Higher Education Policy in the 119th Congress

Part 2 of this podcast continues with Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and our Washington Update expert, examining ways in which the outcome of the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting provides an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes a Trump administration and the 119th Republican-controlled Congress could bring to higher education.

Netting analyzes shifts in key Congressional committees, focusing on the implications for higher education funding, accreditation, and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. He also addresses the impact of potential regulatory changes, executive orders, and court decisions on issues such as student loan repayment and Title IX. Finally, he offers advice to higher education institutions on preparing for these upcoming changes.

Higher Education Policy in the 119th Congress: 2024-2025 Impact Analysis

Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and Washington Update expert, provides crucial insights into how the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting offers an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes under a Trump administration and Republican-controlled 119th Congress, exploring implications for institutions, students, and education policy.

Congressional Leadership Transformation and Committee Impact

Critical Committee Changes Reshaping Education Policy

• Senate HELP Committee leadership transition to Bill Cassidy (R-LA) from Bernie Sanders (D-VT), signaling a potential pivot toward healthcare-focused policy and reformed higher education priorities.
• House Education and Workforce Committee leadership race between Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tim Wahlberg (R-MI), and Burgess Owens (R-UT), following Virginia Foxx’s retirement, with implications for education policy direction.
• Significant Appropriations Committee turnover affecting crucial decisions on:
  • Pell Grant funding allocations
  • Student loan program resources
  • Financial aid program sustainability
  • Institution support mechanisms

Regulatory Transformation

Immediate Regulatory Changes and Their Institutional Impact

• Comprehensive revision of existing regulations:
  • Borrower defense mechanisms and institutional accountability
  • Updated gainful employment metrics affecting program viability
  • Modified 90/10 rule implementation for proprietary institutions
  • Reformed institutional quality standards
• Status of proposed rules and NPRMs:
  • Student borrower relief programs
  • Program Integrity and Institutional Quality guidelines
  • TRIO program modifications
  • Distance education requirements
  • Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations
• Delayed or abandoned 2025 initiatives:
  • Cash management reforms
  • Accreditation standard updates
  • State authorization requirements

Executive Action Implications

• Immigration policy changes affecting:
  • International student enrollment
  • Institutional revenue streams
  • Campus diversity initiatives
• Title IX implementation challenges:
  • 26 states blocking new regulations
  • 24 states implementing changes
  • Institutional compliance complexities
• Student loan repayment modifications:
  • New repayment structure implementation
  • Institutional reporting requirements
  • Student success metrics

Accreditation Evolution and Institutional Impact

Fundamental Accreditation Reform

• Reexamination of accreditor core mission and scope
• Controversial DEI standards debate:
  • Five of six former regional accreditors requiring DEI standards
  • SACCOC’s contrasting approach
  • Potential prohibition implications
• Academic freedom considerations:
  • Faculty concerns about restricted discourse
  • Institutional autonomy questions
  • Cultural and political influence on standards
• Higher Education Act reauthorization implications:
  • Potential solutions for accreditation challenges
  • Updated oversight mechanisms
  • Reformed quality assurance frameworks

Liberal Arts Education Transformation

Innovation and Adaptation in Liberal Education

• Strategic evolution of traditional programs:
  • Career pathway integration
  • Skills-based learning incorporation
  • Industry alignment strategies
• Public service value recognition:
  • Loan forgiveness program preservation
  • Community impact assessment
  • Social value metrics
• Educational delivery modernization:
  • Hybrid learning models
  • Virtual education integration
  • Technology-enhanced instruction
• AI integration strategies:
  • Curriculum enhancement
  • Administrative efficiency
  • Student support systems

Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders

1. Stay tuned for leadership changes. The new leadership will set the tone and tenor for upcoming policy changes, and a lot of the direction will come from the new President-Elect.
2. Be prepared for discussions around accreditation and outcomes. There will be considerable discussion around accreditation and outcomes, as well as how the return on investment for all of education is assessed. Institutions should prepare to discuss outcome measures and how to demonstrate their return on investment, regardless of what type of institution they are.
3. Be aware of the upcoming student loan repayment process. All of Congress is aware that student loan repayments are going to become due, and the process that is undertaken by both Congress and the new incoming administration will be a major topic of discussion in 2025.

#HigherEducation #HigherEdPolicy #WashingtonUpdate

Read the transcript on our website at  https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-implications-of-2024-elections-on-higher-ed-part-2/

About Our Podcast Guest

Tom Netting

Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.