Modernizing Pell Grants for Today’s Workforce

by Presidents Forum | Apr 16, 2025 | Policy

Modernizing Pell Grants for Today’s Workforce

The big picture:

Bipartisan JOBS Act aims to expand Pell Grant access to shorter workforce training programs

Why it matters:

The legislation would help low-income students access accelerated career training in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing and technology.

The bottom line:

The JOBS Act represents a shift toward more flexible education funding that aligns with modern workforce needs while maintaining accountability measures.

Rethinking Higher Education Measurement

by Presidents Forum | Apr 15, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability

Rethinking Higher Education Measurement

Why it matters

The Postsecondary Commission is working to become an accreditor focused on measuring economic outcomes for students – a potentially transformative shift in how we evaluate colleges.

The big picture

The goal: Create data systems that track whether college actually improves graduate earnings
Timeline: About 3-4 years remaining in estimated 6-7 year accreditation process
Key states like Texas and Virginia already have robust data tracking systems

Between the lines

Innovation in higher ed is “profoundly suppressed” due to institutional inertia
Some states are reluctant to share economic outcome data for political reasons
The Pell Grant system is praised as an exemplar of empowering student choice

What’s next

The organization will seek to partner with institutions that are willing to be measured on their economic outcomes once accreditation is achieved.

Building Student-First Innovation in Higher Ed

by Presidents Forum | Apr 14, 2025 | Innovation

Building Student-First Innovation in Higher Ed

Why it matters

David Schejbal, President of Excelsior University, shares insights on streamlining higher education processes while maintaining accountability.

Key takeaways

M&A timelines need dramatic reduction: Current higher ed mergers take ~2 years; Schejbal argues they should take no more than 3 months
Slow processes kill deals: Extended approval times can financially drain struggling institutions, making them less attractive merger partners
Student-first approach is crucial: Success in initiatives like credit transfer depends “95% on culture, 5% on process”

The bottom line

Institutions must prioritize student needs over administrative convenience, with actions (like transfer policies) matching their student-first rhetoric.

Shaping Higher Education Policy: Presidents Forum in DC

by Presidents Forum | Apr 11, 2025 | Policy

Shaping Higher Education Policy: Presidents Forum in DC

The Big Picture

Higher education leaders converged in DC for the Presidents Forum’s annual policy meetings, engaging with key legislative figures to shape education’s future.

Why it matters

These meetings bridge the gap between educational leaders and policymakers, fostering dialogue on critical issues like student aid integrity and retention strategies.

Key takeaways

Met with House Education Committee Chair Walberg and Ranking Member Scott
Engaged with Senate HELP Committee staff
Connected with Rep. Blake Moore on educational opportunities

The bottom line

The Presidents Forum continues to serve as a crucial bridge between higher education leadership and federal policy makers, driving conversations that shape America’s educational landscape.

UMGC: Innovating with Impact

by Presidents Forum | Apr 10, 2025 | Innovation

UMGC: Innovating with Impact

The big picture:

In an era where educational institutions chase innovation for innovation’s sake, UMGC differentiates itself by prioritizing tangible results for learners and partners.

By the numbers:

UMGC evaluates success through three key questions:

Quality definition
Innovation meaning
Accountability measures

The bottom line:

UMGC’s approach to innovation is pragmatic and outcomes-driven, with a built-in feedback loop that allows for quick pivots when needed.