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Duplicate HEERF Awards

The Department of Education (ED) Office of Inspector General found the Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) made several duplicate HEERF awards. The inspector found that the OPE did not have a written policy or procedure in place for identification, correction, and prevention. The duplicates occurred through all 3 renditions of HEERF.  Although they were available, most institutions either returned or refrained from drawing down duplicate awards.

 

New Funding for High Speed Broadband

The White House announced it is adding $25,000,000,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to the $65,000,000,000 previously announced to lower the cost of broadband access. The investments, like the Capital Projects Fund, will fund approved state projects to ensure households can afford and have access to broadband. Broadband is increasingly necessary for education, healthcare, work, and household management.

 

Online Program Management Scrutinized

Although it didn’t cite any instances where online program management (OPM) contracts were noncompliant, a US Government Accountability Office report found the Department of Education (ED) has not been exercising adequate supervision to ensure compliance. In response, ED said it plans to propose revisions that will strengthen the compliance supplement.

 

Enrollment Declines

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center statistics show overall undergraduate enrollment has continued to decline even as the health crisis subsides. First-time enrollment increased overall but fell for African American students.

 

Proposed Gainful Employment Rule

A study published by the Institute for College Access and Success found 40 percent of programs at for-profit institutions would run afoul of the proposed gainful employment rule. The rule includes a high school graduate threshold. It would require programs to show their graduates earn more than the median for people in their state whose highest degree is the high school diploma. The proposal was taken up during the recent negotiated rule making. Because the negotiators failed to reach a consensus, ED is free to release its own version. It is expected to do so this summer.

 

Title IX Postponed

ED has not released the highly anticipated draft of its proposed Title IX rule. The regulation is expected to address controversial gender issues. The existing rule was enacted during the tenure of Betsy DeVos.

 

Non-Disclosure Agreements

Several organizations are pressing ED to explicitly prohibit the use of confidentiality agreements as a condition to providing support to alleged victims of sexual misconduct under Title IX. The groups affirm the need for privacy but say, in some instances, non-disclosure requirements violate the student’s rights. 

 

Mileage Rate Increase

The Internal Revenue Service has increased the optional standard mileage rate in effect for the period July 1, 2022-December 31, 2022. 

 

Second Chance Pell

Enrollment in Second Chance Pell programs continued to increase during the pandemic. A report released by the Vera Institute of Justice looked at the demographic information of incarcerated students. The researchers found that although more women enrolled in college prison programs, fewer earned degrees or credentials. Women’s prisons usually do not offer as many academic programs as male facilities. Because women’s sentences are typically shorter, they are also more likely to be released before completing their degree. It is possible that incarcerated female students are earning their degrees after their release. However, this cannot be verified. Due to fears of causing discrimination, the academic progress of students is not tracked after they leave prison.

 

Use Federal Funding to Address Faculty Shortages

During a fireside chat, Education Secretary Cardona advised colleges and universities to invest in improving teacher-preparation.  He provided a factsheet that outlined the various ways existing programs can be used to address the national shortage of teachers.

 

Higher Ed Financial Grades

Forbes recently published the Forbes College Financial Grades, an analysis of the fiscal health of 905 private not-for-profit institutions. The report found that out of the institutions surveyed, HBCU. Florida Memorial University showed the most improvement in fiscal health. Forbes table of college financial grades can be viewed here.

 

Housing Solutions

Many states are experiencing a drop in available housing and a surge in housing costs exacerbated by soaring gas prices. Institutions, keen to ensure access to adequate housing, are taking action. Some in California are taking advantage of state grants specifically for student housing. Others are entering into public-private partnerships to build apartments. HBCU Knoxville College is taking a different route. They are considering repurposing campus housing as rental properties in the hope that some tenants will become students.

 

Infant Formula Shortage Stresses Students

The nationwide shortage of infant formula continues despite the arrival of emergency imports. Organizations that support students who have young children are asking institutions to find ways to help them through the crisis. Many student parents are single Black women.

 

Group Opposes Paying Student Athletes

The American Council on Education was one of several organizations that urged a US District Court to overturn the ruling that found student-athletes are entitled to pay. The rationale was not that the students were not covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act but that many institutions could not afford to pay the students. This would lead institutions to cut athletic programs resulting in fewer opportunities for student athletes, according to the organizations.  In The Economics of College Sports,  Andy Schwarz provides a historical perspective and analysis.

