The team utilized data-driven insights to refine their resources, engaging with faculty and students early to ensure relevance and responsiveness. Collaboration, including town hall meetings, fostered community learning. They focused on supporting faculty in AI integration, emphasizing clear communication on policies and academic integrity. An AI working group facilitated resource sharing, while a three-week sprint allowed for efficient development under time constraints. The team curated reliable resources amidst the rapidly expanding AI landscape, managing faculty expectations through active involvement and using WordPress for flexible, easy-to-maintain AI Hub updates.

The presentation on "Mastering Grant Management in Higher Education" highlights the key stages of grant management, from identifying opportunities and developing proposals to budgeting, tracking expenses, and reporting. Challenges such as delayed communication, complex budget adjustments, and compliance issues are addressed. Effective collaboration between Principal Investigators and finance teams is emphasized, along with the importance of using structured tools like Workday Adaptive Planning. Key takeaways focus on building trust, stewardship, active involvement, and using robust processes for successful grant management.

This webinar, hosted by ACE and Huron Consulting Group, introduces tools developed through working groups that address challenges in building a research enterprise centered on learner success. It highlights leadership, structure, and policies necessary to support research, especially at institutions focused on teaching and learning. The session includes practical resources like a chief research and scholarship officer job description and a policy inventory. Healthy discussion of non-STEM research efforts. Still broadly applicable information.

In a webinar led by Sophie White from EDUCAUSE, the importance of human-centered approaches to strategic planning and AI in higher education was discussed. Panelists emphasized the need to remove friction in the student experience, both pre- and post-matriculation, highlighting a common disconnect between prospective and enrolled students. Chris Bradney from CSUSB stressed the role of empathy in understanding the needs of students, faculty, and staff, while Kyle Bowen from ASU emphasized storytelling as a key skill for technologists. Dr. Hernan Londono from Lenovo highlighted the need for teams combining human-centered thinkers and technical experts for successful AI implementation.

Strategies for integration (concept explanations, client case studies, classroom and curriculum applications), sample scenario prompts, AI for assessments, and mitigation strategies. However, it lacks detailed text under these headings.

The Rhodes Forum on Technology & Society 2024 focuses on integrating ethical considerations into technological development, particularly AI, while addressing its societal implications. The event aims to create actionable frameworks for aligning technology with human values, promoting equitable, sustainable, and responsible tech ecosystems. Key themes include ethical AI development, the global impact of emerging technologies, and creating future-ready policies. Sessions will feature panel discussions on AI's role in global education, climate action, and workforce transformation, as well as workshops on responsible tech applications.

Strengths: Versatile, used for writing, coding, and more.

Limitations: Requires significant computational power, free version less robust than a paid subscription.

Strengths: Robust in multitasking and handling complex problem-solving.

Limitations: Still under development and refinement for broader applications.

Strengths: Prioritizes ethical AI usage, designed to minimize harmful outputs. Generates kinder text (according to some users).

Limitations: May have constraints in versatility compared to other models focusing solely on performance.

Strengths: Excels in answering factual questions with high accuracy and providing detailed explanations.

Limitations: May struggle with generating creative or nuanced responses compared to other models.

Strengths: Excels in providing emotional support and fostering engaging, natural conversations.

Limitations: May not perform as well in technical or highly specific informational queries compared to other LLMs.

*Tarleton has a paid subscription. Contact me (hopson@tarleton) to be added to our account.

*Tarleton is a member

*Tarleton is a member

*Free to access

*Free access

*Free access

Here’s the latest:

NSF: Restored its Award Cash Management Service (ACM$) but is reviewing 10,000 grants for keywords like diversity, inclusion, women, and race. Flagged projects may face further scrutiny.

NIH: Some study sections have resumed, while others remain paused. NIH has reportedly halted funding for certain projects, including an HIV prevention study for transgender youth.

NASA: Instructed grantees to cease all DEIA activities, including training, reporting, and staffing considerations. Further reviews may lead to additional terminations.

USAID: Issued a funding freeze, halting projects like HIV prevention trials, malaria treatments, and cholera care. Public universities have urged Congress to intervene, citing major research and humanitarian risks.

DOE: Announced an agency-wide review of grants and funding priorities, and eliminated the PIER Plan requirement for inclusive research.

These changes could have significant implications for researchers, institutions, and global collaborations. Stay informed, advocate for your research, and check with program officers about potential impacts on your grants.

What on earth is ChatGPT

Providing Syllabi Examples

Designing Learning Activities and Assessments

Writing Podcast Scripts

Bouncing Ideas Off of ChatGPT

Rewording Content for Different Audiences

Designing Learning Objectives

Creating Course Outlines      

Outlining Lesson Plans

Proofreading

*Free access

*Service-fee based

*Tarleton provides free access to this search engine!

*free access

*free to access

*Free to access

*Free to access

Before you ask.....dual authentication is not going anywhere and no you cannot have universal admin rights :)

From in-person workshops to online livestreams, the Academy provides opportunities to learn, collaborate, and innovate. With topics ranging from AI basics to advanced integration techniques, there's something for everyone

1. Learn About AI – Understand AI’s capabilities, its impact across industries, and how it can be integrated into your business.

2. Set Priorities – Define AI goals, establish governance frameworks, and align strategy with operational needs.

3. Formalize Execution – Ensure data quality, adopt AI-friendly infrastructure, and implement change management for smooth adoption.

4. Leverage Experts – Work with AI specialists to develop, deploy, and maintain AI solutions for long-term success.

Microsoft emphasizes responsible AI principles, governance, and skill-building to help businesses maximize AI’s potential.

🔹 Investing in AI Research & Infrastructure: The AAU advocates for sustained federal funding to support fundamental AI research and computing resources.
🔹 Building a Diverse AI Workforce: Universities must ensure inclusive AI education and training to expand access and opportunities.
🔹 Ethical & Responsible AI Development: The AAU underscores the importance of responsible AI governance, ensuring that AI benefits society while minimizing risks.
🔹 Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between academia, industry, and government will be essential in advancing AI innovation.

