AGP Executive Report

College Sports Policy: Colorado is backing the Protect College Sports Act, with lawmakers pushing for a clearer path for college athletics in a fast-changing era. Higher Ed Access: City of Oxford College and University Centre will host an Adult Education Open Event June 18 for people returning to school, switching careers, or upgrading job skills. International Campuses: The University of Liverpool received India’s approval to open a Bengaluru campus, clearing the way for new operations. Student Safety: An Auburn University student missing in Japan was found dead near Kyoto, ending a weeklong search. Campus Life & Support: Cambrian College Indigenous students and staff donated to a local watershed effort, tying community service to World Environment Day themes. Career-Ready Training: Coe College’s aviation program won an FAA-authorized Restricted-Airline Transport Pilot pathway, potentially cutting flight training hours. Student Wellbeing & Skills: PennWest University’s art therapy counseling program earned continued national accreditation, extending its review through 2034. Accountability in Schools: Police in India registered a case after complaints of sexual remarks and threats involving a college correspondent and staff.

New Degree Pathways: Idaho State University’s College of Technology is rolling out three-year bachelor’s programs, including Law Enforcement Management and Leadership, Applied Business and Professional Sales, and Intelligent and Trustworthy Digital Systems—aimed at getting students into industry faster. Sustainable Skills Training: Stratford College officially opened its Heat Pump Training Centre, funded through the Local Skills Improvement Fund, to upskill heating engineers, plumbers, and electricians in low-carbon construction. Workforce Certificate in Wastewater: Hawaii Community College launched a one-year Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Specialist Certificate on Maui and Hawaii Island, teaching cesspool conversion and sustainable installation. Admissions Deadline Update: Delhi University extended CSAS PG registration for 2026-27 to June 9, with edits allowed June 10–11. Campus Safety: Waterloo police are investigating a voyeurism incident at the University of Waterloo and are seeking a suspect. Higher-Ed Policy Clash: The Iowa Supreme Court sided with the ACLU over a University of Iowa scholarship, blocking plans to redirect funds away from Black students in physical sciences. College Sports Lawmaking: Sen. Tommy Tuberville flagged concerns in the Protect College Sports Act, including eligibility and transfer exceptions. Global Higher-Ed Push: Vietnam approved plans to develop major Southeast regional universities, targeting top-tier status by 2035.

Campus Tech & Dining: Indiana University is testing and preparing to launch food delivery robots that cycle messages and faces during a campus run. Graduation & Recognition: Nobel University held its May 2026 Los Angeles graduation for 30+ business administration bachelor’s and master’s graduates, while American Management University and Nobel University plan a joint academic recognition ceremony in Los Angeles on Dec. 5, 2026. Leadership in Higher Ed: Spelman College named Dr. Ayanna Howard—an AI and robotics leader and former NASA engineer—as its 12th president, starting Aug. 1, 2026. Budget Watch: The University of Minnesota Board of Regents will review a proposed FY27 budget focused on student affordability and workforce investment. Teaching & Skills: National University in Bangladesh is training 12,000 college teachers in ICT as it pushes more tech-based, job-aligned curriculum. College Sports Policy: Iowa Gov. Reynolds vetoed rules that would have required parents to reimburse districts if high schoolers drop community college classes. Student Life & Safety: A hit-and-run on I-85 North in College Park killed one landscape worker and left another seriously injured. Athletics Spotlight: Iowa Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades will forgo her final college eligibility to pursue international and pro wrestling goals.

UK Higher Ed Compliance: The UK Home Office says universities could lose their license to recruit international students if visa refusals top 5% (down from 10%) or if enrollment and completion rates miss new higher targets (95% enrolled, 90% completed). Campus Safety: A landscape worker was killed and another critically injured in a fatal I-85 hit-and-run in College Park, Ga.; the driver has been taken into custody. Governance Probe in Australia: University of Wollongong chancellor Michael Still stepped aside as an anti-corruption investigation examines contract awards, conflicts of interest, and recruitment practices. College Sports Policy: A major push to reshape college athletics continues as lawmakers and conference leaders weigh the Protect College Sports Act. Student Life & Learning: Georgia State’s GSPN program is giving students hands-on TV production experience through live sports broadcasts. International Student Enrollment Pressure: A report flags a 17% drop in new international student enrollments, raising concerns about universities’ reliance on foreign tuition. Deaths & Investigations: Delhi University assistant professor Devosmita Paul was found dead in a locked apartment; police are investigating.