 

State University System Condemned

The governing council of the American Association of University Professors passed a resolution against the University of North Carolina System. The resolution criticized the state system for failing to honor shared governance standards, jeopardizing academic freedom, failing to uphold transparency and inclusion in decision-making, fostering a culture of exclusion, harming the systems HBCUs by reducing their budgets, keeping salaries low, and burdening their faculty with large workloads. The vote was unanimous.

 

Digital Literacy Summit

 The Air Force Institute of Technology and Central State University held the first Air Force Historically Black Colleges & Universities/Minority Institutions Digital Literacy Summit. Topics discussed included digital enterprise, DevOps, product lifecycle management, Agile software development, digital science, cybersecurity, and other aspects of digital literacy. Speakers also addressed the need to facilitate collaboration and develop opportunities for researchers and students to work with the Air Force. The event was live streamed on YouTube. Watch day one and day two.

 

 

Student Loans Canceled

All outstanding federal student loans owned by former Corinthian Colleges students during its entire history have been discharged by the Department of Education. The borrowers do not have to take any action.

 

HBCU Fraud, Risk, and Controls

Florida A&M University President Dr. Larry Robinson and members of the university’s audit division met audit officials from several HBCUs to discuss methods of preventing and mitigating the risk of fraud. The discussion focused on improving risk awareness and strengthening internal controls.

 

Login Credentials Compromised

The FBI announced that it found college and university login information for sale on the web. The agency suggests institutions update their cyberattack response plans, keep operating systems up-to-date, persist in cyber safety training, and require unique strong passwords for all accounts.

 

Foreign Funding

Institutions of higher education are required to report gifts and contracts with foreign governments and organizations. Congress is considering the Bipartisan Innovation Act, which would impact higher education foreign donation reporting rules. The proposed legislation lowers the reporting threshold to $50,000. Several higher education advocacy groups are opposed to the revision, largely viewing it as an unnecessary administrative burden.

 

Investment Portfolio Restrictions

In a letter, US Representative Greg Murphy has requested 15 private universities purge their investment portfolios of entities that support China and Russia due to the oppression of Uyghurs and the invasion of Ukraine. Representative Murphy is expected to introduce legislation that would discourage universities from investing their endowments in firms on government sanctions lists or thought to engage in activities that undermine national security or foreign policy. The proposed Protecting Endowments from Our Adversaries Act, would levy a hefty excise tax on the principal and on any realized profits from those types of investments.

 

Another Historically Black College to Become a University

The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has approved a resolution that would transition Bluefield State College into Bluefield State University. Founded as the Bluefield Colored Institute, the college now enrolls few Black students, although it may be more diverse than other institutions in the state. Black enrollment declined sharply after the dormitories were closed due to campus unrest.  Other historically Black colleges that have transitioned to university recently include Edward Waters, Voorhees, and Jarvis Christian Colleges.

 

Lobbying for HBCUs

As it works to finalize the 2023 budget, congress is holding listening sessions to hear testimony by stakeholders. UNCF’s Lodriguez Murray, vice president for public policy and government affairs, made a case for increased funding for HBCUs. He noted that Title III “Strengthening HBCUs” Program, in particular, needed to be funded at the $500,000,000 level in order to serve the needs of all the institutions it covers.

 

Office for Civil Rights Rules on Discrimination Complaint

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has resolved a student complaint of pregnancy discrimination. OCR found Salt Lake Community College in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As part of the resolution agreement, the college must bring its nondiscrimination statement and its grievance protocols into compliance with applicable statutes.

 

HBCU UNITE 2022

The UNCF annual HBCU UNITE conference was held in Atlanta. HBCU and PBI administrators, advocates, institutional partners, and other stakeholders attended the five-day event. They focus was on finding  ways to build on the successes of the Institute for Capacity Building, the HBCU Transformation Project and the Career Pathways Initiative. The agenda featured several dynamic speakers and panelists. Our CEO and managing partner, Don Murphy presented during a breakout session on compliance with accreditation financial resource requirements. Our firm has the distinction of successfully supporting institutions with accreditation issues. Video clips from the event are available online here and here. A brief recap of the event can be viewed here. 