Strengths:
Paperpal excels in academic writing by understanding technical terminology, improving readability without altering meaning, and providing comprehensive pre-submission checks. It integrates citation management and offers real-time feedback, making it a strong choice for researchers and non-native English speakers

Weaknesses:
The free version has limitations, such as a cap on language corrections and plagiarism checks. Additionally, it may not be ideal for general writing like marketing or blog content. Some users find the interface has a learning curve, and Google Docs integration is currently lacking

• Survey Findings: Inside Higher Ed’s 2025 survey of 298 college presidents revealed concerns about financial stability, with public institutions expressing more confidence than private nonprofit baccalaureate colleges.

• Political & Policy Impact: Most presidents expected the Trump administration to negatively affect higher education, especially in areas like DEI.

• AI & Higher Ed: Many institutions are optimistic about AI’s impact, with the majority having AI strategies focused on student support and fundraising.

• Public Perception & Challenges: College presidents recognize a need to better communicate higher education’s public benefits beyond individual financial gains. They also acknowledge ongoing struggles with affordability, diversity, and mental health support.

• Future Considerations: Leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration between institutions, industry, and government to address challenges, particularly in preparing K-12 students for college and workforce success.

Additional information

• What College Presidents Are Thinking About in 2025 – A survey of 298 college presidents highlights concerns over financial stability, declining public trust, campus politics, AI, and mental health.

  
  

• Survey: Presidents on Public Trust Decline – College leaders cite affordability, student debt, and political debates as key reasons for declining trust in higher ed. Many admit institutions haven’t effectively addressed these concerns​

  
  

• Podcast: Trust and the College Presidency – This episode discusses how presidents manage public skepticism, governance challenges, and financial pressures while maintaining institutional credibility​

  
  

• 2025 Survey of College Presidents Report – A broad review of financial, political, and mental health challenges in higher ed. Notably, few presidents strongly support tenure, and many acknowledge the need for academic program cuts​

  
  

Microsoft Ability Summit (March 18, 2025)

• Speaker: Sarah Bird

• Summary: Sarah Bird, Chief Product Officer for Responsible AI at Microsoft, discussed the rapid evolution of AI and the importance of building trustworthy AI systems. She highlighted how Microsoft's accessibility features assist neurodivergent users and how AI enhances productivity through tools like Copilot. She outlined Microsoft’s AI governance framework, which includes risk assessment, content safety measures, and defense-in-depth strategies to mitigate biases, adversarial attacks, and misinformation. The session also introduced Azure AI Foundry, a platform for building responsible AI applications with advanced safety controls.

Microsoft Ability Summit (March 18, 2025)

• Speakers: Amanda Silver, Jeremy Likness, Jooyoung Seo

• Summary: This session focused on how AI-powered tools, particularly GitHub Copilot, enhance accessibility in software development. Amanda Silver discussed integrating accessibility into design from the start. Demonstrations included using Copilot to fix accessibility issues in code, generate alt text for images, and provide detailed descriptions of visual elements for visually impaired users. Jeremy Likness showcased how AI tools streamline development, enabling users with disabilities to deploy applications efficiently using voice-to-text interactions. The session emphasized AI’s role in empowering all users and developers.

1. Clear syllabus statements

2. Transparent documentation of AI usage

3. Process-oriented assignments

4. Reflective discussions

The goal: Help students become critical, ethical users of AI tools while maintaining academic integrity.

Faculty, Staff, & Deans        

Stay current with the rapidly-changing IT industry—and students

Enrich student experiences with insight into technology evolution and solving real-world business problems

Library

Gartner as a general research resource for students

Insights for digital content management, search engines, and portal strategies

Engineering, Communications, & Information         

In-depth insights across all facets of technology – including communications, telecom, mobile, digital business, AI, Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, etc.

Access to hundreds of real-world IT case studies for research and coursework

Business     

Access investor insights on mergers & acquisitions, IPOs, and other market trends

Insight on business strategy, business process improvement, and market trends

Health Sciences    

Valuable healthcare industry data, including analysis on policy and regulatory changes, evolution of healthcare IT, and emerging health trends

Discover prospective healthcare technology employers and prepare for interviews

*Free access for Tarleton folks

Its strengths lie in its ability to provide insightful, context-aware answers and analyze diverse content like X posts, links, and uploaded files.

Grok's weaknesses include occasional inaccuracies, limited contextual understanding, and potential biases in responses due to training data limitations.

*has free version

Strengths: It enables quick, cost-effective video production without the need for actors, cameras, or editing skills.

Weaknesses: The AI-generated voices and avatars can sometimes lack natural human emotion and subtlety.

*Has free version

*Free to access

• Speakers: Rick Seltzer & Sarah Brown

• Focus: Higher education, political changes, and innovation

• Context: Part of a continuing series of virtual discussions following audience engagement in previous sessions

Key Themes & Discussions

1. Higher Education in a Changing Political Landscape

   • Discussion on the impact of Trump’s second term on higher education policies.

   • Consideration of how universities are adapting to policy shifts.

2. Media & Misinformation in Higher Ed

   • The challenge of misinformation and how media coverage shapes public perception.

   • The role of institutions in maintaining credibility and transparency.

Prompt for Image Shown: Create an image- infographic for why donkeys are the hardest working animal and why they helped build the world

https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/covered-applications-and-prohibited-technologies

Prohibited Software/Applications/Developers 

Last Updated January 31, 2025

• Alipay

• ByteDance Ltd.

• CamScanner

• DeepSeek

• Kaspersky

• Lemon8

• Moomoo

• QQ Wallet

• RedNote

• SHAREit

• Tencent Holdings Ltd.

• Tiger Brokers

• TikTok

• VMate

• WeBull

• WeChat

• WeChat Pay

• WPS Office

• Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed above.

