Washington Update: Implications of the 2024 Elections on Higher Ed — Part 2
Release Date: 12/17/2024
How Utah State Is Using a Connected Campus to Boost Student Engagement and Persistence
Changing Higher Ed
Digital transformation in higher education often focuses on technology. But for Utah State University, the transformation has been about outcomes: improving retention, strengthening equity, and building scalable systems of support without overhauling infrastructure. In this episode of the , speaks with , about how the institution designed and implemented a connected campus strategy that integrates advising, communications, and academic support into a single mobile-first platform. Drawing on her decades of experience in higher ed and edtech leadership, Eborn shares how USU replaced...
info_outline
Strategies to Help Adult Learners Re-Enroll and Graduate
Changing Higher Ed
How Cross-Sector Partnerships Help Adult Learners Return, Persist, and Complete Degrees With over 41 million adults in the U.S. holding some college credit but no degree, colleges and universities are under pressure to implement effective adult learner enrollment strategies. In this episode of the , Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with about how institutions can re-engage students who have stopped out through cross-sector partnerships that support enrollment, retention, and degree completion. Drawing on their real-world experience in higher education and workforce development, McNaughton and...
info_outline
High Structure Course Design for Student Engagement, Retention, and Success
Changing Higher Ed
Higher education leaders are searching for better ways to engage students, improve retention, and close equity gaps—especially in the wake of COVID-related learning disruptions. In this episode of the podcast, speaks with , Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. They discuss Dr. Shaffer’s book, , which offers a proven framework for transforming student outcomes. High structure course design—built on clarity, repetition, feedback, and engagement—originated in STEM education but is now...
info_outline
Shared Services and Consolidation Strategies for Small Colleges
Changing Higher Ed
Shared services and consolidation strategies are helping struggling small colleges stabilize operations, reduce costs, and pursue sustainable growth—without compromising institutional identity or student outcomes. In this episode of the , host speaks with , about how these approaches are being used to help small colleges strengthen efficiency and financial sustainability. Drawing on his experience helping small colleges modernize their operations through cloud-based student information systems, Duggan explores how shared services, academic partnerships, and digital transformation are...
info_outline
Adding Leadership Development to Academic Curriculum Design in Higher Ed
Changing Higher Ed
While higher education leaders often cite leadership development as a priority, few institutions treat it as a teachable, measurable skill. In this episode of , host speaks with about why leadership education should be integrated into the academic curriculum—and how institutions can implement it effectively. President Emeritus of Tulane University, Cowen shares insights from leading the university through Hurricane Katrina and from his new book, Lead and Succeed, which outlines strategies to develop leadership skills in students and early-career professionals. He dispels the “born...
info_outline
When DEI Is Off the Table: How Higher Ed Leaders Can Still Drive Institutional Change
Changing Higher Ed
Higher education’s approach to DEI is under fire—from political pressure, public skepticism, and internal fatigue. But abandoning DEI isn’t the only option. In this episode of , Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with about how higher ed institutions can continue to drive inclusive institutional change—without relying on traditional DEI frameworks that may no longer be viable. Sturm, author of What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, reframes DEI as a long-term, systems-level strategy rooted in leadership, trust, and organizational learning. She introduces the concept...
info_outline
Aligning Higher Ed with Workforce Needs and Nontraditional Learners
Changing Higher Ed
Higher education is facing a growing disconnect between traditional academic pathways and the needs of today’s learners and employers. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Kathleen deLaski, founder of Education Design Lab and author of Who Needs College Anymore?, about how institutions can realign academic programs to better serve nontraditional students and meet workforce demands. Drawing from her experience supporting over 1,200 colleges and regional systems, deLaski explores how modular credentials, skills-based learning, and short-term...
info_outline
Confronting the Storm: Resistance to Change and Current Attacks on Higher Education
Changing Higher Ed
Higher education faces increasing external pressures and diminishing public trust—creating an urgent need for institutional adaptation. In this episode of the , speaks with , former president of Macalister College and author of "," about why resistance to change has made colleges and universities particularly vulnerable to current attacks. Drawing on his 17 years of presidential experience and current perspective as a Harvard visiting professor, Rosenberg analyzes the economic, political, and structural factors undermining public confidence in higher education while offering candid...
info_outline
Strategic Affiliation in Higher Education: What Colleges Can Learn from The Colleges of Law and TCS Education System
Changing Higher Ed
Strategic affiliation in higher education offers an alternative path for institutional sustainability—one that maintains mission and autonomy while accessing shared infrastructure and support. In this episode of the podcast, speaks with about his institution’s affiliation with The Community Solution Education System (TCS) and what other leaders should know before pursuing similar strategies. Drawing on his experience as both a college president and former system executive, Nehmer shares how the affiliation was structured, how accreditation and compliance were handled, and what shared...
info_outline
Higher Education Strategic Planning That Drives Growth and Faculty Buy-In
Changing Higher Ed
isn't just about setting goals—it's about building the kind of stakeholder engagement and leadership alignment that can drive lasting institutional change. In this episode of , speaks with , President of the College of Charleston, about how a collaborative planning process helped increase enrollment, launch new academic schools, and move the college toward national university status. Drawing on his background in both industry and higher education, Dr. Hsu shares insights into balancing urgency with collaboration, the importance of faculty engagement, and the realities of leading strategic...
info_outlineHigher Education Policy in the 119th Congress
Part 2 of this podcast continues with Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and our Washington Update expert, examining ways in which the outcome of the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting provides an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes a Trump administration and the 119th Republican-controlled Congress could bring to higher education.
