The Trump administration's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence" lands on nine campuses with vague perks and 23 demands, including tuition freezes, international caps, and "viewpoint diversity" audits. Hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Jon Fansmith, and Sarah Spreitzer ask can they do that?—then discuss the shutdown's real impacts, week one of negotiated rulemaking, the stalled $100,000 H-1B fee, and a Dear Colleague reminder on federal funds and lobbying.

Here are some of the links and resources from this week's show:

Economic Indicator Tool

The Economic Impact of Higher Education in America

The Trump Administration's Higher Education Compact

Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education White House

White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government ACE | Oct. 3, 2025

Trump's Proposed 'Compact' Asks Colleges to Show They're 'Pursuing Federal Priorities' The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025

OPINION: Trump's 'Compact' With Universities Is Just Extortion The New York Times (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025

Higher Ed Sounds Off on Proposed Compact Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 6, 2025

Government Shutdown and Higher Ed

Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services ACE | Sept. 30, 2025

From the Department of Education

Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025

Reminder Regarding Prohibited Use of Federal Grants Funds for Lobbying and Allowable Membership Costs

What Would a Shutdown Mean for Rule Making? Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 29, 2025