 

HBCU Identity

The question of how HBCUs can preserve their identities while enrolling fewer and fewer Black students has no easy answers. The issue garnered public attention when Lincoln University of Missouri President John Moseley and Sherman Bonds, president of the university’s national alumni association, respectfully differed on whether recruitment should emphasize the institution’s location or its history. Lincoln University was founded as Lincoln Institute in 1866 by Black Civil War veterans from the 62^nd Colored Infantry and the 65^th Colored Infantry. It is located in a city that is 75 percent white.

 

Cybersecurity Insurance

As the cost of cybersecurity insurance continues to rise, experts stress that colleges and universities should verify the details of their cyber security insurance coverage. Understanding what is covered can help them develop an effective recovery plan. Additionally, institutions should strive to reduce their risk profile. Adopting a zero trust policy, enforcing multi-factor authentication, using encryption, scheduling regular backups, and routine testing can also help.

 

US Senate Hears Cybersecurity Testimony

The chair of the EDUCAUSE Board of Directors, Ms. Helen Norris, testified before a US Senate committee  on cybersecurity issues in higher education. She spoke about how limited resources narrow the options small institutions have to respond to ransomware attacks. She also spoke about the challenges large institutions face when trying to protect their data from espionage. A video of her testimony is online.

 

Fake College

Fraudsters falsely claimed to have ties with a public institution in Louisiana in order to fleece prospective students. They launched a fake institution called the City University of New Orleans and claimed it was an affiliate of the University of New Orleans. They used genuine branding in emails and correspondence to further their scheme. Complaints were forwarded to the state attorney general.

 

Diversity Initiatives Lead Corporations to HBCUs

Since the death of George Floyd the number of corporations that have relationships with HBCUs has steadily increased. With a view toward diversifying their ranks, companies are seeking to establish pipelines and create programs that ensure graduates have the requisite skillsets. 

 

Agency to Collaborate with Divine Nine

The Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) signed a strategic alliance memorandum in which the parties agree to promote small businesses and financial literacy in Black communities. The SBA will provide access to capital, government contracts, counseling, and other resources. The signing coincided with the NPHC Fraternities' Days On Capitol Hill. Many NPHC members are leaders in private, public, civic, and religious organizations. Thirty-three of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus are members of the Divine Nine.

 

 

 

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Several HBCU presidents have or are stepping down. Hampton University, South Carolina State University, Huston-Tillotson University, Dillard University, Prairie View A&M University, Spelman College, and Livingstone College will be under new leadership. Earlier this year West Virginia State University, Southern University System and Southern University A&M College, Lincoln University (MO), and Talladega College welcomed new presidents. Howard University President Dr. Wayne Fredrick announced his intention to step down in 2024. Many of the presidents are retiring after decades of service to their institutions and to higher education. University Business magazine examined the records of these exemplary leaders and the impact of their departures.

 

The Commission on Accrediting for The Association of Theological Schools named the Rev. Dr. Betty Whitted Holley as chair. Dr. Holley is the director of the master of divinity degree program at Payne Theological Seminary.

 

Fayetteville State University named Wesley Fountain vice chancellor for external affairs and military relations. Mr. Fountain takes the reins from Mr. Wendell Phillips, who will now head the university’s State And Federal Relations Department.

 

Lincoln University of Missouri named Mr. Jeremy Faulk chief of staff and Ms. Qubieinique Greer, director of the Lincoln University Academic Success Center. Mr. Faulk comes to Lincoln University from Life University, where he served as senior director of auxiliary services. Ms. Greer previously served as a professional faculty adviser at the Lincoln University Student Success Center.

 

North Carolina Central University named Mr. Stephen W. Fusi chief brand officer. Mr. Fusi hails from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business where he was managing director of the Center for Entrepreneurship.

 

Benedict College named Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique as dean of education, health, and human services. Dr. Carter-Francique has background in sports, psychology, and African American studies.

 

Spelman College Board of Trustees announced the appointment of two members, alumna Ms. Allegra Lawrence-Hardy and. Mr. Frank Baker. Ms. Lawrence-Hardy is a founding partner of the litigation boutique, Lawrence & Bundy. Mr. Baker is the founder and managing partner of the private equity firm Siris.

 

Saint Augustine’s University named Dr. J. Lin Dawson dean of exercise science and collegiate athletics. Dr. Dawson played for the New England Patriots for ten years. He also served at Clark Atlanta University and at North Carolina State University. He assisted both the NBA and the MLS in launching diversity initiatives. 