College Sports Policy: Trump called for bipartisan action to “save college sports” as a Protect College Sports push hits Capitol Hill, with lawmakers and major conferences weighing in. Higher Ed Funding & Innovation: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro highlighted innovation funding needs at Mercyhurst University’s new venture-focused Studio 26. Campus Safety: A man in his 50s was seriously injured in a crossbow attack at University of Surrey student housing; a former student was arrested. University Leadership: Algoma University named Dr. Kofi Campbell as its next president starting Sept. 1. Student Support & Affordability: Johor’s IMAJ program gave higher-ed students RM200 help, easing reliance on loans. Global Expansion: University of Liverpool received approval to open a Bengaluru campus, expanding UK-India higher education ties. Housing Crunch: University of Oregon plans to close at least one dorm as on-campus demand drops. Local Impact: Quincy, Mass. debates buying a shuttered Eastern Nazarene College campus, weighing land value against heavy city debt. Health & Jobs: Cooper University Health Care plans a $300M outpatient campus in Gloucester Township.

College Sports Reform: In a Senate Commerce hearing, Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz’s “Protect College Sports Act” drew sharp reactions as NCAA president Charlie Baker said the bill is a step forward but needs “essential” revisions, while Nick Saban argued NIL and the transfer portal have pushed college football toward a pay-for-play arms race. Enrollment Trends: The National Student Clearinghouse reports spring enrollment rose 1% overall, with undergraduate up 1.3% but graduate flat and international master’s under pressure. University Workforce Cuts: Portland State faculty rallied against proposed layoffs tied to a $35M deficit, warning reduced staffing could shrink course offerings and student support. Workforce Training Partnerships: Amazon selected Bossier Parish Community College for its Career Choice program, funding an Industrial Technician certificate for employees. Student Safety in Focus: Auburn student Weston Higginbotham remains missing in Kyoto, Japan, as police and family continue a search. Campus/Community Updates: UChicago will give students free Claude enterprise access starting September, and Provo begins University Avenue interchange work Thursday with lane closures and delays. Student Innovation: Carnegie Mellon Qatar’s Lifeline Hackathon drew 284 students from 19 universities and high schools to build offline tech for health and sustainability in crisis areas.

Higher-Level Apprenticeships: South West College is leading Northern Ireland’s Higher Level Apprenticeships push, partnering with 285 businesses and representing 28% of participating employers, according to a new NISRA report. Community & Safety: Birmingham City Council is facing fresh scrutiny after a fire devastated the former Hunters Hill College site in Blackwell, with officials saying the disposal plan may need review. College Sports Reform: On Capitol Hill, Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz backed the Protect College Sports Act, with Nick Saban and Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua arguing the current system is broken and calling for major changes to spending and revenue-sharing. Workforce Pathways: Nexford University launched a B.S. in AI for Business aimed at creating “AI translators” for companies, while Bisk and Tuition.io announced a partnership to connect employer education benefits to accredited university programs. Access & Equity: A letter highlights how childcare support rules can leave higher-education parents facing major repayment burdens. International Higher Ed: Tufts provost Caroline Genco was named UB’s first female president, and a World Bank analysis says college completion in the Philippines remains limited, with women outpacing men.

Higher Ed Value & Access: A new World Bank-based analysis says college completion still reaches only a limited share of people, with Filipino women outpacing men (about 20.15% vs. 15.94% by 2022), tied to labor-market expectations. Student Debt Backlash: A UK survey finds confidence in university value has fallen sharply, with more people saying degrees aren’t worth the time and money amid student-loan anger and weaker job prospects. College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC say a bipartisan college sports bill leaves key issues unresolved, especially around how it would handle state laws. Athlete Pay & Transfer Pressure: A look at college baseball highlights how the transfer portal overlaps with the College World Series and the MLB Draft, creating a chaotic roster-building crunch. Campus Safety: In St. Paul, a school bus crashed into Hamline University’s Robbins Science Center; three children and the driver were taken to hospitals with minor injuries reported. International Students at Risk: US lawmakers warn a New Hampshire college could lose up to 2,000 international graduate students if DHS approval for a new doctoral program isn’t granted by July 1. Teaching Pipeline: Kenya’s KUCCPS faces scrutiny over delayed applications for teacher training colleges, with lawmakers warning it could lock out future teachers. Gender-Equity Change: Moore College of Art and Design will open to all genders starting in 2027-28 after a near-unanimous board vote. Academic Jobs & Governance: UCLA’s senior dean of the College and dean of Physical Sciences will step down in June 2027, triggering a search.

