Can They Do That? The White House’s Higher Ed Compact and Shutdown Fallout
Description
The Trump administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence” lands on nine campuses with vague perks and 23 demands, including tuition freezes, international caps, and “viewpoint diversity” audits. Hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Jon Fansmith, and Sarah Spreitzer ask can they do that?—then discuss the shutdown’s real impacts, week one of negotiated rulemaking, the stalled $100,000 H-1B fee, and a Dear Colleague reminder on federal funds and lobbying.
Here are some of the links and resources from this week’s show:
Economic Indicator Tool
The Economic Impact of Higher Education in America
The Trump Administration's Higher Education Compact
Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education
White House
White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government
ACE | Oct. 3, 2025
Trump’s Proposed ‘Compact’ Asks Colleges to Show They’re ‘Pursuing Federal Priorities’
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025
OPINION: Trump’s ‘Compact’ With Universities Is Just Extortion
The New York Times (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025
Higher Ed Sounds Off on Proposed Compact
Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 6, 2025
Government Shutdown and Higher Ed
Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services
ACE | Sept. 30, 2025
From the Department of Education
Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025
What Would a Shutdown Mean for Rule Making?
Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 29, 2025
United States