Prohibited Hardware/Equipment/Manufacturers

Last Updated January 31, 2025

• Dahua Technology Company

• Huawei Technologies Company

• Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company

• Hytera Communications Corporation

• SZ DJI Technology Company

• ZTE Corporation

• Any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity listed above.

Covered Applications

Last Updated January 31, 2025

• Lemon8

• RedNote

• TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Ltd. or an entity owned by ByteDance Ltd.

Mostly for non-profit and foundation grantors

Sign up for the interest list

FREE Research Grant Fundamentals course starting in mid-May to help you refine some core grantsmanship skills that will be useful no matter where you apply.

This insightful panel discussion brought together higher education leaders from Fresno State, University of North Dakota, Arizona State University, and George Washington University to discuss how their institutions are exploring, adopting, and managing AI technologies.

Key takeaways included:

• Diverse Adoption Strategies: Institutions are at various stages of AI integration—from cautious exploration to full-scale implementation. Fresno State has taken a structured, action-oriented approach, while others like ASU and GWU are experimenting in targeted areas.

• Focus Areas for AI Use:

  • Virtual assistants (e.g., Fresno State's Bulldog Genie)

  • Chatbots for IT and student support (UND's Talk to the Hawk)

  • Personalized academic advising and tutoring

  • AI-supported grading platforms, like Apporto's Power Grader

• Ethical & Privacy Considerations: Panelists emphasized the need for robust data governance, privacy safeguards, and inclusive policy development. Institutions are aligning with frameworks like NIST AI Risk Management and revisiting contract and data protection policies.

• Academic Integrity & Education: The panel underscored the importance of updating syllabi to clarify acceptable AI use, training both faculty and students, and rethinking assessments in the age of generative AI.

• Human Element in Learning: While AI can streamline tasks and enhance experiences, all panelists agreed it won’t replace educators. Human connection, empathy, and mentorship remain vital in education.

The session, hosted by Together All, focused on the importance of long-term strategic planning for student mental health rather than short-term reactive solutions. Panelists included representatives from the American Council on Education (ACE), the Jed Foundation, the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH), and Together All.

Key Takeaways:

1. Strategic Planning is Essential – Institutions need to move from crisis-response mode to long-term planning, integrating data-driven strategies.

2. Top Barriers to Implementation – Identified barriers included funding limitations, staffing challenges, administrative turnover, and student mental health awareness gaps.

3. Financial Planning & Advocacy – Panelists emphasized alignment of institutional goals with funding models, leveraging data-driven advocacy tools, and engaging university leadership.

4. Staffing & Retention – A focus on right-sizing counseling centers, using hybrid models, and expanding peer support and telehealth options was recommended.

5. Graduate Student Mental Health – Strategies should be tailored to address unique stressors such as work-life balance, financial pressures, and academic challenges.

6. Data-Driven Decision-Making – Institutions should use tools like the Clinical Load Index (CLI) and Healthy Minds Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health services and make informed improvements.

The session emphasized the need for holistic, multi-layered mental health strategies that incorporate counseling, preventative services, campus-wide support networks, and student engagement.

The initiative is focused on enabling TAMUS faculty to harness Grammarly's powerful features and tools to support and enhance students' written communication.

You can request Grammarly for your class and/or request Grammarly for your work

A recent article from Inside Higher Ed highlights how significant reductions in federal research funding and stricter policies on international students are prompting many U.S. universities to pause or reduce Ph.D. admissions. This decline in graduate student numbers could have widespread effects across campuses.​

Ph.D. students often serve as teaching and research assistants, playing a crucial role in undergraduate education and faculty research. A decrease in their numbers may lead to larger undergraduate class sizes, diminished faculty support, and a slowdown in research productivity. Experts warn that these changes could undermine the training of future scholars and the overall academic ecosystem.​

While the full impact varies by institution, the trend raises concerns about the sustainability of current academic operations and the long-term consequences for higher education

• Harvard’s Defiance: Harvard rejected a series of controversial federal demands seen as politically motivated and legally questionable. This sparked broader concerns about federal overreach in academia. The administration’s response included freezing $2 billion in research funding and threats to revoke Harvard’s nonprofit status.

• International Students in Limbo: Visa revocations and SEVIS terminations have been increasing, many without clear cause or communication from federal agencies. Institutions are scrambling to support impacted students, particularly those facing deportation for minor infractions or protest involvement.

• DOE Indirect Costs Lawsuit: ACE and partner institutions have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Energy’s abrupt 15% cap on indirect costs for research grants. This follows a similar dispute with NIH and could severely affect research funding.

• Department of Education Shrinkage: The partial shutdown and staff layoffs at the Department of Education are already affecting FAFSA processing and federal aid systems. Similar slowdowns are happening across other agencies like NIH.

• Tax & Budget Forecast: Congress is beginning the reconciliation process, which could result in sweeping tax cuts and spending reductions affecting higher ed. ACE is monitoring potential impacts on financial aid, research funding, and institutional finances.

Shared in chat

SCOTUS Blog: Supreme Court allows Trump to halt millions in teacher training grants

NYT: The University President Willing to Fight Trump

 The Guardian: Trump memo outlines plan to slash US state department budget in half

 ACE: ACE, Higher Ed Associations Demand Answers as Student Visa Revocations Spread Nationwide

 Texas Tribune: More than 250 international students’ immigration statuses revoked across Texas universities

 NAFSA International Student Economic Value Tool

 NAFSA International Students and Scholars at Risk: What to Know Right Now

 Harvard: The Promise of American Higher Education

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has terminated several research grants focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and misinformation, aligning with the Trump administration's executive orders aimed at eliminating federal support for DEI initiatives and related topics.

These terminations have affected programs such as the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation at Vanderbilt University, which lost $7.7 million in funding due to the inclusion of terms like "inclusion" and "accessibility" in its grant application. The NSF has not provided comments on these specific terminations.​

The broader impact of these actions includes the cancellation of numerous federally funded scientific research grants, particularly those aimed at increasing diversity in the STEM workforce. Additionally, early-career scientists and graduate students are facing reduced support from both the NSF and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as a result of these policy changes. ​

These developments have raised concerns within the academic and scientific communities about the long-term implications for research diversity and the support of underrepresented groups in science and education.