 

Fisk University named Stephen Naylor director of its newly formed marching band. Mr. Naylor previously served at Elizabeth City State University and at Eliot-Hine Middle School. Fisk University also named Ms. Victoria Crawford head basketball coach. Ms. Crawford, comes to the university from Lincoln College in Illinois.

 

 

 

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Xavier University of Louisiana announced it will provide free preparation courses for graduate admissions exams and professional certifications for its students. The university is partnering with Kaplan, a test preparation provider. Students will be able to prepare for the GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, MCAT®, and other gateways to graduate studies.

 

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is  partnering with CommonSpirit Health, and Dignity Health California Hospital to address the national nursing shortage and increase diversity in the field. The partnership will increase the university’s capacity to train nurses.  The company also has a relationship with Morehouse College of Medicine.

 

The Southern Regional Education Board launched a course-sharing consortium for HBCUs and MSIs. Albany State University, Benedict College, Clinton College, Dillard University, Fort Valley State University, Langston University, Miles College, Morehouse College, Southeast Arkansas College, and Texas Southern University are currently participating. Additional members are expected to come on board. The program will help students enroll in courses that are not offered by their institutions and stay on track to graduate on time. Courses count fully toward graduation requirements and are taken online.

 

Advancing Minorities’ Interest In Engineering (AMIE) announced the HBCU Cybersecurity Industry Collaboration Initiative Pilot will launch this year. The goal of the initiative is to increase curriculum capacity, research opportunities, faculty support, and collaborative projects at HBCU schools of engineering. Abbot, Microsoft, and Raytheon Technologies will provide funding and support. Four of the 15 Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited HBCU schools of engineering are participating in the launch. AMIE plans to onboard the other 11 soon.

 

Consortium Launch

The Higher Education Thought Leadership Consortium/Roundtable celebrated its launch at the New York Stock Exchange. Participants included the Professional Pipeline Development Group, administrators from several HBCUs, and representatives from Diageo North America, HP, and Best Buy. The group will facilitate research and collaboration in line with ESG Rating standards. Dr. Danielle Robinson of Diego North America and Dr. Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University rang the Closing Bell®.

 

Saint Augustine’s University launched the nation’s first HBCU urban access hub. The program will allow students in urban communities to enroll in classes at the university while still remaining matriculated at their home institutions. Wayne County Community College District and Cass Technical High School, an International Baccalaureate High School, were among the first to sign on to the program.

 

Edward Waters University announced that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved its master’s degree in education policy and advocacy. The program will debut online in the fall.

 

Savannah State University announced that the University System of Georgia has approved its bachelor’s degree in data analytics. The university plans to launch the program in the fall.

 

Fayetteville State University and the Warrior-Scholar Project launched an academic boot camp for veterans. The program is intended to help veterans complete their degrees.

 

Fort Valley State University plans to offer a master of social work program both online and on-site. The program will focus on mental health, addiction, and clinical behavioral health. Graduates will be eligible for clinical social worker and master social worker licenses. Classes will begin next spring.

 

Jackson State University College of Business announced it will launch a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management in the fall. The advisory board for the program includes supply chain executives from Black & Decker, Microsoft, and the Institute for Supply Management.

 

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is including HBCUs in its Penn Access Summer Scholars program. Howard University, Morehouse College, Oakwood University, Spelman College, and Xavier University of Louisiana will participate in the program which aims to prepare students for medical school.

 

 

South Carolina State University will offer a new graduate certification program for addiction and trauma counseling. The program will be administered by the university’s center for online and distance education.

 

Texas Southern University signed the Space Act Agreement with NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The agreement provides research and development, technology transfer, educational, and career preparatory opportunities for students. 

 

Talladega College has formed a partnership with EON Reality to bring advanced technological approaches to teaching to the campus. EON-XR is a leader in augmented and virtual reality-based knowledge and skills transfer. The platform will allow faculty to create augmented reality and virtual reality content for students. The program is valued at $4,462,913.00.

 

Benedict College signed an agreement with the US Department of Veteran Affairs that allows the college to participate in the Veteran Health Administration Health Care Talent Academy. Under the agreement students interested in careers in healthcare will be eligible to do clinical shadowing and observing at the Dorn VA Medical Center. Benedict College is the first institution of higher education to work with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in this capacity.

 

Claflin University and London Metropolitan University signed a memorandum of understanding that establishes a partnership to provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff at both institutions.

 

Southern University System signed a memorandum of understanding with Georgetown University to collaborate on interdisciplinary programing, research, and training.

