AXIOS (Avery Lotz) - Trump's higher ed shakeup starts a new semester
Students are returning to campus as the Trump administration continues to reshape American academia. The big picture: The administration has leveraged federal education funding and threatened litigation against universities deemed misaligned with policy priorities — moves critics say subject academia to political whims. State of play: The all-of-government squeeze on higher education continues a 19-month battle that has brought scrutiny of international collaboration, threats to research funding, litigation and possible accreditation overhauls. - "It was an earthquake in January of 2025," says Stuart Shapiro, the dean of Rutgers' School of Planning and Public Policy who worked in the Office of Management and Budget. "The…
What is the Department of Education's proposed framework regarding college accreditation?
The Education Department proposed a new framework intended to "break up entrenched accreditation monopolies" and accelerate reviews for new accreditors. This proposal emphasizes that accrediting agencies must prioritize and promote "intellectual diversity and the free exchange of ideas amongst faculty."
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How is the duration of stay for international students in the U.S. changing under the new rule?
Effective September 15, student admission will be capped at a fixed four-year period, replacing the previous "duration of status" policy.
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What are the potential consequences of the OMB's proposed grant-making rule according to Research!America's Russ Paulsen?
Russ Paulsen, President and CEO of Research!America, stated that the uncertainty created by the OMB could lead to fewer graduate students and fewer scientists pursuing cures for diseases during the 2026 back-to-school season.
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What has been the long-term impact of the Trump administration's actions on the relationship between the government and academia, according to Stuart Shapiro?
Stuart Shapiro, the dean of Rutgers' School of Planning and Public Policy and former Office of Management and Budget employee, described the relationship change in January of 2025 as an "earthquake," noting that the relationship between government and academia, which originated in the post-World War II era, has never seen a shakeup of that magnitude.
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