The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) released a summary on February 18, 2025, highlighting potential federal tax policy changes that could significantly impact higher education institutions and their stakeholders. Key concerns include:​

• Education Tax Credits: Proposals to curtail or eliminate the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit, which currently assist students and families in offsetting college expenses.​

• Student Loan Interest Deduction: Potential removal of the deduction allowing individuals to deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest annually.​

• Charitable Contribution Deductions: Consideration of repealing deductions for charitable contributions, potentially affecting donations to educational institutions.​

• Tax-Exempt Bond Financing: Discussions around eliminating tax-exempt bond financing, a tool many institutions use for funding capital projects.​

• Endowment Excise Tax: Proposals to expand the excise tax on large endowments, increasing financial obligations for affected institutions.​

  
  

These proposed changes are part of broader budget reconciliation efforts aimed at extending provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. NACUBO urges higher education leaders to engage in discussions about these potential impacts and to stay informed through their communications channels.

Key Takeaways:

• Know Your Project: The person most familiar with the project should lead budget development. Collaboration with program and development staff is encouraged.

• Budget Structure: A typical project budget includes:

  • Income: Confirmed grants, individual donations, earned income (e.g., ticket sales), and in-kind contributions.

  • Expenses:

    • Direct Costs: Personnel (salaries + fringe benefits), consultants, supplies, travel, space, equipment, etc.

    • Indirect Costs (Overhead): Administrative expenses like rent, utilities, office supplies, and fundraising staff.

• Estimating Costs:

  • Use real quotes (ideally three) for accurate estimates.

  • Include fringe benefits as a percentage of salary (usually 28–30%).

  • Don’t underestimate — reflect the true cost of the project.

• Volunteer & In-Kind Contributions:

  • Must be documented and listed as both income and expense.

  • Volunteer time can be valued using the national average rate (e.g., $31.80/hour).

• Budget Narrative:

  • Explains line items and justifies costs, adding clarity and context to the numbers.

• Post-Award Budgeting:

  • Budgets should be monitored regularly. Grantees must track actual vs. projected costs and report variances to funders.

• Tips:

  • Tailor each budget to the grantmaker’s guidelines.

  • Avoid inflating or minimizing figures — be accurate and honest.

  • Keep supporting documents (e.g., financial audits, 990s, annual reports) organized and ready.

Key takeaways included:

• Grant Writing Basics: Proposals should clearly address a specific community need, outline measurable goals, and demonstrate your organization’s credibility and capacity.

• The Grant Process: The process includes planning, research, writing, and follow-up. Expect a timeline of 6–9 months from submission to funding.

• Elements of a Proposal: A strong proposal typically includes a needs statement, project description, goals and objectives (SMART), methods, evaluation plan, organizational background, and supporting materials.

• Funders’ Perspective: Funders view grants as investments, not donations. They want a strong social return (impact) and low risk (credibility).

• Research Importance: Tailoring each proposal to a funder’s mission and priorities increases chances of success. Tools like Candid’s Foundation Directory can help identify aligned funders.

• Use of AI: AI can be a helpful drafting tool (e.g., Candid’s AI LOI Writer), but proposals should still be edited for accuracy and infused with human storytelling.

Module 1: What is Research Security?
This module introduces the concept of research security, emphasizing its importance in protecting intellectual property, research integrity, and national security. It outlines threats such as foreign interference and data theft, and underscores the collective responsibility of researchers, administrators, and institutions to safeguard research through awareness, policy adherence, and ethical conduct.

Module 2: Disclosure
Module 2 focuses on the critical role of disclosure in research security, explaining how transparency in reporting financial interests, affiliations, and commitments helps prevent conflicts of interest and commitment. It emphasizes the importance of full, accurate, and timely disclosures throughout the federal funding lifecycle to maintain research integrity and protect funding opportunities.

Module 3: Manage and Mitigate Risk
This module explores how individuals and institutions can identify, manage, and mitigate risks to research security, particularly in areas like foreign travel, data protection, and intellectual property. It outlines roles and responsibilities across the research enterprise, emphasizing proactive compliance, policy development, and coordinated institutional support as key strategies.

Module 4: International Collaboration
Module 4 highlights the benefits and risks of international research collaboration, focusing on how to recognize and respond to undue foreign influence. It stresses the need for clear collaboration agreements, appropriate disclosures, and ongoing vigilance to protect the integrity and security of U.S.-based research while promoting responsible global cooperation.

This session explored the early impacts of President Trump’s second term on higher education. Key topics included:

• Department of Education Cuts: Substantial staffing reductions and budget cuts have already affected core areas like student aid and civil rights enforcement. Though FAFSA is operational again, long-term resilience is in question.

• Campus Financial Uncertainty: Institutions are grappling with economic unpredictability, with R1 universities particularly affected due to their reliance on federal research funds. Smaller colleges face existential threats without the capacity to resist federal pressures.

• Federal Investigations & Compliance: A wave of federal investigations into antisemitism, DEI, and transgender policies has prompted fears about academic independence and institutional autonomy. Columbia University’s compliance with federal demands sparked sector-wide concern.

• International Student Deportations: Deportations have begun, with ICE reportedly targeting students based on protest participation and social media activity. Tufts University stood out by publicly defending a student in court.

• DEI Policy Shifts: Institutions like the University of Michigan are dismantling DEI offices, spurred by legal and political pressures. Debate continues about how to legally and effectively support underrepresented students.

• Calls for Sector Response: Faculty and staff are increasingly frustrated by the lack of unified resistance. Some grassroots movements and faculty-led efforts are emerging to defend academic freedom and institutional values.

• Accreditation Overhaul: A new executive order aims to hold accreditors more accountable, introduce new accrediting agencies, and potentially strip recognition from existing ones not aligned with the administration’s standards—particularly those enforcing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards.