 

Alcorn State University signed an articulation agreement with Copiah-Lincoln Community College. The agreement will make it easier for students in select majors to transfer to Alcorn University’s bachelor degree programs. The agreement includes scholarship opportunities.

 

Stillman College is partnering with Verizon and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship to provide mentoring, training, and access to technology to middle school students. Students in grades six through eight who participate in the Verizon Innovative Learn STEM Achievers program will have access to 3D printing, augmented reality technology and entrepreneurship tools. The program is provided free of charge and includes meals, transportation, and field trips.

 

Howard University will hold an online journalism workshop for high school students and students who just graduated this spring. The program will explore ways journalists can use the power of multimedia when reporting on health and wellness in underserved communities.

 

Florida A&M University hosted the ambassador from Sierra Leone. Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen, a Florida A&M University alumnus, visited the university to discuss forming a relationship between his alma mater and the Eastern Technology University in Sierra Leone.

 

Texas Southern University is working with the Foundation for India Studies to establish an India Studies program at the university’s graduate school. Future collaborations may include student and faculty exchanges between Texas Southern University and Indian universities.

 

The University of the West Indies is seeking to collaborate with HBCUs. Recently, the University of the West Indies’ Pro-vice Chancellor for the Mona Campus and the Jamaican Ambassador met with Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen. The group discussed initiating a formal partnership. The University of the West Indies has branches in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda. In 2017, the Mona campus on Jamaica established a student exchange program with Howard University.

 

Delaware State University and St. Georges Technical High School established a partnership in 2021 which made it possible for the university to setup a satellite lab at the high school. Delaware State University associate professor of human ecology, Dr. Jun-Lim Lee, has provided training. The lab has enabled the school to offer food science curriculum and acquire advanced equipment.

 

 

 

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Bennett College students had outstanding debt to the institution cancelled by the Debt Collective. The Debt Collective purchased $1,700,000 in unpaid student arrears and then cancelled the obligations. 

 

Alcorn State University announced it received a $900,000 grant from the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity to support the Alcorn State University Socially Disadvantage Farmers and Ranchers Policy Research Center’s work on behalf of Black farmers. The center will collaborate with seven 1890 land grant universities to conduct research and develop policy recommendations.

 

Florida A&M University’s annual fundraising campaign for 2021-2022 raised a record-breaking $23,100,000. Almost half the gifts came from donations made by corporations. Another 15% was donated by alumni. This is a significant increase over the 2020-2021 campaign which raised $13,600,000. In addition, the state budget signed by Governor Ron DeSantis allocated nearly $70,000,000 in new funding to the university.

 

Shaw University raised $1,066,867 during its third annual Day of Giving. This was a 535% increase over last year’s total. Contributions from Southeastern Healthcare’s Evelyn Lane Sanders, President Dr. Paulette Dillard, Professor of Theology and Ethics Dr. Mikael Broadway, and York Properties, Inc. CEO, George York helped make the day successful. 

 

Fayetteville State University received a $397,055 three-year grant from the National Science Foundation to support its research on students and artificial intelligence.  Experts from the university’s computer, forensic, and justice disciplines will collaborate on the project. 

 

Morris Brown College received $100,000 from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for institutional and student support. Part of the funds will be used to endow scholarships.

 

Cheyney University received a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for undergraduate research in audiovisual activity.

 

Claflin University announced that a human resources and staffing company, Primary Talent Partners, will fund 40 scholarships over the next five years, a $100,000 commitment. The scholarships will support students enrolled in STEM programs at the university.

 

Stillman College received $5,000 donation from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Alpha Tau chapter. The gift will be used for Stillman’s Black Male Initiative, a service and leadership organization.   

 

Gadsden State Community College Valley Street Campus received a $5,000 donation from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The donation will be used to fund a scholarship. 

 

JP Morgan Chase announced plans to expand its Advancing Black Pathways initiative by making a $30,000,000 commitment to HBCUs. 

 

Howard Hughes Medical Institute announced applications are open for the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars Program. The program will select up to 30 early career faculty scholars in 2023. Appointments are for five years with renewability for an additional five years. Scholars will receive a salary, benefits, and a research budget. The deadline for applications is September 28, 2022.

 

Shaw University received $500,000 from the National Park Service to aid the the rehabilitation of Leonard Hall. Leonard Hall bears the distinction of being the first four-year medical school in the United States. 

