Presidents Forum is taking an active role in the 2025 negotiated rulemaking process, assembling a specialized working group of policy and government relations experts from member institutions. This initiative aims to shape regulatory changes that will enhance higher education’s accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness.

Through comprehensive policy analysis and strategic engagement, our team will develop and submit detailed comments throughout the negotiated rulemaking process. Stay connected through our website and social channels for regular updates on our progress and opportunities to contribute to this important work.

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.

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.

The Department of Education has announced its intent to commence negotiated rulemaking on several key student loan programs, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plans.

Negotiated rulemaking is a process where the Department works with stakeholders to develop proposed regulations. Through this process, the Department convenes a committee of representatives from interested groups to negotiate the text of proposed regulations, with the goal of reaching consensus on their content.

Key Information:

• Currently, only a notice of intent has been published. The official Negotiated Rulemaking notice is forthcoming.
• Once published, there will be a 30-day written comment period for public input.
• Public hearings are scheduled for:
  • April 29, 2025
  • May 1, 2025

Registration information for the public hearings has not yet been released. The Presidents Forum will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.

For more information, visit the Department of Education’s Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025-2026 page.

The big picture:

After March’s federal policy focus, the Forum is pivoting to the theme of “accountable innovation” for April, emphasizing practical solutions in higher education.

Why it matters:

The Presidents Forum is building momentum after productive meetings with Congress and internal strategy sessions focused on student success.