The 2024 Title IX Regulations Were Vacated - Now What?
On January 9, 2025, a federal district court in Kentucky found the U.S. Department of Education's 2024 Title IX regulations to be unlawful and vacated the 2024 regulations. From here, school districts and colleges should: transition back to their 2020 Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedures and establish a separate process for addressing discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex that does not rise to the level of Title IX Sexual Harassment as defined in the 2020 Title IX Regulations; review harassment and discrimination policies and regulations revised this school year; review pending Title IX matters with legal counsel to determine how to proceed on a case-by-case basis; revert to using 2020 Title IX Regulation templates; and ensure anyone performing a role in the Title IX process is trained on the 2020 regulations. For any additional questions, consult your attorney or F3 law.
Federal Updates
Contrary to their initial reporting of the Fall 2024 enrollment trends, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center issued a press release this week explaining that freshmen enrollment for the Fall 2024 semester actually saw an increase. Through a total of 28 separate debt relief initiatives, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness, borrower defense relief to those defrauded by their institutions, and relief to those with permanent disabilities, the Department of Education has forgiven the student loans of over 5 million borrowers which amounts of $183.6 billion worth of relief. Tomorrow at 2pm EST, ACCT will be hosting an OER and AER Webinar: Lowering Textbook Costs While Preserving Quality.
Steal (one or more of) These Strategies: Community Colleges Share How They're Successfully Reaching Students
Community colleges around the country have found new ways to recruit and connect with students, and now they can show off tactics that work. In 2023, Lumina Foundation partnered with several small community colleges nationwide to connect with potential and current students via cell phones by meeting them where they are: in their living rooms, during lunch breaks, and at childcare pickup lines. Iowa Lakes Community College updated its branding to build a sense of belonging with specific attention paid to students' digital and smartphone experiences.
2025 AACC Awards of Excellence Finalists
The American Association of Community Colleges' annual Awards of Excellence underscore the association's priorities and bring national visibility to promising practices among its member colleges. Winners will be announced at the Awards of Excellence Gala on April 15 during the AACC Annual April 12-16 in Nashville, Tennessee. Todd Holcomb, President of Hawkeye Community College, serves as a finalist of CEO of the Year.
Register for IWD Webinar on Work-Based Learning
Iowa Workforce Development is inviting the public to register for a webinar related to utilizing labor market information to make work-based learning decisions. Find more information here. You can register for the meeting here.
Higher Education Leaders Seek Clarification on 'Return on Investment' for New Iowa House Committee
Iowa's higher education leaders are seeking clarification on the objectives of the newly formed Iowa House Higher Education Committee, particularly regarding the definition of "return on investment" for Iowans. The committee, chaired by Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, aims to conduct a comprehensive review of Iowa’s higher education system, including curriculum and administrative costs. While some view this initiative as a means to ensure accountability in the use of state funds, others express concern about potential political motivations influencing educational policies. The committee's formation reflects a broader legislative focus on education, as evidenced by recent bills addressing tuition caps and diversity, equity, and inclusion directives. As the 2025 legislative session progresses, stakeholders anticipate further discussions to define and measure the value of higher education in Iowa.