 

Rust College was awarded $500,000 from the National Park Service to help it rehabilitate Carnegie Auditorium. The auditorium is located at Mississippi Industrial College, an HBCU which was founded in 1905 and closed in 1982. Rust College acquired the campus in 2008. The auditorium was designed by Moses and Calvin McKissack, Tennessee’s first African American architects. 

 

Benedict College was awarded $500,000 from the National Park Service to aid in the rehabilitation of historic Morgan Hall. The building has distinctive architectural features including gable and hip roof, wrap around porch, and corbeled chimneys. 

 

The National Park Service announced it would provide more information on opportunities for funding through the African American Civil Rights grant program later this summer. A checklist and tips for applying are available on the Historic Preservation Fund pages.

 

The Small Business Association announced the deadline for submitting an application to participate in the Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) is approaching. The goal of the program is to increase Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications (proposals) from women, socially/economically disadvantaged people, and small businesses located in underrepresented areas. The FAST Partnership Program helps defray the cost of developing SBIR/STTR proposals. It will help cover the cost of attending relevant conferences and provide training, technical support, business assistance, and outreach. The deadline is June 27, 2022.

 

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Dr. Logan Hampton, who has served as president of Lane College since 2014, was named Jackson, Tennessee’s Man of the Year. The award recognizes Dr. Hampton for the programs he established on campus and his work to support the surrounding community.

 

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette was named president of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. She served as president of Huston-Tillotson University since 2015 and is retiring, effective June 30, 2022. During her tenure Huston-Tillotson partnered with both Apple and Tesla and completed many campus upgrades. In 2021, she was named the Austinite of the Year in recognition of her work for the university and the city of Austin.

 

Dr. Kecia Williams Smith was named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting for 2022. The list is curated annually by the American Institute of CPAs  and CPA Practice Advisor. Dr. Smith heads the North Carolina A&T State University’s master of accountancy program in the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics.

 

West Virginia State University was honored for its undergraduate teacher preparation program by the National Council on Teacher Quality. The university earned the highest designation for its requirements in elementary math, which was named an Exemplar Resource that other programs should use as a guide.

 

Tennessee State University’s Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson was awarded the Milton Wilson Award by the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable. Dr. Lownes-Jackson has served as dean of the Tennessee State University College of Business.  The award was bestowed during the organization’s annual conference.

 

Alcorn State University’s chemistry and physics department has been included on the American Chemical Society’s list of approved institutions. The certification is a significant step for the department. The society is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world. Its approval program aims to promote excellence and rigor.

 

Shaw University became an accredited Gold Standard employer. It is the first HBCU to earn the distinction. The Gold Standard accreditation it awarded by the CEO Roundtable on Cancer to employers that advance cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment for students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, alumni, and community members.

 

The American Association of State College and Universities named 22 administrators to its 2022 Millennium Leadership Initiative.  Among them were four administrators from HBCUs: Shawn Baker, vice president of student affairs and dean of student success at Harris-Stowe State University, Leonard Brown, vice president for student affairs at Norfolk State University, Beverly Downing, associate provost at Huston-Tillotson University, and Melissa Jackson Holloway, general counsel and vice chancellor of legal, risk, and compliance at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

 

 

 

Heterodox Academy presented Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis with an Open Inquiry Award in the category of Leadership. Dr. Artis is the president of Benedict College. The award is bestowed upon the person who best represents the principles of open inquiry and viewpoint diversity in higher education.

 

The South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners named Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr.,  2022 CEO of the Year. Dr. Todd has served as president and CEO of Denmark Technical College since 2020.

 

Bethune-Cookman University will be represented by Dr. Randy B. Nelson at the International Congress on Law and Mental Health. The conference will be held in Lyon, France. Dr. Nelson was selected to present on Ethical Liability Issues Consequent to Trauma Experienced by Youth in Public Services Facilities: the Disproportionate Representation of Minority Youth in American’s Juvenile Justice System.

 

The Louisiana State Legislature honored Ms. Thelma Williams, educator, advocate, author, and unofficial historian of Grambling State University. Ms. Williams came to Grambling State University in 1956. Grambling State University President Rick Gallot was one of her students. She published Grambling: A Pictorial History in 1980. Ms. Williams is 97 years old.

 

Prairie View A&M University College of Nursing announced Dr. Michelle DeBose has been selected to participate in the 2022-2023 cohort of Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing Program of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The fellowship is a competitive award designed to help nursing program administrators develop leadership skills.

