Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick

Dear Colleagues:

I’m pleased to report that we are ending the week on a positive note. Late yesterday, the Department of Education confirmed that funds for Federal Work-Study and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants will be made available for the upcoming academic year at the same levels as the current academic year. This announcement is consistent with the overall funding levels set by Congress in March but clarifies the Department’s intent since last month’s funding bill did not specify specific program funding levels. Thank you for your support and advocacy for these critical student aid programs.

Antisemitism issues on college and university campuses remain a focal point in Congress with the Senate holding a hearing on the topic last week. While lawmakers and witnesses largely addressed similar topics as previous hearings held in the House of Representatives, the Senate inquiry was less rancorous.

Both parties in the Senate hearing were critical of how campuses have handled antisemitic incidents with Republicans focused more on criticizing the role that foreign influence plays in those incidents and on praising President Trump’s enforcement efforts targeting federal funding for institutions facing allegations of antisemitism. In contrast, Democrats used their time to raise concerns about free speech and the impact that cuts at the Department of Education will have on civil rights enforcement.

Congressional scrutiny is expected to continue on this issue with rumors of potential future hearings. NAICU will keep you apprised of further developments.

Next week will be another important week on the appropriations front. The House Committee on Appropriations just opened its Member Request portal for the FY 2026 appropriations process. I will be sending an Action Alert to all NAICU members on Monday asking you to contact your representative and urge them to support Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and Federal Work-Study, which have been targeted for cuts or elimination in the last two funding cycles, and the Pell Grant. More details to come on Monday.

Soundbites

• The National Intercollegiate Mutual Aid Agreement (NIMAA) is holding a webinar TODAY from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EDT for those who are interested in linking institutions to provide mutual assistance in the case of disasters, emergencies, and large preplanned events. This agreement provides a formal mechanism for the sharing of resources between institutions. To date, 143 institutions are part of NIMAA. Any institution interested in joining is encouraged to complete the NIMAA Inquiry Form before attending the webinar.

Earlier this week, I was pleased to meet with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to discuss and highlight the benefits of and contributions made by private, nonprofit colleges and universities around the country. I was joined by NAICU’s Jody Feder, director of accountability, and Justin Monk, director of student and institutional aid policy. We had a very productive conversation, including touching on McMahon’s prior service as a member of the Sacred Heart University (CT) board of trustees.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Regards

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick D.B.A.
President, NAICU