Netting analyzes shifts in key Congressional committees, focusing on the implications for higher education funding, accreditation, and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. He also addresses the impact of potential regulatory changes, executive orders, and court decisions on issues such as student loan repayment and Title IX. Finally, he offers advice to higher education institutions on preparing for these upcoming changes.
Higher Education Policy in the 119th Congress: 2024-2025 Impact Analysis
Tom Netting, president of TEN Government Strategies and Washington Update expert, provides crucial insights into how the 2024 US elections will transform higher education. Drawing from over three decades of policy expertise, Netting offers an insider’s perspective on the anticipated changes under a Trump administration and Republican-controlled 119th Congress, exploring implications for institutions, students, and education policy.
Congressional Leadership Transformation and Committee Impact
Critical Committee Changes Reshaping Education Policy
- Senate HELP Committee leadership transition to Bill Cassidy (R-LA) from Bernie Sanders (D-VT), signaling a potential pivot toward healthcare-focused policy and reformed higher education priorities.
- House Education and Workforce Committee leadership race between Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tim Wahlberg (R-MI), and Burgess Owens (R-UT), following Virginia Foxx’s retirement, with implications for education policy direction.
- Significant Appropriations Committee turnover affecting crucial decisions on:
- Pell Grant funding allocations
- Student loan program resources
- Financial aid program sustainability
- Institution support mechanisms
Regulatory Transformation
Immediate Regulatory Changes and Their Institutional Impact
- Comprehensive revision of existing regulations:
- Borrower defense mechanisms and institutional accountability
- Updated gainful employment metrics affecting program viability
- Modified 90/10 rule implementation for proprietary institutions
- Reformed institutional quality standards
- Status of proposed rules and NPRMs:
- Student borrower relief programs
- Program Integrity and Institutional Quality guidelines
- TRIO program modifications
- Distance education requirements
- Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculations
- Delayed or abandoned 2025 initiatives:
- Cash management reforms
- Accreditation standard updates
- State authorization requirements
Executive Action Implications
- Immigration policy changes affecting:
- International student enrollment
- Institutional revenue streams
- Campus diversity initiatives
- Title IX implementation challenges:
- 26 states blocking new regulations
- 24 states implementing changes
- Institutional compliance complexities
- Student loan repayment modifications:
- New repayment structure implementation
- Institutional reporting requirements
- Student success metrics
Accreditation Evolution and Institutional Impact
Fundamental Accreditation Reform
- Reexamination of accreditor core mission and scope
- Controversial DEI standards debate:
- Five of six former regional accreditors requiring DEI standards
- SACCOC’s contrasting approach
- Potential prohibition implications
- Academic freedom considerations:
- Faculty concerns about restricted discourse
- Institutional autonomy questions
- Cultural and political influence on standards
- Higher Education Act reauthorization implications:
- Potential solutions for accreditation challenges
- Updated oversight mechanisms
- Reformed quality assurance frameworks
Liberal Arts Education Transformation
Innovation and Adaptation in Liberal Education
- Strategic evolution of traditional programs:
- Career pathway integration
- Skills-based learning incorporation
- Industry alignment strategies
- Public service value recognition:
- Loan forgiveness program preservation
- Community impact assessment
- Social value metrics
- Educational delivery modernization:
- Hybrid learning models
- Virtual education integration
- Technology-enhanced instruction
- AI integration strategies:
- Curriculum enhancement
- Administrative efficiency
- Student support systems
Three Key Takeaways for Higher Education Leaders
- Stay tuned for leadership changes. The new leadership will set the tone and tenor for upcoming policy changes, and a lot of the direction will come from the new President-Elect.
- Be prepared for discussions around accreditation and outcomes. There will be considerable discussion around accreditation and outcomes, as well as how the return on investment for all of education is assessed. Institutions should prepare to discuss outcome measures and how to demonstrate their return on investment, regardless of what type of institution they are.
- Be aware of the upcoming student loan repayment process. All of Congress is aware that student loan repayments are going to become due, and the process that is undertaken by both Congress and the new incoming administration will be a major topic of discussion in 2025.
#HigherEducation #HigherEdPolicy #WashingtonUpdate
Read the transcript on our website at https://changinghighered.com/washington-update-implications-of-2024-elections-on-higher-ed-part-2/
About Our Podcast Guest
Having spent all of his professional career devoted to higher education policy oversight and implementation, Tom Netting has an extensive knowledge of the laws and regulations governing all aspects of higher education. His considerable background and experience have afforded him the opportunity to view the development and implementation of federal higher education and workforce development policy in their entirety – including issues related to higher education and workforce development, health care, veteran affairs policies, and the procurement of federal appropriations.
About the Host
Dr. Drumm McNaughton is the founder, CEO, and Principal Consultant at The Change Leader, Inc. A highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience, Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances. Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.