 

Delaware State University's Nursing Program celebrated the success of 70 graduates, during its pinning ceremony. The record high number of graduates was due to the acquisition of Wesley College and its nursing program.

 

Sports Illustrated magazine recently featured Jackson State University Coach Deion Sanders, student quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and student defensive back Travis Hunter on its cover. The accompanying article discussed the future of HBCU football. The late Steve McNair,  was the last HBCU athlete to be featured on the magazine’s cover. In 1994, he was a contender for the Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback at Alcorn State University. HBCU Legends, published an article showcasing the HBCU athletes and coaches who have been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

 

Dr. Ted Lewis, provost and vice president of academic and student affairs at Bluefield State College spoke at the annual American Association of Community Colleges Conference. His address covered the strategies that the Bluefield State College employed to increase enrollment during the pandemic.

 

 

 

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Compliance Supplement

The Office of Management and Budget released the  2022 OMB Compliance Supplement. It contains critical information for audits.

 

Single Audits

The Department of Education posted the following links to resources for auditors who perform single audits:

• Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200)
• Uniform Guidance Technical Assistance for ED Grantees
• OMB Circulars
• Federal Audit Clearinghouse
• eZ-Audit
• Single Audit Resource Center
• CIGIE Single Audit Guides
• National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers

 

2023-2024 FISAP

Federal Student Aid (FSA) announced that the Office of Management and Budget approved the Fiscal Operations Report for 2021–22 and Application to Participate for 2023-24 (FISAP). The form, instructions, and desk reference are available online. A technical reference is also available.

 

Problems Updating Dependency Status

FSA announced that students who have been unable to submit a change of dependency status to the FAFSA® should request their financial aid administrator submit the correction on their behalf. They can also request a paper Student Aid Report (SAR) which they can correct and submit. Call 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) to request a paper SAR.  

 

EDExpress for Windows

FSA announced that EDExpress for Windows 2022-2023, Release 3.0 is available online. The update has the latest Pell Grant disbursement information. The desk reference and an installation guide are also available.

 

Direct Loan Tools for Windows

Direct Loan Tools for Windows Release 22.0 is available for download. The software requires Microsoft.NET 4.6.2 and the ACE Access Database Engine. The FSA announcement contains the download link and additional details.

 

HEERF Extension

The Department of Education (ED) announced an automatic extension of the performance period through June 30, 2023, for all open grants issued under the Higher Education emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) that have a balance greater than $1,000.

 

Verification Waiver

ED has extended the waiver of certain verification requirements into the 2022-2023 award year. ED is honing in on requirements that strictly focus on identity and fraud and waiving the remaining verification requirements for the remainder of the 2022-2023 award year.

 

Volume 5 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook

FSA has released Volume 5 of its 2022-2023 Handbook. The volume covers withdrawals and the Return of Title IV funds (R2T4). The PDF version is here.

 

Student Loan Pause Extended

The pause in federal student loan repayment, interest, and collection ends on August 21, 2022.

 

Income Share Agreements

ED provided some clarification on why income share agreements are considered private education loans and what that means in terms of compliance. The electronic announcement is here. See also the Department of Education blog post, What Colleges Should Know About Income Share Agreements and Private Education Loan Requirements. 

 

Income-Driven Repayment Updated

FSA announced  changes to the student loan programs. It will apply all past payments toward loan debt forgiveness for borrowers in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) and in income-driven repayment plans (IDR). It will root out forbearance steering, a practice loan servicers use to deter borrowers from opting for IDR plans.

 

Perkins Loan Assignment Update

The June 30, 2022 deadline for purchasing or assigning Perkins Loans that have been in default for more than two years has been extended to June 30, 2023. All other conditions remain in effect. Institutions are advised to maintain records of collection efforts and consult the latest  federal aid handbook. Also note that the federal government has paused student loan collection on all federally held loans. This does not apply to loans not held by the federal government. Institutions are free to suspend student loan collection on loans that they hold.

 

Direct Loan Program

The 2020-2021 deadline for Direct Loan Program closeout is July 29, 2022. To be included in the ending cash balance for the year, data must be submitted and processed before the July 29, 2022 deadline.

 

Teach Grant

The 2021-2022 data submission deadline is September 30, 2022. To be included in the ending cash balance for the year, data must be submitted and processed before the September 30, 2022 deadline.

