Trump Administration Actions
This week the Trump administration released several executive orders impacting community colleges including federal grants, Title IX, and other areas. See a complete primer on these orders here.
Last week President Trump's Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Benjamine Huffman, has eliminated the acknowledgement of "sensitive locations", as seen under the Biden administration, when conducting Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests of undocumented and non-citizen residents. While this guidance on immigration enforcement broadly came out prior to the change, it still provides useful information for colleges to consider.
In the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit three judges issued a stay until there is a further order from the U.S. Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
On January 27, 2025, the Office of Management and Budget gave the directive to Federal departments and agencies that starting on January 28, 2025 5:00pm, they were to put a pause on all federal financial assistance programs which include grants, loans, projects, or activities until February 10, 2025. On the evening of January 28, a federal judge placed an administrative stay on this directive which was set to expire on February 3, 2025 5:00pm. Currently, the Trump administration has rescinded the memo altogether.
Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Grant Applications Now Being Accepted
Applications for the next round of state grants for smaller manufacturers to adopt new technologies are now being accepted by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For companies that have not yet completed the CIRAS assessment this link will help you with the first steps to qualify for the program.
Other Federal Updates
Join the government relations staff of ACCT and AACC as they discuss the 2025 community college legislative priorities. This session will provide a preview of the discussions that will take place at the National Legislative Summit and is intended to help NLS attendees prepare for the meetings with their Members of Congress. The session will also provide community college leaders, students, and other supporters with information on the key issues that they will be advocating for in the 2025 calendar year. In case you missed it, ACCT held a webinar on how institutions are using creative strategies to enhance student learning through non-credit programs. The webinar featured a special presentation from former President Biden's Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career Technical and Adult Education discussing innovative ways for using Perkins to support non-credit workforce programs. A few weeks ago the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported an error in methodology in its Regular Updates on Higher Education Enrollment which produced an inaccurate analysis of student enrollment, particularly among freshmen, as there were college freshmen that were counted as dual enrolled high school students. Finally, February 3rd is the closing date for the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) Partnership Grants.
Iowa Lawmakers Float Bills Saying What Should be Taught on Campus
Iowa lawmakers have introduced bills aiming to influence university curricula, including proposals to mandate instruction on the U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers, as well as to prohibit certain concepts related to race and sex. These legislative efforts reflect ongoing debates over academic freedom and the role of state governance in higher education. University officials express concern that such mandates could infringe upon institutional autonomy and the expertise of educators in determining appropriate course content. The outcome of these proposals could significantly impact the educational landscape in Iowa's public universities.
Northwest Iowa Community College Touts Record-Breaking Enrollment Figures
NCC in Sheldon is celebrating record-breaking enrollment for the 2024-2025 academic year, with 2,036 students enrolled in Spring 2025 - a 4.3% increase for the previous spring. This follows a Fall 2024 enrollment of 1,907 students, marking a 6.42% rise from Fall 2023. Officials attribute this growth to flexible scheduling options and strong academic outcomes, including a graduation rate of 55.4%, the highest among Iowa community colleges.
Facing Down State Law, DMACC Preemptively Pauses DEI Efforts
In anticipation of potential state legislation restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Des Moines Area Community College has proactively suspended its DEI programs. This decision reflects the college's effort to align with evolving legal frameworks and avoid potential conflicts with forthcoming state laws.