Higher-Education & Workforce: Delaware selected Thomas Jefferson University to help launch the state’s first four-year medical school, aiming to train doctors in-state and ease long-term physician shortages. Campus Tech & Research: Rowan University expanded its partnership with HPE to modernize IT for faster research, stronger resiliency, and hands-on access to AI and high-performance computing. AI Skills for the Public: Fresno City College and Fresno State are teaming up for free, hands-on AI workshops this summer to help local businesses use AI tools more effectively. Student Support & Access: Collège La Cité in Gatineau received $1.6M for a mobile dental clinic and treatment space to expand care for seniors, children, and Indigenous communities. Community Learning Spaces: Richland Community College partnered with the Children’s Museum of Illinois to build a Teaching Kitchen with culinary, nutrition, science, and career pathway programming. Sports & Student Life: SMU signed former pro baseball outfielder Jordyn Adams to play college football at age 26; and the College Football Hall of Fame ballot added Baylor’s Robert Griffin III plus Illinois standouts Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice. Student/School Updates: Yuba College hosted its 44th annual Pow Wow, and Frontier Community College released its Spring 2026 academic honors lists.

College Sports Spotlight: Texas Tech stunned Alabama in the Women’s College World Series semifinals, then set up a Texas rematch in the championship series. New Medical Training: University of the Pacific is planning a $150 million School of Medicine in Stockton, targeting physician shortages in underserved parts of California, with the first class expected in fall 2030. Higher-Education Funding Fight: Ireland’s research community is pushing back after researchers say a €4.55B funding strategy sidelines arts and humanities. Student Pathways: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced an Academic Bridging Program letting humanities-track students transition into scientific and technical university fields under scholarship rules. Access and Affordability Policy: The Philippines’ Senate approved a bill expanding the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, boosting subsidies for eligible students from 4Ps households. Campus Life and Support: University of Phoenix launched a veterans and affiliates network to support military-connected students and alumni. UK University Value Debate: A new UK poll finds public confidence in the value of a university degree is falling amid debt and job worries. Governance Watch: Australia’s ICAC will hold public hearings into alleged corruption at the University of Wollongong.

Higher Ed Access (Philippines): Senate Bill 1894/House Bill 8476 expands the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, automatically prioritizing Tertiary Education Subsidy eligibility for 4Ps senior high graduates and adding support for books, transportation, laptops, and housing, with schools required to adopt equity and inclusion plans. Student Housing (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s higher education ministry says 55 new hostel projects will be rolled out for 16,000 students across state universities in three phases to ease accommodation shortages. Online Degree Rankings (U.S.): U.S. News & World Report ranked Johnson & Wales University’s online programs among the best, including Best Online Bachelor’s in Business and Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice. Remote Work & Early Career (U.S.): New Fed research links rising unemployment for recent college grads to remote work growth, arguing managers have a harder time training and mentoring new hires. Campus Free Speech/Discipline (Australia): University of Sydney students protested disciplinary proceedings tied to a Palestine solidarity poster, with the university alleging antisemitism. College Sports Policy (U.S.): A bipartisan Protect College Sports Act proposal aims to preserve competitive balance while letting athletes profit via NIL and pushing back on a “minor league” model. Tuition Freeze (Texas): Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas colleges to keep undergraduate tuition and fees frozen through 2026-27; McLennan Community College says it’s already aligned. Teach-Out Funding Crisis (U.S.): Hampshire College says it may not have enough money to fund its promised teach-out through the fall, despite earlier plans. Leadership Moves (U.S.): Roger Williams University named Brian G. Williams interim president; Ferris State named Andrew Polter associate VP for advancement. Local College Updates: North Central College plans a new student commons; Gavilan College awarded a record 2,062 degrees/certificates to Class of 2026.

AI & Innovation in Higher Ed: KAIST unveiled its new College of AI, aiming to train researchers and interdisciplinary talent and build a “responsible AI ecosystem.” STEM Pipeline: Qatar is rolling out its STEM HUB to shift schools toward practical, innovation-focused learning through programs like STEMathon and innovation incubators. Campus Access & Heat: Telangana universities extended summer vacation to June 5–6 due to extreme heat, with classes set to resume soon. Admissions Results: Andhra Pradesh will release AP EAMCET 2026 results today on cets.apsche.gov.in, with counselling following. Faculty Shortages: Tamil Nadu faces a major staffing crisis, with many universities reporting huge faculty vacancies and even missing vice-chancellors. University Rankings Pressure: Australia’s universities are sliding in global rankings amid underfunding concerns, even as a few top schools hold steady. Research & Compliance: A new analysis warns universities about export-control violations that can happen through normal teaching, research partnerships, and publications. Student Life & Support: Bridge-to-College honored Valley seniors with scholarships totaling $8,000, highlighting pathways to national universities.

