President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address
On March 1, President Biden delivered his first State of the Union Address to the U.S. Congress. Within the address, the President emphasized the importance of making higher education more affordable, expanding programs in high-demand fields at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and prioritizing mental health and mentorships for students. Read more.
Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Hearing on Department of Energy Science for the Future Act
The Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources held a hearing on March 1 to consider pending legislation, including the Department of Energy Science for the Future Act. The bill provides significant investments to the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which grants graduate research fellowships and traineeships. Read more.
Survey of Postgraduate Outcomes for the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program
The Department of Education issued a federal register notice on March 3 regarding the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program. Specifically, the department seeks written comments and recommendations for information collection regarding the program. Read more.
CGS Joins Higher Education Community in Sending Public Comments to State Department Regarding Visa Fees
On February 28, the higher education community submitted public comments to the U.S. State Department regarding a proposed rule to increase fees for nonimmigrant visas. The rule would increase fees for nonimmigrant visas (including F, M, and J) from $160 to $245 (an increase of 53%) and increase the J-1 Waiver fee from $120 to $510 (an increase of 325%). Read more.
CGS Joins Higher Education Community Statement on Academic Inquiry
In response to divisive concepts legislation in state legislatures across the country, CGS and 90 other higher education associations issued a statement underscoring the importance of open academic inquiry and debate on university campuses. The statement says in part, “To best serve American society, higher education institutions are committed to transparent intellectual inquiry and academic excellence, free speech, and civil discourse. It is incumbent on our governmental institutions to share and support this commitment.” Read more.
Bureau of Consumer Protection Guidance on PSLF Program
Earlier this week, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection issued a Compliance Bulletin and Policy Guide regarding the serving of federal student loans, including Federal Family Education Loan Program and Perkins loans, for borrowers who may be eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) waivers. Read more.