AGP Executive Report

STEM + Workforce Pipeline: Liberty University won a Boeing grant to build a public DC-8 Overlook pavilion at Lynchburg Regional Airport, turning the historic aircraft into an aviation STEM and career-development hub for K-12, postsecondary students, veterans, and rural and underserved communities. Campus Safety Upgrades: Western Illinois University unveiled a new Emergency Operations Center with a $2.3 million Illinois Emergency Management Agency grant, giving students hands-on training with emergency-management platforms and simulated scenarios. Student Health & Sleep: A George Mason University study links higher social media use early in the school year to worse sleep quality later, which then tracks to poorer self-rated health. College Sports Policy Fight: Sen. Tommy Tuberville and Rep. Tim Walberg’s TEAM USA Act would cap international student-athletes at 20% of each varsity roster for schools using Title IV aid. Enrollment Snapshot: Elon University reported undergraduate enrollment down to 5,987 while graduate enrollment rose to 999, including growth in nursing and health-related programs. Medical Education Milestone: Benedictine College’s proposed School of Osteopathic Medicine received “Candidate Status,” moving it toward pre-accreditation and eventual student recruitment. Safety App Spotlight: Radford University is promoting its Radford Safe app for virtual escorts, anonymous tips, and blue-light alerts as students return to campus. Skilled Trades Funding: Georgian College named its third cohort of Schulich Builders Scholarships for Skilled Trades, awarding $20,000 and $40,000 awards to students in trades programs. Partnerships for Jobs: The La Crosse Chamber partnered with Viterbo University’s business school to bring more employer connections and professional development to campus. Accreditation + Research: China issued new guidelines pushing universities toward clearer missions—research, application, or skills-oriented—to better match national development goals.

Community Support After Campus Fire: Malaysia’s higher education ministry says nine students from six institutions affected by a Kampung Numbak fire will get RM3,000 each, with ministers and universities providing follow-up help to keep studies on track. Scholarships & Access: Malaysia also announced “Scholarship Day 2026” (Sept. 26–27) to connect students with government and private sponsorships, including international partners. Student Aid & Wellbeing: South Africa’s NSFAS redesign push targets on-time fee and allowance payments for the 2027 year, after long-running delays. Policy Shift for Degrees: California Gov. Newsom signed laws expanding community colleges’ ability to offer bachelor’s degrees, with limits tied to workforce needs. Campus Life & Learning: Wellesley College’s Clapp Library renovation earned a national library design showcase spot, highlighting modern learning spaces alongside historic preservation. Higher Ed Under Pressure: Dundee University leaders say most classes should go ahead despite a five-week strike over job cuts. International Partnerships: IE University opened an Azerbaijan leadership program with SOCAR, aiming to link education and real-world impact. Safety & Disruption Abroad: Russian drones hit Zaporizhzhia, damaging homes, a university building, and a shopping center, injuring civilians.

Medical Education Launch: Abdullah Al-Salem University opened its College of Medicine and Health Sciences with the first 54 students starting a six-year MD program in partnership with King’s College London. Student Rights & Campus Climate: A Democratic challenger for Florida attorney general urged a student-run debate at the University of Florida, while a separate report alleges a Kentucky State basketball graduate student was taken into ICE custody and needs surgery. Higher Ed Accountability: Utah Valley University records obtained by Judicial Watch describe hostile messages from faculty after the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, despite earlier university calls for civility. Admissions & Readiness: A Michigan report found Early College Alliance enrolled 209 white students in 2024-25, and a separate analysis highlights graduation gaps for Black students at UW-Milwaukee. College Sports & NIL Era: Coverage continues on how NIL is reshaping college athletics, alongside major Week 3 football ranking shakeups and ESPN College GameDay’s return to Knoxville for Tennessee vs. Texas. Adult Learning Funding: Muskegon Community College is set to receive up to $300,000 to expand adult learning pathways back to postsecondary credentials.

