What the RISE Committee’s Consensus Means
Why it matters: The Department of Education’s RISE Committee reached full consensus on major components of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” giving institutions and students early clarity on coming federal aid changes. Loan amounts will scale with enrollment Students...
REQUIRED READING
Recent Stories
Promoting Policies that Power More Learners in Higher Education
By Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President, National University In recent years, California has made headlines for taking important steps to better support college students raising children. Three years ago, California enacted a new law requiring the state’s community...
Pres. John Maduko: Leading With Student-Centered Vision
Big picture: As President of Connecticut State Community College (CT State), John Maduko leads New England's largest community college, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and industry-aligned education. By the numbers: CT State has 12 campuses serving all 169...
Future of Distance Education
The Big Picture: Three university presidents discussed how AI, personalized learning, and industry partnerships are reshaping distance education. Why it matters Higher education faces urgent pressure to adapt to technological changes while ensuring accessibility and...
U.S. Semiconductor Ecosystem Updates
The Presidents Forum remains committed to creating a robust semiconductor manufacturing workforce ecosystem within the United States. We're excited to share these important CHIPS Act opportunities: WEBINAR: Unlocking Opportunities - NSTC Workforce Awards & Top...
AI’s Transformative Role in Education
Why it matters: While the internet democratized access to education, AI can potentially ensure every learner succeeds by adapting to individual needs and abilities. Key insights: WGU was designed to be "student-centered, tech-first" from its inception during the early...
Breaking the Time Barrier
Why it matters: Traditional higher education is constrained by fixed time periods that don't match how people actually learn. The big picture: As college costs rise and student debt mounts, education leaders are reimagining a system where: Learning is validated by...
NCHER Annual Conference: Highlights and Insights
Why it matters: NCHER's Annual Conference in Nashville brought together key players in education finance to address critical challenges and opportunities in the sector. Key themes: Legislative updates and regulatory changes Student loan repayment strategies Workforce...
UMGC: Bridging Education and Employment
The big picture Workforce development has become central to UMGC's mission, focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment. Key insights Students need to both learn and effectively communicate their skills to employers Employers want graduates whose...
How the National Nest Program is Reimagining Online Education
The big picture National University is reimagining online education with physical "Nest" locations, designed as flexible co-learning spaces for nontraditional students. Why it matters Many online students face challenges at home, including: • Lack of quiet space •...
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...
Digital Evolution in Higher Education
Why It Matters Dr. Luke Dowden, with 20 years in online learning, shares key insights on AI, distance education, and scaling online programs in higher education. The Big Picture AI won't necessarily lead to more distance learning, but will enhance online experiences...
Emerging Technologies Are Reshaping Higher Ed Learning
Why it matters: Phil Hill discusses how emerging technologies are reshaping education, particularly in addressing student engagement and language barriers. The Big Picture Language innovation: New AI tools are enabling real-time translation in both audio and 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...
What a Physical Home for Online Students Says About the Future of Distance Learning
By Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President and CEO, National University It might seem unusual for a university long known for online education to open a physical student support hub in San Diego, but earlier this month, that’s exactly what we did. Called the Nest, National...
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...
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...
UMGC: The Long-term Value of Distance Learning
Why it matters As colleges face enrollment pressures, UMGC's 76-year experience in distance learning offers crucial insights into successful online education delivery. The big picture UMGC President Gregory Fowler emphasizes that distance learning isn't just a...
CHIPS Act Workforce Development Update
The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology (NATCAST) continues to drive semiconductor workforce development with two exciting announcements: Save the date for the 2025 National Semiconductor Technical Conference (NSTC) Symposium - September...
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