June Executive Director Update

June Executive Director Update

by | Jun 6, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Video

June Executive Director Update

The Key Points

The Presidents Forum is ramping up work on distance education and AI while staying active in policy matters.

Why it matters

These initiatives shape the future of higher education delivery and regulation.

The big picture

The Forum is balancing innovation in education delivery with policy engagement and regulatory compliance.

What’s next

  • Mid-June: Second Negotiated Rulemaking update
  • Late June: NACIQI update
  • Ongoing: Reconciliation briefs and financial aid integrity work
Section 127 reform aims to unlock private investment in education

Section 127 reform aims to unlock private investment in education

by | May 30, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Section 127 reform aims to unlock private investment in education

Why it matters:

An outdated $5,250 cap on tax-free employer education benefits from 1986 is limiting private investment in workforce education.

By the numbers:

  • The $5,250 cap would be worth about $15,000 today if adjusted for inflation
  • 73% of workers are interested in education benefits, but interest drops to 39% when benefits above the cap are taxed
  • U.S. student loan debt totals $1.77 trillion, with average borrowers owing $38,375

The solution:

Two bills (H.R. 6401 and 6402) propose to:

  • Raise the tax-free benefit cap
  • Index it to inflation
  • Include books and learning tools in covered expenses

What’s next:

The House Ways and Means Committee has proposed adjusting the cap for inflation starting in 2026.

Federal Higher Education Update

Federal Higher Education Update

by | May 20, 2025 | Policy, Video

Federal Higher Education Update

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
Excelsior: Bridging Online and In-Person Learning

Excelsior: Bridging Online and In-Person Learning

by | May 19, 2025 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Excelsior: Bridging Online and In-Person Learning

Why it matters

Excelsior University is reimagining distance education through innovative hybrid programs that combine AI-enhanced online learning with strategic in-person experiences.

The big picture

President David Schejbal sees AI transforming course development and student experiences, while emphasizing the growing importance of faculty engagement and authentic assessment.

Key insights

  • AI will require more basic faculty-student interactions like oral exams
  • In-person components are “AI-proof” and focus on real-world application
  • Site locations chosen strategically

What’s next

Excelsior is moving toward more demonstration-based assessments and competency measurements, moving beyond traditional testing methods that could be compromised by AI.

Thought Leadership

Thought Leadership

by | Mar 17, 2025 | Policy, Video

Thought Leadership

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.

The Policy Path Ahead

The Policy Path Ahead

by | Feb 10, 2025 | Policy, Video

The Policy Path Ahead

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