Higher Ed Access & Aid: A Malaysian student says a PTPTN scholarship helped her stay in school after a family stroke, as she juggles part-time work while studying environmental science at UKM. Student Life & Safety: Police in Providence say an 18-year-old UMass Dartmouth football player was killed and a teammate injured in a stabbing outside a Rhode Island nightclub. Faculty Development: Andhra University launched a five-day faculty training program on linear algebra and differential equations for faculty, research scholars, and postgrads. Campus Speech & Politics: Kerala University’s draft code of conduct is drawing pushback over proposed limits on student political activity, protests, and campaigning, with unions warning it could curb student organizing. Sports Policy: In the U.S., Congress is moving toward the Protect College Sports Act of 2026, aiming to standardize college-athlete rules amid state-law patchwork and labor opposition. College Sports Business & Fair Pay: A report argues NIL still isn’t creating a fair market for athletes, citing gaps in transparency and intermediaries. Medical Education Expansion: India’s NMC approved Bongaigaon Medical College in Assam, adding 100 MBBS seats annually. Student Funding Disruption: Ontario students at Marca College were sent home after OSAP delays left tuition unfunded on day one. International Higher Ed: South Korea begins building a national university research-security system to prevent tech leaks, expanding security duties under new rules.

Academic Freedom & Film Screening: The University of Kansas will host a free screening of “First They Came for My College,” followed by a Q&A with director Patrick Bresnan, spotlighting political interference in higher education. Campus Safety & Health: Anna University in Chennai launched sanitation and medical screening after a final-year student died from scrub typhus complications, with other students reporting fever and one dengue-positive case. Public Health Loss: Duquesne University mourns Dr. Mark Cantrell, a public health professor who died in Nepal flooding and mudslides. Teaching Pipeline: UTEP’s College of Education is promoting its Miner Teacher Residency, pairing year-long classroom clinical training with mentor teachers and ongoing coaching. STEM & Society Research: Stony Brook named Donghee Yvette Wohn as the inaugural chair of a new Department of Technology, AI and Society. Community & Culture: Kuwait’s embassy pavilion showcased Kuwaiti heritage at a University of Canberra Cultural Day event. Sports (College): Boston College held off Maine 22-16; and South Dakota Mines honored longtime supporters at its State of the University address.

Higher Ed & Local Impact: Ohio University and Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio are launching the “Bobcat Build,” turning a former drop-off area outside Parks Hall into a new Habitat home for a southeast Ohio family. Campus Safety: A 22-year-old student died after being found critically injured in Khulna, Bangladesh; reports say he was beaten and later claimed to have jumped while fleeing after an alleged theft. Student Life & Access: Peninsula College approved budget cuts for 2026-27, pausing programs and reducing course offerings—meaning larger classes and fewer electives for students. Workforce & Training: West Virginia secured a $15 million federal grant to expand Educational Opportunity Centers across all 55 counties, aiming to boost adult training and credentials. Policy & Rights: India’s Delhi High Court said students can express dissent and support protests, ruling that merely smiling at protestors isn’t “indiscipline.” International Expansion: University of Western Australia opened its first India campus in Mumbai, with more campuses planned. Tech & Education: Mozambique is drafting AI rules for schools and universities, with a nationwide focus on generative AI. College Sports Culture: Dartmouth jumped to No. 6 in FIRE’s 2027 free-speech rankings, citing improved student comfort and policy changes. Cyber Talent Pipeline: UAE launched CYBRANI to connect university cybersecurity study with practical industry training.

