Office of the Secretary of Higher EducationTrump Administration Proposal for Revisions to Certification Requirements for Financial Assistance Recipients
The General Services Administration (GSA) is requesting comments on proposed revision to the system for award management (SAM.gov) registration requirements for financial assistance recipients. The revisions align with updated executive branch guidance including the Department of Justice “Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination.” To view the proposed revisions and submit any comments by the 3/30/2026 deadline, visit the .
U.S. Department of Education Announces Additional Partnerships to Break Up the Federal Education Bureaucracy
On February 23, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education announced two new interagency agreements. ED will partner with the Department of State for foreign gift reporting by universities. ED will partner with Department of Health and Human Services on family engagement and school support partnership. For more information and to view the partnership fact sheets, visit the U.S. Department of Education .
U.S. Department of Education Urges Institutions of Higher Education to Implement Best Practices to Reduce Default Rates
On February 18, 2026, U.S. Department of Education issued additional guidance reminding institutions of higher education of their responsibility under Title IV of the Higher Education Act to support borrowers throughout their federal student loan repayment journey. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education website for their .
U.S. Department of Education Issues Proposed Interpretive Rule to Eliminate the Use of “Regional Accrediting Agencies”
On February 13, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education issued a proposed interpretive rule to eliminate the use of ‘regional’ by accrediting agencies, instead noting their scope should be as national or institutional. Comments on the rule must be received on or before March 19. The press release, link to the proposed rule, and link to submit a comment are available on the .
The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is continuing to compile information about any institutions who are experiencing issues with federal funding or other impacts due to federal action. Please submit a brief summary of issues to Stefani.Thachik@oshe.nj.gov if applicable to your institution. Find updates and resources regarding federal actions on OSHE's Federal Actions Impacting Higher Education page.