• HBCU Support & Workforce Training: Orders propose increased support for HBCUs, emphasizing state funding matches and private-sector partnerships. There’s also a push for expanded apprenticeships and alternative credentials to four-year degrees.

• Foreign Funding Scrutiny: Institutions receiving foreign gifts or investments will face stricter disclosure requirements, with potential penalties for noncompliance.

• Immigration & International Students: Over 1,300 international students have reportedly lost visas, sparking confusion and institutional concern. The administration’s visa revocations are under legal and procedural scrutiny.

• Collective Action Against Interference: Institutions are increasingly pushing back against federal overreach. Harvard’s public defiance, faculty senate resolutions, and a growing list of institutional signatories supporting academic freedom are part of this resistance.

• Student Loans: Loan repayments are restarting, with nearly 25% of borrowers potentially defaulting soon. Communication and servicing concerns persist.

• Academic Freedom: Emphasis was placed on defending institutional independence and resisting ideological mandates. Over 400 college leaders have reaffirmed support for academic freedom.

Shared during presentation:

• Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing

• AAC&U: A Call for Constructive Engagement

• US News: Federal judge blocks Trump push to cut funding to public schools over diversity programs

• The Chronicle: Tracking Trump’s Actions on Student Visas

• The Chronicle: More Than 200 Higher-Ed Leaders Decry Trump Administration’s ‘Unprecedented Government Overreach’

• The Chronicle: Tracking Trump’s Higher-Ed Agenda

• The Chronicle: The University Is a Hostage. But There’s Hope.

• The Chronicle: How an Accreditation War Could Start

• The Chronicle: Trump’s Executive Order Bashes Accreditors, Blames DEI for Low Standards and Poor Outcomes

• Independent: Duke University warns international students not to leave US even during summer break

• Reuters: Trump administration removes ban on 'segregated facilities' in federal contracts

• AACUP: FAQs on Academic Freedom

• The growing importance of AI, cybersecurity, and proactive data governance were identified as future trends.

• Panelists stressed the need for collaboration between IT and finance leadership and encouraged institutions not to fear outsourcing or change.

1. Modality Preferences:

   • Onsite vs. Online: 53% of students prefer onsite courses, 26% prefer online, and 22% have no preference.

   • Hybrid Learning: 46% of students have taken at least one hybrid course, with most engaging primarily online.

   • Engagement Preferences: Students showed a strong preference for onsite engagement in activities like presentations and exams.

2. Accessibility:

   • Registration for Accommodations: 47% of students with disabilities have registered and been approved for accommodations.

   • Satisfaction with Support: 55% of students with disabilities are satisfied with their institution's support, a decrease from previous years.

3. Student Mental Health:

   • Awareness and Access: Many students are unaware of or find it difficult to access mental health resources.

   • Institutional Efforts: Only 39% of students feel their institution is actively addressing their mental health needs.

4. Perceptions of Technology and Services:

   • Satisfaction: 69% of students are satisfied with their institution's technology services.

   • Institutional Approach: 72% of students feel their institution is average in adopting technology for learning.

5. Generative AI in the Classroom:

   • Usage: 43% of students do not use generative AI in their courses. Common uses include brainstorming and drafting papers.

   • Instructor Policies: 52% of students report that most of their instructors prohibit the use of generative AI.

6. Workforce Preparation:

   • Top Competencies: Interpersonal and communication skills are prioritized by 57% of students.

   • Technology Preparedness: Only 33% feel well-prepared in using non-AI technologies, and 34% in AI technologies.

Conclusions and Recommendations:

• Flexibility and Diverse Options: Institutions should continue to offer a mix of onsite, online, and hybrid courses to meet diverse student needs.

• Enhanced Support: There is a need for better communication and streamlined processes for accessibility and mental health resources.

• Innovative Technology Integration: Institutions should strive to be more forward-thinking in their use of technology to enhance learning experiences.

• AI Training: Providing more AI-related training and experiences can better prepare students for future careers.

Key NSF Priorities:

• Advancing Research and Innovation: Investing in groundbreaking discoveries and translational solutions across all S&E fields to promote national health, prosperity, and welfare.

• Broadening Participation in STEM: Enhancing efforts to expand participation in STEM fields, thereby strengthening the domestic workforce and fueling economic growth and national security.

• Emphasizing Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts: Ensuring that every NSF-funded project advances new knowledge (Intellectual Merit) and has a significant positive impact on society (Broader Impacts).

President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 federal budget introduces significant reductions in education and research funding, aligning with broader efforts to curtail non-defense government spending. The proposal suggests a $163 billion cut to non-defense discretionary spending, aiming to reduce it to its lowest level since 2017.

Key Proposals:

• Department of Education: A proposed cut of $13.7 billion, with intentions to eventually dismantle the department.

• Research Funding: Significant reductions to research programs, including the potential elimination of over 150 research grants related to child welfare programs like Head Start.

• Higher Education Impact: Potential caps on indirect costs for research institutions, which could lead to decreased innovation and discovery in fields such as Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease.

  
  

While the administration presents this budget as a cost-cutting measure aligned with its political priorities, it faces significant opposition in Congress, where final appropriations decisions are made.

The episode covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term, highlighting a flurry of executive orders—especially those impacting higher education, accreditation, DEI, foreign funding (Section 117), HBCUs, and public service loan forgiveness (PSLF). Concerns were raised over immigration enforcement affecting international students, proposed cuts under House reconciliation legislation, risk-sharing for colleges, and stalled funding programs like Fulbright. The session closed on a positive note with the unveiling of updated Carnegie Classifications showcasing strong institutional performance on access and earnings.