College Sports Policy: The U.S. Senate cleared a key procedural step for the Protect College Sports Act, sending it toward a full floor vote—Illinois D-I athletic directors backed the measure, but House timing is still uncertain. Campus Leadership: Syracuse installed J. Michael Haynie as its 13th chancellor and president, urging faculty to prepare students for a fast-changing world shaped by AI and climate. Labor & Pay: Ohio University faculty union members say the university’s compensation plan still leaves them among the lowest-paid in Ohio public research universities, arguing for bigger raises. Enrollment Pressure: A regional report highlights how colleges are feeling enrollment dips, with some schools still below pre-pandemic levels. Student Life & Safety: A 20-year-old Holy Cross volleyball player, Amanda Mack, died three months after being diagnosed with severe aplastic anemia. Workforce Training: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College broke ground on a new CDL training facility in Valdosta. Higher Ed Access: A college fair in Champlain is set to connect rural students and families with universities. Local Campus Growth: Murray State regents approved new LLCs to create fresh revenue streams for the university and athletics.

Admissions & access: Colorado’s Colorado School of Mines is launching the “Mines Golden Guarantee,” offering qualified Colorado high school seniors guaranteed admission plus a $2,000 annual scholarship. Career-ready learning: Moravian University is rolling out aviation programs that blend coursework with FAA-certified flight training, with students flying multiple times a week. Campus expansion & training: Mercyhurst’s home opener and the broader Week 3 college football schedule are driving attention, while Purdue reports record enrollment growth and improved retention/graduation rates. Student safety & governance: Delhi University’s DUSU elections are underway amid heightened security after the Satya Niketan hostel collapse, with safety and welfare issues front and center. Policy & accountability: India’s Supreme Court ordered private universities to stop operating for profit and submit audited financial details. Higher-ed labor: Torrens University faces a class action alleging systematic underpayment of casual academic staff. International & rankings: St Andrews tops the UK’s Times Good University Guide 2027; Korea universities report AI-assisted exam cheating cases; and UTS ranks highly for nursing and AI in ShanghaiRanking.

Mental Health Treatment Priorities: Concordia University researchers used input from parents, scientists, and providers to map top treatment targets for kids and teens with disruptive behavior—especially when callous/unemotional traits are present. Student Safety & Campus Life: University of Utah dropped doxxing allegations against two Republican students after a “Kirkiversary” cake photo, while Michigan Medicine marked a year since ending gender-affirming care for under-19 patients amid legal pressure and protests continue at the University of Michigan. Labor & University Operations: SEIU authorized strikes at Oregon’s seven public universities, citing unresolved gaps on pay, health costs, and parking. Graduation Outcomes: University of Arkansas reported record four- and six-year graduation rates tied to new student success programs. Access Through Dual Credit: University of Illinois expanded Dual Credit @ Illinois to 21 high schools, including South Beloit, aiming to boost pathways into college. Student Support Hubs: Centenary College opened the Davis C.A.R.E. Center to coordinate counseling and basic-needs support in one place. Local Higher Ed Events: Ripon College hosted a free Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra concert; Monmouth College previewed its theatre and music schedule; Western Illinois University cut the ribbon on a new Emergency Operations Center for students.

Higher Ed Access (Malaysia): Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to speed up a higher-education cooperation deal, with plans for a joint academic consortium to expand exchanges and joint programs. New Programs (Early Childhood): Sunway University launched three early childhood education tracks, including a special needs honours bachelor and diplomas for conventional and open/distance learning. AI in Universities (Campus Impact): An MIT report warns AI is driving “cognitive surrender,” with students skipping office hours and leaning on bots for an “illusion of learning,” even as universities race to adopt AI. AI + Admissions/Discovery: ICARUS AI rolled out Pathwise Universities, an AI-assisted platform to match students with programs and connect them directly to institutions. College Sports Policy (U.S. Senate): The Senate advanced the Protect College Sports Act toward debate, aiming to set federal rules on athlete pay/NIL, healthcare, and protections for women’s and Olympic sports. Campus Safety/Surveillance (Illinois): A review found five Illinois public universities still using Flock license-plate camera surveillance, despite public backlash over misuse and wrongful arrests. Student Support & Food Services (MassBay): MassBay Community College reopened its renovated Buccaneer Café with expanded meals and a mobile ordering app. Scholarships/Workforce Pathways (Ohio): Hocking College freshman Gavin McCaulley won a $1,000 Chime Workforce Scholarship for career-focused credentials. Campus Life & Learning (Vermont): Middlebury College’s housing project Stonecrop Meadows is progressing to add about 250 homes, as the school tackles staff housing shortages. Civic Education (U.S.): Great Basin College marked Constitution Day with a message from Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto.