 

Federal Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedules

For 2022-2033 have been revised due to the increase in the maximum Pell Grant award. For more information on the operational implementation of the revision see the FSA electronic announcement.

 

Campus Based Programs

FSA posted information on the final funding for the Campus-Based Programs. Funding is based upon applicable law, the Congressional appropriation, and the institution’s request. Note that an institution will not receive a 2022-2023 final funding authorization amount for a Campus-Based program that exceeds its request for that program on the FISAP.

 

Title IV School Code List

FSA updated the 2022-2023 Federal School Code List of Participating Schools. The list contains the codes that students will enter on the FAFSA to indicate which colleges and universities should receive the processed application results.

 

Sequester-Required Changes to Title IV Student Aid Programs

FSA posted the sequester-required increases to Direct Loan fees and the sequester-required to the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and TEACH Grant. Note that loan fee calculations that result in more than two decimal places must be truncated (not rounded) to two digits after the decimal point (cents). Institutions with systems that require award amounts to be in whole dollars must ensure that a student’s total award amount is rounded down to the next lowest dollar. 

 

Direct Loan

FSA announced that institutions may begin submitting Direct Loan origination records to the COD System where the first distribution will be on or after October 1, 2020, and before October 1, 2023 using the updated loan fees below.

 

■1.057% for Direct Subsidized Loans and for Direct Unsubsidized Loans. As an example, the loan fee on a $5,500 loan would be $58.13.

■4.228% for Direct PLUS Loans (for both parent borrowers and graduate and professional student borrowers). As an example, the loan fee on a $10,000 loan would be $422.80.

 

 

INTEREST RATE NOTICES

• Direct Loan Fixed Interest Rates

• HEAL Program Interest Rates

 

Libor Fix

Congress included a Libor fix in the recently passed omnibus bill. The rule automatically switches contracts to a new benchmark rate to prevent disagreement on a new reference rate once Libor expires. 

 

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL)

Compensation that student athletes receive for NIL may impact their student financial aid. FSA published guidance for financial aid administrators making awards to student athletes who have received compensation under NIL contracts.

 

Affirmative Action Compliance

The Department of Labor issued an update to the audit and enforcement rules of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. The update deals mostly with requests for documents and reduced notification time before a scheduled audit.

 

Audit Deadline Extension

The Office of Management and Budget has directed all federal agencies to allow recipients and sub-recipients that have fiscal year-ends through June 30, 2021, and have not yet filed their single audits, to delay completion and submission for up to six months beyond the normal due date. Although they do not have to seek approval for this extension, recipients and sub-recipients should document the reason for delayed filing. They could also still qualify as a low-risk auditee.

 

Updated Application Materials

FSA announced that it updated the drafts of the proposed 2023-2024 application materials. These include the proposed 2023–24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form, the Student Aid Report (SAR), and the SAR Acknowledgement. They will remain available for public comment for 60 days. 

 

Third Party Agreements 

ED published a detailed reminder about the rules governing distance education and third-party courseware providers. ED specifically called out two types of noncompliance.

• Written arrangements incorrectly characterized as offered by the eligible institution.
• Written arrangements in which eligible institutions partner with ineligible entities to provide Title IV funds for an experience prior to the matriculation of conventional studies (gap year).

 

Transitioning from FedLoan Servicing to MOHELA

FSA announced it will begin to transition the Public Service Loan forgiveness (PSLF) program, borrowers, and loans from FedLoan Servicing to MOHELA soon. The change will not impact the terms, conditions, interest rates, discharge, forgiveness, or repayment plans. The temporary payment suspension and 0% interest rates due to the pandemic are not impacted by this change. Participants should be on the lookout for transfer and other status notices from Federal Student Aid.

 

 

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Event: HBCU-MSI Course-Sharing Consortium

Date: June 28

Location: Online

Information: Details

 

 

Event: Expand Enrollment by Improving Digital Equity & Access

Date: June 28

Location: Online

Information: Details

 

 

Event: Call Me Mister Conference

Date: June 30

Location: Grambling, Louisiana

Information: Registration

 

Event: AACC Presidents Academy Summer Institute

Date: July 9-12

Location: Dana Point, California

Information: Registration

 

 

Event: Education Summit '22

Date: July 28-29

Location: Online

Information: Registration

 

 

Event: The 47^th Annual ASHE Conference

Date: November 16-19, 2022

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Information: Registration

 

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