The hearing focused on the importance of maintaining robust federal funding for biomedical research to ensure the United States remains a global leader in medical advancements

Key points discussed included:

• Funding uncertainties and layoffs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other health research agencies, which threaten patient care and medical progress

  
  

• The need to reverse recent funding cuts and policy changes that could undermine the nation's leadership in health research

  
  

• Testimonies from various experts, including Sudip Parikh from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Barry Sleckman from the University of Alabama, and Emily Stenson, a patient advocate

  
  

The hearing underscored the bipartisan support for continued investment in biomedical research, highlighting its critical role in developing life-saving treatments and maintaining America's competitive edge

1. Federal Budget and Higher Education:

   • Discussion on the federal budget proposals affecting higher education.

   • Potential cuts in federal support for higher education were noted.

   • Specific focus on financial aid, including proposed caps on student loans and elimination of certain loan programs.

2. Anti-Semitism and Campus Policies:

   • Recent anti-Semitism hearings involving college presidents were discussed.

   • The Trump administration's focus on anti-Semitism and its impact on campus policies was highlighted.

3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

   • Updates on the court battles against the Trump administration's anti-DEI orders.

   • Examples of how different universities are responding to these pressures.

4. Accreditation:

   • New guidance from the education department aimed at making it easier for colleges to switch accreditors.

   • Potential implications for the quality assurance of educational programs.

5. Student Loan Repayment:

   • Resumption of student loan collections after a pandemic pause.

   • Concerns about high default rates and the government's efforts to encourage repayment.

6. Immigration:

   • Updates on cases involving international students and deportation efforts.

   • The impact of recent policy changes on international students' legal status.

• Coordinated attacks on higher ed: A joint statement from 53 national associations condemned unprecedented federal actions undermining academic values.

• Funding and budget concerns: The House reconciliation bill proposes $351 billion in cuts, mainly affecting low-income students and institutions, with expanded endowment taxes and threats to research funding.

• Harvard controversy: A letter from the Secretary of Education threatened to cut federal funding, raising legal and constitutional concerns.

• Research and DEI: Lawsuits and policy shifts are challenging indirect cost caps and DEI-related grant terminations.

• Visa issues: Revocations and SEVIS terminations are causing confusion and legal challenges, with potential impacts on international student enrollment.

Links shared during the presentation

The "Strategies for Successful Interdisciplinary Proposals" webinar by Hanover Research outlines how to effectively design, manage, and submit interdisciplinary research proposals. It emphasizes the importance of true integration across disciplines—from framing research questions and building collaborative teams to aligning with funder priorities and structuring unified narratives. The presentation also provides practical tools and strategies to overcome common challenges and enhance proposal competitiveness through clarity, cohesion, and shared vision.

*register for free to get access to the video and handout

The presentation provided an overview of federal funding priorities for FY2026, highlighting significant proposed budget cuts across most agencies, including NIH and NSF, alongside major structural reorganizations, such as the consolidation of NIH institutes and the creation of the Administration for a Healthy America. Despite reductions, funding will continue for key areas like AI, quantum science, and minority-serving institutions, while new initiatives like “Making America Skilled Again” aim to streamline workforce development. Researchers are encouraged to monitor solicitations closely and maintain communication with program officers due to the evolving and uncertain funding landscape.

**Monthly fee

*free

*Free version

*free version

*Monthly fee

The presentation at the Educause showcase webinar on institutional resilience focuses on providing insights and resources to help higher education institutions tackle big issues in technology, with an emphasis on fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration. The session includes discussions on long-term planning, risk management, and preparing teams to handle multiple crises simultaneously

*must create a free account

• Reconciliation Bill Highlights: The “One Big Beautiful Bill” includes major changes to Pell Grants (expanding eligibility to short-term accredited programs), student loan limits (eliminating Grad PLUS and capping Parent PLUS), and new accountability measures based on graduate earnings compared to high school or bachelor’s degree holders.

• Medicaid Cuts: Over $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts are expected to strain state budgets, potentially leading to reduced support for higher education and loss of coverage for 3.4 million college students.

• Endowment Tax Changes: A tiered tax system was introduced, increasing rates for wealthier private institutions and exempting smaller ones based on tuition-paying student counts.

• Appropriations Outlook: FY26 appropriations are underway amid rescission efforts targeting programs like USAID and NPR, with deep cuts proposed to education and research funding.

• Accreditation Developments: NACIQI’s delay may allow new appointments aligned with current administration views; federal pressure on accreditors is rising, and Florida is pushing for a new accreditor.

In the newly revised sixth edition of Winning Grants Step by Step: The Complete Workbook for Planning, Developing and Writing Successful Proposals, a team of veteran nonprofit leaders delivers the most up-to-date and straightforward version of this book yet. This easy-to-read manual enables individuals and organizations alike to combine concepts and research into a strong, effective proposal.

9/4/2025

American Council on Education, focusing on recent changes and challenges in higher education policy, especially around college admissions, data transparency, and the impact of executive orders. The hosts and guests discuss the complexities and concerns of new federal data collection requirements, the politicization of admissions criteria, and the implications for institutions and students, including international student issues and ongoing legal cases. The conversation emphasizes the importance of public comments, institutional advocacy, and keeping student welfare at the center of higher education policy debates.

Grants.gov now offers two distinct pathways for submitting applications through Workspace: the PDF upload method and the online webform method. Whether you're part of a research team or managing institutional submissions, understanding these options can streamline your workflow and reduce submission errors.

This article breaks down the pros and cons of each approach, helping applicants choose the best fit for their needs.

The presentation discussed the new higher education compact proposed by the Department of Education, its potential impacts on institutions, and the ongoing government shutdown’s effects on federal funding and operations. Key topics included the compact’s requirements for select universities, concerns about its broader application, and updates on negotiated rulemaking and grant processes. Attendees were encouraged to stay informed and advocate for their institutions as these developments unfold.

• The basic elements of a grant proposal, including the need statement, project description, and evaluation plan 

• A model outline of the essential components of any grant proposal 

• The "do's" and "don'ts" of writing, planning and submitting a proposal 

• The methods for building a relationship with a potential funder, from initial outreach to follow-up and reporting 

NIH has released Notice NOT-OD-26-018, outlining major changes to Biographical Sketch and Current & Pending (Other) Support requirements for all NIH applications, JIT, RPPRs, and prior approvals with due dates on or after January 25, 2026.