Admissions & Campus Visits: Manchester University is rolling out fall visit days, including “Tours and Tailgates” (Sept. 19) and “Preview Week” (Oct. 19–23), with a $500/year visit incentive scholarship for attendees. Community College Access: Indiana’s College GO! Week (Sept. 21–25) will bring college fairs, application help, and fee waivers to Indianapolis Public Schools students. Local Higher Ed Deals: Headwaters Community Trust signed an agreement to buy Sterling College’s Craftsbury campus, aiming to close by year’s end. Student Life & Support: Skagit Valley College named a new Oak Harbor campus administrator, James Monroe, to focus on student success and partnerships. College Sports Policy: The Protect College Sports Act advanced in the U.S. Senate with a 74–24 procedural vote, as supporters push NIL and transfer rules and opponents raise concerns. Safety & Accountability: Charlie Kirk’s family is seeking legal action over alleged security failures at Utah Valley University ahead of his fatal rooftop shooting. Funding & Compliance: The U.S. Education and State departments opened foreign funding investigations into the University of North Dakota (and Duke) over disclosure issues. Indigenous Recognition: Simon Fraser University added Indigenous place names for its Burnaby campus in two Coast Salish languages.

College Access in Corrections: Illinois says demand for college classes in prisons keeps outpacing capacity, with waitlists up 80% since last year and about 3,700 people waiting for college while roughly 2,600 are enrolled. Campus Safety & Mental Health: Ohio University is investigating the “unexpected” death of freshman Mason Bohm, found in his dorm room, while counseling services expanded for students. Higher-Ed Governance Fight: Antioch University and the Coalition for the Common Good are headed to mediation after a court order blocks a “hostile takeover” plan to dissolve Antioch’s board and control finances. College Sports Policy: ESPN’s “College GameDay” is drawing backlash for political promotion of the Protect College Sports Act as the Senate advances the bill. Student Life & Community: Knox College welcomed 285 new students for 2026-27, including 34 international students and a majority first-gen share. UK Creative Skills Pipeline: The BBC and Birmingham City University announced a 10-year partnership to train media and creative-industry talent at the BBC’s Midlands headquarters.

Higher-Education Safety: A new AAUP survey of faculty in the South says fear is rising, including worries about physical safety and intimidation around campus politics. Campus Privacy Fight: College Station residents are urging city leaders to reject a renewal of Flock license-plate cameras, arguing it’s an invasion of privacy and could be repurposed. Student Crime & Surveillance: Police arrested a teenager accused of damaging two Flock cameras in College Station, with investigators using stake barcodes and camera tracking to link him to the scene. College Sports Law: A Senate vote cleared a first major hurdle for the Protect College Sports Act, aiming to curb spending chaos as schools pay players—while opponents push for added protections. AI Rules in Public Colleges: Florida’s Board of Governors is moving toward statewide guidance requiring university boards to set policies on AI use and neutrality for staff and students. Admissions-to-Careers Advising: Pennsylvania’s State System will pilot a program that maps majors to specific jobs and wages at three universities. International Student-Athlete Limits: A new TEAM USA Act would cap international athletes at 20% of rosters, with potential ripple effects for college golf. Healthcare Education Deal: HCA Healthcare completed its acquisition of The College of Health Care Professions, expanding allied-health pathways. Mexico Student Deaths: A Spanish exchange student was fatally stabbed in central Mexico, the fourth woman tied to her host university killed or found dead in seven months. STEM & Training: Rockland Community College opened a new nursing simulation lab with VR, 3D anatomy tools, and mannequins, funded by federal and state grants.

