Why it matters:

The Department of Education is launching a new negotiated rulemaking process focused on student loan programs.

The big picture:

Two main issues are being addressed:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – reviewing qualifying employers and excluding those engaged in illegal activity
• Income-driven repayment plans – addressing administrative bureaucracy and redefining family size calculations

Key timeline:

• May 12: Federal Register publication opened nominations
• June 2: Nomination deadline for nine constituency seats
• June 30 – July 2: Committee negotiations begin

Budget reconciliation status:

• House: Targeting $330 billion in savings
• Senate: Aiming for $1 billion in savings
• Goal: Complete before August recess

The Bottom Line

The Presidents Forum has established itself as a hub for higher education thought leadership through:

• Daily original content featuring presidents, policy leaders, and researchers
• Direct platform for thought leaders to reach their target audience
• Professional content development and distribution strategy

Why it matters:

The organization’s focused approach has led to measurable growth in social media engagement and website traffic, positioning it as a central voice in shaping higher education’s future.

Why it matters:

The Presidents Forum’s 2025 policy agenda is built on five core commitments that aim to modernize higher education for today’s students.

The big picture:

Our five commitments prioritize:

• Students First: Measuring policies by student outcomes
• Accountable Innovation: Advancing competency-based education
• Empowering Working Learners: Creating flexible pathways
• Access for All: Removing educational barriers
• Parity Across Modalities: Equal standards for all learning formats