College Affordability: Alabama’s Student Grant Program could cover up to $3,000 a year for eligible students at participating private colleges, with awards not tied to financial need. Student Safety & Campus Security: A bomb threat to the Toledo Zoo was deemed not credible after police and zoo safety protocols were activated. Higher Ed Funding Policy: Oklahoma’s State Regents approved a performance-based funding formula starting FY2027, tying more base dollars to enrollment, retention, degree completion, and workforce readiness, plus $15.7M in new appropriations. International Education & Work Placements: Abingdon & Witney College says Government-backed Turing Scheme placements are already underway in St. Lucia, Spain, and the U.S., giving students hands-on construction and electrical experience. Student Life & Learning: University of Ibadan students shared post-UTME and exam-prep stories, including using AI tools to break down topics. Health & Research: An IIT Gandhinagar–UIUC study finds “herbal cigarettes” can be as harmful as tobacco, raising new concerns ahead of World No Tobacco Day. Campus Community: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announced its annual women’s soccer golf outing for Aug. 23, supporting the program.

College Admissions & Access: Cuba will open university admissions for majors and advanced technical programs on June 8, using only the academic index (no entrance exams this year) and running through multiple rounds, with thousands of seats also reserved for blended learning and distance education. Student Life & Safety: A 21-year-old Glasgow University student, Thomas Reynolds, died after a suspected fall from a bridge while trying to retrieve a dropped phone; tributes highlight his popularity. Campus Milestones: Lakehead University will hold 2026 convocation ceremonies in Thunder Bay and Orillia, honoring David Johnston with an honorary degree and Paul Weber as a Fellow, plus a Civitas Award for Luana Dawn Shirt. Grading Policy Debate: Harvard faculty approved a policy starting in 2027 that caps A grades at 20% in most courses, arguing grades should reflect effort and attendance. College Sports Money Watch: New federal data show big swings in women’s basketball spending—UAB ($2.17M) and UIC ($2.40M) far above state averages, while Utica ($174K) and CUNY Medgar Evers ($43.7K) lag. Athletics & Culture: ESPN’s College GameDay will visit Ohio State vs. Texas in Week 2 on Sept. 12. Higher Ed & Integrity: Chinese universities reiterated zero tolerance for academic misconduct after staff were punished for research irregularities.

College Admissions: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University) extended its 2026-27 application deadline, with the online window closing today at 11:59 PM; applicants must submit documents and complete registration via the official portal. Higher Ed Policy: Maharashtra formed a state task force to review how NEP 2020 is being implemented across universities and colleges, aiming for more uniform guidance and faster rollout. Student Pathways: Mumbai University released its second merit list for 2026 today, with document verification and fee payment set for June 1–3 and the third list due June 4. Teacher Pipeline: Corning Community College and Alfred University hosted “Celebrating Educators,” highlighting teacher shortages and the growing role of AI in classrooms. Community College Wins: Butte College held its record-setting commencement with 1,500+ degree earners, while Danville Area Community College celebrated esports national championships. Local Education Life: State College opened a long-awaited public skatepark, and Pride Month festivities at Sparsholt College brought the whole campus together. Campus Safety & Accountability: A UC Riverside-linked student apartment complex fire drew major response efforts, and a State College man was sentenced to 50–100 years for child sexual abuse.

Degree Acceleration Watch: Oklahoma State Regents approved rules letting colleges propose bachelor’s degrees down to 90 credit hours, aiming to boost affordability and address workforce gaps—though critics worry about rigor and preparedness. Campus Cost Cuts: A university is offering buyouts to staff after a 40-person “jump ship” wave, as institutions juggle enrollment and state funding pressure. Law School Leadership Shake-Up: The University of Arkansas named Katheleen Guzman interim dean of its School of Law starting July 1, after controversy over the prior dean’s stance on transgender athletes. Student Support Funding: Savannah State University announced a historic $42.8 million state investment for student wellness and engagement facilities. AI in Schools: OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu is set to roll out in Armenia’s schools and universities in 2026-27, starting with 50,000 subscriptions and teacher training. College Access for Foster Youth: Kentucky reports more foster and adopted youth using its college tuition waiver, with graduation rates rising to about 40%. Workforce Training Launch: Collège Boréal officially launched a Construction Engineering Technician—Civil and Mining program at its Timmins campus for a September start. Athletics & Community: University of Portsmouth honored student impact at its Student Impact Awards, celebrating volunteering, research, and entrepreneurship.