AI in the classroom: New students are arriving with AI tools that can draft and explain fast—but educators stress the real skill is learning how to think, not just how to prompt. AI policy pushback: Universities Australia is renewing pressure to scrap Australia’s costly “Job Ready Graduates” arts-degree scheme, arguing human judgment matters more than tech-only skills. Campus AI access tensions: UNSW and the University of Sydney both signed OpenAI deals for ChatGPT Edu, sparking debate over whether degrees are being devalued as AI becomes standard. Higher-ed and AI rankings: Korea’s education leaders say AI is reshaping university evaluation, but human judgment and real-world impact still have to lead. Student safety and rights: Mahmoud Khalil sued Columbia University, alleging years of anti-Palestinian harassment and the school failed to protect pro-Palestinian students. Global expansion: Kenya approved Kamagambo University as the country’s 90th university via interim authority. Infrastructure and recovery: Sri Lanka’s CDB funded an AI-enabled upgrade at the University of Peradeniya after Cyclone Ditwah disrupted student computing access. Health research: The University of Michigan launched a new ultrasound-based cancer treatment center using histotripsy. College life and access: Northern Kentucky University opened a tactile, interactive exhibit for blind and visually impaired visitors.

Lawsuit Over Campus Safety: Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil says Columbia University and SIPA dean Keren Yarhi-Milo are “systematically” discriminating against Palestinian students, alleging intimidation, surveillance, and repeated calls to NYPD. Civic Access: Valencia College campuses are hosting National Voter Registration Day help at Osceola County sites, with registration due Oct. 5 for the Nov. 3 election. College Sports Policy Fight: The Protect College Sports Act is back in the spotlight as supporters push for a Senate vote and opponents warn it could entrench exploitation and antitrust exemptions. AI in Higher Ed: UNSW researchers argue universities must redesign assessment so students can’t use generative AI to skip core thinking, discussion, and judgment. Workforce Training Boost: New York Gov. Hochul marked completion of the $69.6M Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center at Monroe Community College to expand semiconductor-focused training. Affordability Push: MSU Denver is rolling out a $3.25M scholarship initiative tied to direct admission with local districts to reduce cost barriers for eligible students. Campus Safety Upgrades: Coastal Carolina and SCDOT agreed on major highway safety changes near campus, including a lower speed limit and a pedestrian-activated signal. Tuition Snapshot: New data shows published in-state tuition and required fees vary widely by county and school, with examples including Wisconsin’s UW-Platteville at $8,644 (2024-25) and Colorado’s Fort Lewis College at $9,958 (2024-25).

College Admissions Glitch: South Korea’s university admissions group KCUE and application vendor Uway Apply apologized after a system failure hit early applications for 2027, with the education ministry saying up to 1,200 applicants were affected and a remedy process is planned. Higher Ed Policy Debate: In India, commentary on West Bengal’s Inter-University Transfer Bill argues it reflects a “control model” that could undermine academic freedom and university autonomy. AI in Education: A new push for AI-powered learning tools is framed as essential to keep higher education relevant, with universities buying access to systems like ChatGPT Edu. Student Safety & Integrity: Malaysia’s police warned university students to avoid being recruited as drug or account mules, urging them to verify claims and seek guidance. Research & Health: NUS researchers report gentle magnetic pulses can reprogram immune cells to attack breast cancer in pre-clinical models. Campus Life & Access: Qatar’s Ministry of Education honored 56 graduates from evening education centers, highlighting lifelong learning and equal access. Learning Beyond the Classroom: Kansas’ treasurer promoted 529 plans for College Savings Month, stressing they can cover more than four-year tuition, including trade and other eligible programs. Student Support & Fairness: In the U.S., private college presidents discussed mounting political pressure on higher education at a Presidents Dinner, including concerns about strained ties with Washington.