security checks before resuming use.

 

ShinyHunters, the hackers who claimed responsibility, appeared to use a compromised Free-for-Teacher account to gain access to the Canvas system. When a demand for payment deadline lapsed, the hackers altered the Canvas login page and made an offer directly to impacted institutions. 

 

Infrastructure announced that it was confident that the hackers had deleted the stolen data, which included names, emails, enrollment information and private messages.

 

ED reminded institutions of their obligation to report cybersecurity incidents and provided a list of recommendations. Experts stress the importance of updating passwords and multifactor authentication keys, consulting with IT, legal counsel, and insurers and keeping the campus community informed.

 

The breach occurred at a time of high vulnerability for the nation as a whole as AI continues to boost hacking capability and federal agencies on the front lines of cyberwar contend with funding and staff cuts.

 

Updates to the Pell Grant Program

ED published the final rule and a fact sheet for the Pell Grant program. The bulk of the regulation sets up Workforce Pell, which permits students to use Pell Grants to enroll in short-term programs. It goes into effect July 20, 2026. A small section that will likely have a big impact revokes eligibility for Pell Grant awards when non-federal awards meet or exceed the cost of attendance. That stipulation went into effect May 19, 2026. 

 

The Workforce Pell rule includes tight restrictions on length and requires programs to be approved by state governors. To maintain eligibility, programs must meet completion, job placement, and post-completion earnings thresholds. Advocates urge interested HBCUs to partner with employers, community groups, and third-party providers to take advantage of the opportunity. Read more on Inside Higher ED.

 

Federal Support for HBCU Infrastructure

The HBCU Caucus introduced a bill to create a competitive grant program to support campus construction, facilities maintenance, modernization, and other initiatives. The Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act would operate under the Department of Education (ED). The legislation was introduced both chambers of Congress. Read more on HBCU News.

 

Multiple Lawsuits Launched over Loan Restrictions

Twenty-five states and the District of Columbia sued ED for failing to designate nursing and other graduate programs as exempt from lower borrowing caps in its final rule. Other lawsuits were filed by nursing schools and associations. Members of Congress moved to rescind the rule under the Congressional Review Act. The rule is scheduled to go into effect July 1, 2026. Read more on NPR and Political.

 

TRIO Under the Labor Department

A dozen US Senators urged Secretary McMahon to revert the focus of TRIO’s Talent Search program back to supporting college access. While acknowledging the need for apprenticeships, they note that the mission of the TRIO programs has always been college access. Secretary McMahon cited costs and underperformance as the reasons behind the shift. However, Senators said the data show the programs have been successful. Read more on the Council for Opportunity in Education.

 

Update on IPEDS Requirement Dispute

Judge F. Dennis Saylor, IV expanded the injunction blocking the Department of Education (ED) from enforcing the Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey requirement. While the previous ruling covered public institutions in seventeen states, the latest ruling adds over 100 institutions—mostly members of the Association of American University members. Other institutions are still subject to the requirement. Read more on Higher ED Dive.

 

NAACP and Legislators Urge Boycott

The NAACP has launched a boycott of sports at non-HBCU public universities in a states where congressional maps are being redrawn to dilute Black voting power. The NAACP maintains that the same states that pushed through redistricting to deny minorities fair representation, build their sports empires by leveraging the talents of Black student athletes. They asked fans to divert their support to HBCUs. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) supports the boycott. They also oppose the SCORE Act, which would allow the NCAA to draft and enforce rules governing collegiate sports. HBCU conference commissioners have asked the CBC to support the act. The commissioners say some regulations need to be in place to avoid financial strain, reduce legal liability, and codify name, image, and likeness rules. The legislation is on hold for now due to CBC opposition. Read more on HBCU Sports.

 

Students Challenge Law Mandating Financial Exigency

Prospective, current, and former Kentucky State University students filed two lawsuits challenging a law that places the institution under a five-year financial exigency; limits academic areas of study; and transforms it into a polytechnic institution. In the first lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim the law is unconstitutional. They also allege state underfunding was used to undermine the institution. The second lawsuit calls out the legislators for introducing the law as an empty shell bill under a title that indicated it would be about branch budget recommendations. Details regarding the university were added later but the title was not changed until after the bill had passed. Both lawsuits claim the mandated changes in academic offerings, program spending, admissions, and faculty and the rushed timeline for implementation this fall will harm students. Opposition to the law is not unanimous and the university has begun to tackle the tasks required by the legislation.