🔑 What’s changing?
✅ NIH will adopt federally standardized “Common Forms” for Biosketch and Current & Pending Support
✅ SciENcv is mandatory for generating and personally certifying these forms
✅ ORCID iDs are required and must be linked to eRA Commons
✅ A new NIH Biosketch Supplement will capture NIH‑specific information
✅ Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program (MFTRP) participation is prohibited for senior/key personnel, with new individual and institutional certifications required

⏳ Timeline to watch:
• Before Jan 25, 2026 → current NIH formats still accepted
• On/after Jan 25, 2026 → Common Forms are required
• Feb 6, 2026 → incorrect or uncertified forms will block submission

These changes align NIH with NSPM‑33 and OSTP research security guidance, reinforcing transparency and consistency across federal agencies.

📌 Action items for institutions:
✔ Assess internal disclosure policies and controls
✔ Prepare faculty and staff for SciENcv + ORCID requirements
✔ Update training and proposal workflows now—January will come quickly!

Key topics included shifts in federal grant priorities—highlighting increased funding for select humanities and AI-related initiatives—alongside continued uncertainty and legal challenges around research funding, indirect cost reimbursements, and DEI-related grants. Speakers emphasized that while Congress and the courts have blocked some proposed funding cuts, institutions continue to face instability and planning challenges.

A major portion of the discussion focused on new higher education accountability rules (“do no harm” metrics) tied to federal financial aid. Guest expert Preston Cooper (American Enterprise Institute) explained upcoming regulations that would penalize academic programs whose graduates earn less than comparable peers, potentially resulting in loss of federal student loan or Pell Grant eligibility. The panel explored implications for different sectors, disciplines, and workforce-aligned programs.

The session also addressed international student issues, including visa revocations, expanded travel restrictions, and court rulings affirming First Amendment protections for non-citizen students. Other updates covered TRIO program funding, Title IX investigations, and proposed changes to graduate student loan caps.

Overall, presenters stressed that higher education leaders should prepare for ongoing regulatory scrutiny, shifting federal priorities, and continued uncertainty—while closely monitoring how new accountability rules and funding decisions may affect specific programs and students.

Their online database offers a searchable table of opportunities that you can narrow using the filters in the left navigation. Other sources of funding include using a search engine or seeking opportunities through your discipline’s professional organizations. 

Full Proposal Deadline:  Accepted anytime

Summary: The Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices (EPMD) Program supports innovative research on novel devices based on the principles of electronics, optics and photonics, optoelectronics, magnetics, opto- and electromechanics, electromagnetics, and related physical phenomena. EPMD’s goal is to advance the frontiers of micro-, nano- and quantum-based devices operating within the electromagnetic spectrum and contributing to a broad range of application domains. The program encourages research based on emerging technologies for miniaturization, integration, and energy efficiency as well as novel material-based devices with new functionalities, improved efficiency, flexibility, tunability, wearability, and enhanced reliability.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Full proposal accepted anytime

Summary:  The Combustion and Fire Systems program is part of the Transport Phenomena cluster, which also includes 1) the Fluid Dynamics program; 2) the Particulate and Multiphase Processes program; and 3) the Thermal Transport Processes program. The goal of the Combustion and Fire Systems program is to create new knowledge to support advances in clean energy, climate change mitigation, a cleaner environment and public safety. The program endeavors to create fundamental scientific knowledge that is needed for safe, clean and useful combustion applications and for mitigating the effects of fire. The program aims to identify and understand the controlling basic principles and to use that knowledge to create predictive capabilities for designing and optimizing practical combustion devices and understanding fire.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Accepted anytime

Summary:  The Energy, Power, Control, and Networks (EPCN) Program supports innovative research in modeling, optimization, learning, adaptation, and control of networked multi-agent systems, higher-level decision making, and dynamic resource allocation, as well as risk management in the presence of uncertainty, sub-system failures, and stochastic disturbances. EPCN also invests in novel machine learning algorithms and analysis, adaptive dynamic programming, brain-like networked architectures performing real-time learning, and neuromorphic engineering. EPCN’s goal is to encourage research on emerging technologies and applications including energy, transportation, robotics, and biomedical devices & systems.

Summary:  NSF encourages submission of proposals that diversify and further deepen the study of language and communication. This is a collaborative initiative across several programs in the Division of Behavioral and Cognitive with shared interests in the study of language. This is an effort to catalyze new collaborations that integrate knowledge across disciplines and/or levels of analysis. The goal is to advance more generalizable and replicable theories in the language and communication sciences via diversified sampling practices, language(s) of study, methodologies and theoretical perspectives.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program is part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster, which also includes: 1) the Catalysis program; 2) the Electrochemical Systems program; and 3) the Interfacial Engineering program. The goal of the Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular

