Federal Policy Agenda
The Council of Graduate Schools' 2019-2020 Federal Policy Agenda outlines CGS's federal policy principales and priorities impacting graduate education.
Preparing a 21st Century Workforce by Investing in Graduate Education
CGS calls for strengthening federal financial aid programs that allow individuals to access and complete graduate degrees in order to promote a competitive U.S. workforce.
- Legislative Brief: Expanding Access to Graduate Education Act (H.R. 3334)
- Policy Brief: How Graduate Students Finance Their Education
- Policy Brief: Grad PLUS Loan Program
Improving Tax Policies to Support Graduate Students, Employers, and Employees
CGS promotes tax policies that encourage the pursuit of graduate education by providing incentives that increase access and affordability.
Strengthening the U.S. Role in the Global Community
CGS advocates for immigration and visa policies encourage the exchange of both American and international students.
- Policy Brief: International Graduate Students: Innovators, Researchers, and Entrepreneurs
- Policy Brief: Optional Practical Training
- Talking Points: Optional Practical Training
Advancing Research and Innovation
CGS believes that strong federal investment in science and research is critical to the nation’s ability to remain globally competitive, as well as the benchmark in terms of timely breakthroughs and innovation.
Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CGS is committed to supporting federal policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our graduate programs and the workforce.
CGS is the leading source of information, data analysis, and trends in graduate education. Our benchmarking data help member institutions to assess performance in key areas, make informed decisions, and develop plans that are suited to their goals.
CGS Best Practice initiatives address common challenges in graduate education by supporting institutional innovations and sharing effective practices with the graduate community. Our programs have provided millions of dollars of support for improvement and innovation projects at member institutions.
As the national voice for graduate education, CGS serves as a resource on issues regarding graduate education, research, and scholarship. CGS collaborates with other national stakeholders to advance the graduate education community in the policy and advocacy arenas.
CGS is an authority on global trends in graduate education and a leader in the international graduate community. Our resources and meetings on global issues help members internationalize their campuses, develop sustainable collaborations, and prepare their students for a global future.
