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Massachusetts announced this month that it will distribute $23 million in clean energy grants to nine public colleges and state facilities through the 'Leading by Example Decarbonization Implementation Plan,' covering projects such as geothermal system connections and energy efficiency retrofits, expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 21,000 tons annually and lower long-term costs for taxpayers.
Bipartisan senators reintroduced the Merit-Based Admissions Reform and Institutional Transparency Act (MERIT Act) last week, aiming to prohibit colleges from giving preferential treatment to children of alumni or donors in admissions through the accreditation mechanism. Although similar legislation has not advanced previously, controversy over admissions fairness has intensified following the Supreme Court ruling.
The board of trustees of University of Valley Forge in Pennsylvania announced on Wednesday that the university will close indefinitely after the summer semester ends in August this year, citing leadership's belief that it "cannot responsibly continue academic operations." Previously, its accrediting agency had required the university to submit proof of financial resources, indicating financial distress. The university listed three potential "teach-out" partner institutions, all Christian universities. The university enrolled 589 students in fall 2024, with enrollment largely stable in recent years but down about one-third from a decade ago.
After the implementation of Texas community college performance-based funding model (HB 8), student outcomes exceeded expectations, leading to a state funding shortfall. The coordinating board's formula adjustments may reduce fiscal year 2027 appropriations. College leaders praised the model at a Senate hearing but requested supplemental appropriations from the legislature and improvements to the forecasting model.
One year after canceling its sports programs due to a budget crisis, Sonoma State University announced it will reinstate 10 Division II sports programs for the 2027-28 academic year, joining the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The university, which faced protests and lawsuits over cuts to athletics and academic programs, now plans to use a one-time $8 million state infusion and student fee revenue to resume operations.
A recent survey released by education technology company Instructure shows that 90% of college students use artificial intelligence in the classroom at least occasionally, and 61% of college instructors engage in similar behavior. However, instructor training lags significantly behind: only 11% of college instructors have received comprehensive AI training, and 41% say they have received no formal training. The survey also found that all groups generally expect schools to provide education on AI ethics and literacy, while concerns about AI reliability persist.
A report released this week by S&P Global Ratings indicates that enrollment at both public and private universities increased in fiscal year 2025, yet operating margins deteriorated. The median full-time equivalent enrollment at public institutions grew by 2.1%, higher than the 0.7% at private institutions; however, the median operating margin for private institutions fell to -0.4%, negative for the third consecutive year, while public institutions remained at 0.7% but declined from the previous year. The report also highlights divergence between public flagship universities and regional institutions, as well as tuition discounting and competitive pressures faced by private institutions.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Nicholas Kent said Tuesday that the department is considering policy and regulatory reforms to streamline the process of college mergers, acquisitions, and even closures. This move comes on the eve of a new batch of higher education regulations taking effect, including new loan limits and income-based testing requirements for academic programs.