 

Groups Ask ED Release Funds

In a letter to Secretary McMahon, a bipartisan group of Senators urged her to release funding for the Institute of Education Sciences before it expires. If not allocated, the balance from 2025 will expire on September 30, 2026. Similar concerns were expressed in a letter addressed to the secretary and the director of the Office of Management and Budget by nearly 100 organizations. Read more on Higher ED Dive.

 

Overtime Rule Rescinded

The Department of Labor published a final rule, ending its defense of the 2024 overtime rule. The new regulation rolls back salary thresholds and regulations to their 2019 status. Read more on College and University Professional Association for Human Resources.

 

 

Court Rules Lawsuit Against ED Can Continue

US District Judge Julie R. Rubin denied ED’s request to dismiss a lawsuit that challenges the legality of actions it has taken to shrink itself. The lawsuit was filed by the NAACP, unions, and parents.

 

 

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Drake State Community and Technical College

The E. Hart Fund gifted $5,000,000 to Drake State Community and Technical College in honor of the late Ellenae Fairhurst. The funds will be used to remodel the college’s automotive building. The institution also received $700,000 from appropriations funding secured by US Senator Katie Britt. It will be used to support workforce training.

 

Philander Smith University

The Windgate Foundation awarded $3,750,000 to create the Philander Smith University Need-Based Scholarship Endowment and $150,000 to provide immediate relief for students in need. 

 

Virginia State University

The College of Engineering and Technology received $1,031,000 from federal appropriations earmarked for the state of Virginia. The funding will be used to create a center for generative AI and industrial cybersecurity. The award was presented by Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, who secured the funding. 

 

Morehouse and Spelman Colleges

Siblings, Dr. George I. Crawford, Dr. Marcus H. Crawford, and Dr. Christine Crawford donated $2,000,000 each to Morehouse and Spelman Colleges. Half the $1,000,000 donation to Morehouse College will be used to bolster its endowment fund. The other half will be used to support construction of a campus center for student entrepreneurs. Similarly, the $1,000,000 donation to Spelman College will be divided between its unrestricted annual funding and its general endowment. The siblings are alumni of the institutions. 

 

HBCU Health Equity Data Consortium

North Carolina A&T State University received three awards for the HBCU Health Equity Data Consortium for which it serves as the managing member. The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust awarded the consortium $850,000 to support its establishment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a $810,000 contribution through the North Carolina Division of Public Health. The funds will be used to support modernization of the state’s public health system workforce. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awarded the consortium $200,000 to complete its COVID-19 impact research. In addition to North Carolina A&T State University, members of the consortium include Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University. Ancillary member institutions are Appalachian State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Western Carolina University.

 

South Carolina State University

Dr. Hemanth Dakshinamurthy was awarded a $499,328 grant from the US Department of Agriculture to develop drones to monitor at-risk coastal areas. The drones will help researchers identify pollution sources that threaten coastal shellfish and have a negative socioeconomic impact on the Gullah-Geechee and other communities.

 

Elizabeth City State University

Family Fare Convenience Stores donated $100,000 to Elizabeth City State University to establish the Family Fare Endowed Entrepreneurship Program Fund. The endowment will be used to fund experiential learning initiatives including student competitions and entrepreneurial activities.

 

Florida A&M University

During his commencement address, entrepreneur Omar Goff donated $100,000 to his alma mater, Florida A&M University. The funds will be used to create the Possibility in Action endowment at the university’s School of Business and Industry. His donation was tripled as co-founders, Melvin and Monique Rodriguez, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of TIAA, agreed to match his donation.

 

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Texas College

Dr. SherRhonda Gibbs will begin her tenure as president of Texas College on July 1, 2026. Dr. Gibbs hails from Morehouse College where she served as dean of the business and economics division. The first woman to lead the college, she takes the reins from Dr. Dwight J. Fennell who has retired.