Thermodynamics program is to advance fundamental engineering research on the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, systems engineering, and molecular thermodynamics as they relate to the design and optimization of chemical reactors and the production of specialized materials that have important impacts on society.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The Cellular and Biochemical Engineering program supports fundamental engineering research that advances understanding of cellular and biomolecular processes. CBE-funded research may lead to the development of enabling technology for advanced biomanufacturing of therapeutic cells, biochemicals, and biopharmaceuticals, and for other biotechnology industries. Fundamental to many CBE research projects is the understanding of how biomolecules, subcellular systems, cells, and cell populations interact, and how those interactions lead to changes in structure, function, and behavior. A quantitative treatment of problems related to biological processes is considered vital to successful research projects in the CBE program.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The Disability and Rehabilitation Engineering program supports fundamental engineering research that will improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities through the development of new theories, methodologies, technologies, or devices. Disabilities could be developmental, cognitive, hearing, mobility, visual, selfcare, independent living, or other. Proposed projects must advance knowledge regarding a specific human disability or pathological motion or understanding of injury mechanisms.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The goal of the Engineering of Biomedical Systems program is to provide opportunities for fundamental and transformative research projects that integrate engineering and life sciences to solve biomedical problems and serve humanity in the long term.  Projects are expected to use an engineering framework (for example, design or modeling) that supports increased understanding of physiological or pathophysiological processes. Projects must include objectives that advance both engineering and biomedical sciences.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  This solicitation applies only to the Condensed Matter and Materials Theory DMR Topical Materials Research Program (TMRP). The CMMT program supports fundamental research that advances conceptual understanding of hard and soft materials, and materials-related phenomena; the development of associated analytical, computational, and data-centric techniques; and predictive materials-specific theory, simulation, and modeling for materials research. Firstprinciples electronic structure, quantum many-body and field theories, statistical mechanics, classical and quantum Monte Carlo, and molecular dynamics, are among the methods used in the broad spectrum of research supported in CMMT. Research may encompass the advance of new paradigms in materials research, including emerging data-centric approaches utilizing data-analytics or machine learning. Computational efforts span from the level of workstations to advanced and high-performance scientific computing. Emphasis is on approaches that begin at the smallest appropriate length scale, such as electronic, atomic, molecular, nano-, micro-, and mesoscale, required to yield fundamental insight into material properties, processes, and behavior, to predict new materials and states of matter, and to reveal new materials phenomena.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  This solicitation applies to the following DMR Topical Materials Research Programs: Biomaterials (BMAT),

Ceramics (CER), Condensed Matter Physics (CMP), Electronic and Photonic Materials (EPM), Metals and Metallic

Nanostructures (MMN), Polymers (POL), and Solid State and Materials Chemistry (SSMC). Research supported by the Division of Materials Research (DMR) focuses on advancing the fundamental understanding of materials, materials discovery, design, synthesis, characterization, properties, and materials-related phenomena. DMR awards enable understanding of the electronic, atomic, and molecular structures, mechanisms, and processes that govern nanoscale to macroscale morphology and properties; manipulation and control of these properties; discovery of emerging phenomena of matter and materials; and creation of novel design, synthesis, and processing strategies that lead to new materials with unique characteristics. These discoveries and advancements transcend traditional scientific and engineering disciplines. Projects supported by DMR are not only essential for the development of future technologies and industries that address societal needs, but also for the preparation of the next generation of materials researchers.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Full proposal accepted anytime

Summary:  The goal of the Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE) program is to advance our understanding of professional formation. It seeks both to deepen our fundamental understanding of the underlying processes and mechanisms that support professional formation and to demonstrate how professional formation is or can be accomplished. Ultimately RFE aims to transform the engineer-formation system, and thus the impact of proposed projects on this system must be described. Principal Investigators (PIs) should provide a roadmap detailing how they envision the proposed research will eventually broadly impact practice within the engineer-formation system, even if these activities are not within the scope of the submitted proposal. In order to accomplish its goals, RFE welcomes proposals in two categories: • Research Projects that address fundamental questions of professional formation , and • Design and Development Projects that provide new approaches to achieving professional formation.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The purpose of the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Ascending Faculty Catalyst Awards (MPS-Ascend Faculty Catalyst Awards, MPS-AFCA) is to support successful MPS-Ascending Postdoctoral Research Fellows (MPS- Ascend Fellows) as they transition into tenure track (or equivalent) faculty positions at Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) in any scientific area within the purview of the five MPS Divisions. The program is intended to support these investigators of significant potential by providing them with resources for research and broadening participation activities that are in addition to initial resources typically provided through institutional start-up packages. This support is strategically designed to enable their continued scientific contributions and their exemplary leadership in the area of broadening participation.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Accepted anytime

Summary:  The Research Infrastructure in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Program (RISBS) supports projects that create computational tools and data to facilitate basic research in the social and behavioral sciences that can lead to improved health, prosperity and security. Projects should be aimed at creating computational tools and data to enable research by social scientists. Examples include, but are not limited to, data collection or assembly efforts that result in new resources for a community of researchers or software platforms that facilitate data collection efforts by others. RISBS does not support research by PIs except in service of creation of the infrastructure. Innovation is especially encouraged.  

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus (M3X) Program supports fundamental research that explores embodied reasoning as mediated by bidirectional sensorimotor interaction between human and synthetic actors. For the purposes of this program, embodiment is defined as the capacity to interact with physics-based environments. Interaction between human and synthetic actors is expanding in scale and scope across numerous fields and endeavors. Among these are areas where safety and performance are paramount, but also where ingenuity and risk-taking are essential to success. The M3X Program seeks to spur innovative and path-breaking work that can improve understanding of interaction between human and synthetic actors in a broad range of settings, while also exploring implications for the advancement of fundamental theory, foundational technologies, and meaningful applications. Successful submissions to the M3X program will therefore advance knowledge by exploring the convergence of human and synthetic actors’ capabilities and actions during the performance of tasks situated within physics-based environments.

Full Proposal Deadline:  Proposals accepted anytime

Summary:  The goal of the NSF Computational and Data-enabled Science and Engineering (CDS&E) meta-program is to identify and capitalize on opportunities for major scientific and engineering breakthroughs through new computational and data-analysis approaches and best practices. The CDS&E meta-program supports projects that harness computation and data to advance knowledge and accelerate discovery above and beyond the goals of the participating individual programs. The intellectual drivers may be in an individual discipline or cut across more than one discipline in various Divisions and Directorates. A CDS&E proposal should enable and/or utilize the development and adaptation of advances in research and infrastructure in computational and data science.

The Life and Environments Through Time (LET) program supports research that advances knowledge about the patterns and processes relating to the origin and evolution of Earth’s climate, environments, life, and sedimentary record. This research takes place at the molecular, local, regional, and global scales from the Archean Eon through the Holocene epoch

Grantors can share this Quick Start Guide with prospective applicants through their NOFOs to help streamline the application process. 

• Strategic foresight and signal detection