 

UNCF

Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy has been named chief business officer for UNCF. Dr. Dubroy is an experienced higher education administrator who previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Howard University and president at Shaw University. In her new position, she will work with UNCF president and CEO, Dr. Michael L. Lomax to improve support for member institutions.

 

Alabama A&M University

Mr. William J. Young, a professional musician and experienced educator, will serve as Alabama A&M University’s new director of bands. Mr. Young hails from Southern University and A&M College where he served as associate director of bands. He takes the reins at Alabama A&M University from Mr. Carlton J. Wright who has retired. 

 

Talladega College

The Talladega College Board of Trustees appointed six new members: Ms. Angela Davis Jarret, Dr. Donald H. Taylor Jr., Mr. James W. Bowden, Dr. Margie R. Vela, Mr. Michael Madison, and Ms. Pamela Cook.

 

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Coalition Focuses on Research Capacity

Fifteen HBCUs formally launched the Association of HBCU Research Institutions. The coalition aims to increase the number of HBCUs designated as RI institutions by expanding collaboration and improving research capacity. Founding members include Howard University, North Carolina A&T State University, Clark Atlanta University, Delaware State University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University, Texas Southern University, Virginia State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore. 

 

New AI Degree Program

Alabama A&M University College of Engineering, Technology and Physical Sciences will welcome its inaugural cohort of students for its Bachelor Science in Artificial Intelligence program. The degree program augments the AI concentration in the university’s existing computer science curriculum. The courses are also available to students majoring in other fields.

 

Scholarship Pathway Supports International Students

Benedict College signed an agreement with the Bahamian Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training to provide scholarships to Ministry-sponsored students. Financial support from the Bahamian government bundled with institutional support from Benedict College will cover most of the cost of attendance.

 

Satellite Campus Opens at Spaceport

Texas Southern University opened a new satellite campus located at Houston Spaceport. In addition to classrooms and offices, the spaceport campus will house the university’s fleet of Cirrus SR20 aircraft. The university’s aviation program offers flight training and aerospace engineering. It recently became part of the Delta Air Lines Propel Pilot Career Path Program.

 

Expansion of Male Enrollment Initiative

Male enrollment and retention rates at Coppin State University are significantly higher than the national average. The university will build on that success with the Coppin Male Initiative. The program will integrate mentorship and peer support throughout the campus community.

 

Platform Launched for Adult Learners

Spelman College announced Ascent by eSpelman, a virtual learning series that provides professionals with access to industry experts who can help them advance or change their careers. 

 

 

Impact of Drought on Facilities Management

Despite possible exemption from restrictions, institutions located in areas affected by drought have taken action to scale back water use. Tactics used by facilities management teams include installing water meters, smart systems and low-flow fixtures, upgrading equipment, replacing lawns with drought-tolerant grasses, and adjusting scheduled water use.

 

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Workforce Pell and HBCUs

The Black Legislative Leaders Network published a report on how HBCUs can maximize the opportunities provided by Workforce Pell and the steps they need to take to do so. Read more on Government Technology.

 

Degree Earner Trends

According to a report released by the National Student Clearinghouse, the percentage of students earning associate and bachelor’s degrees before the age of twenty is increasing. Researchers tied the trend to a surge in the availability of dual enrollment programs. Read more on the EDU Ledger. 

 

Pell Grant Eligibility Ticks Upward

The Government Accountability Office released a report that found FAFSA simplification and regulatory updates resulted in a year over year increase in eligibility. The increase was particularly significant among students from households with incomes between $60,001 and $125,000. 

 

Brookings Reports

Brookings Institute published four reports that pertain to higher education: How to Expand the Nation’s Pipeline of Economics Doctoral Students; Why Expert Advising Matters for College Access; The Complex Ramifications of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard; and Getting State ‘Free College’ Right: Design Choices that Matter. 

 

 

Anti-Christian Bias

A task force comprised of several federal agencies released a report on anti-Christian discrimination in the federal government. The report focused on occurrences during the Biden administration and included fines levied by the Department of Education. 

 

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