AGP Executive Report

Higher-Level Apprenticeships: South West College is leading Northern Ireland’s Higher Level Apprenticeships push, partnering with 285 businesses and representing 28% of participating employers, according to a new NISRA report. Community & Safety: Birmingham City Council is facing fresh scrutiny after a fire devastated the former Hunters Hill College site in Blackwell, with officials saying the disposal plan may need review. College Sports Reform: On Capitol Hill, Sen. Maria Cantwell and Sen. Ted Cruz backed the Protect College Sports Act, with Nick Saban and Notre Dame’s Pete Bevacqua arguing the current system is broken and calling for major changes to spending and revenue-sharing. Workforce Pathways: Nexford University launched a B.S. in AI for Business aimed at creating “AI translators” for companies, while Bisk and Tuition.io announced a partnership to connect employer education benefits to accredited university programs. Access & Equity: A letter highlights how childcare support rules can leave higher-education parents facing major repayment burdens. International Higher Ed: Tufts provost Caroline Genco was named UB’s first female president, and a World Bank analysis says college completion in the Philippines remains limited, with women outpacing men.

Higher Ed Value & Access: A new World Bank-based analysis says college completion still reaches only a limited share of people, with Filipino women outpacing men (about 20.15% vs. 15.94% by 2022), tied to labor-market expectations. Student Debt Backlash: A UK survey finds confidence in university value has fallen sharply, with more people saying degrees aren’t worth the time and money amid student-loan anger and weaker job prospects. College Sports Policy: The Big Ten and SEC say a bipartisan college sports bill leaves key issues unresolved, especially around how it would handle state laws. Athlete Pay & Transfer Pressure: A look at college baseball highlights how the transfer portal overlaps with the College World Series and the MLB Draft, creating a chaotic roster-building crunch. Campus Safety: In St. Paul, a school bus crashed into Hamline University’s Robbins Science Center; three children and the driver were taken to hospitals with minor injuries reported. International Students at Risk: US lawmakers warn a New Hampshire college could lose up to 2,000 international graduate students if DHS approval for a new doctoral program isn’t granted by July 1. Teaching Pipeline: Kenya’s KUCCPS faces scrutiny over delayed applications for teacher training colleges, with lawmakers warning it could lock out future teachers. Gender-Equity Change: Moore College of Art and Design will open to all genders starting in 2027-28 after a near-unanimous board vote. Academic Jobs & Governance: UCLA’s senior dean of the College and dean of Physical Sciences will step down in June 2027, triggering a search.

Higher-Education & Workforce: Delaware selected Thomas Jefferson University to help launch the state’s first four-year medical school, aiming to train doctors in-state and ease long-term physician shortages. Campus Tech & Research: Rowan University expanded its partnership with HPE to modernize IT for faster research, stronger resiliency, and hands-on access to AI and high-performance computing. AI Skills for the Public: Fresno City College and Fresno State are teaming up for free, hands-on AI workshops this summer to help local businesses use AI tools more effectively. Student Support & Access: Collège La Cité in Gatineau received $1.6M for a mobile dental clinic and treatment space to expand care for seniors, children, and Indigenous communities. Community Learning Spaces: Richland Community College partnered with the Children’s Museum of Illinois to build a Teaching Kitchen with culinary, nutrition, science, and career pathway programming. Sports & Student Life: SMU signed former pro baseball outfielder Jordyn Adams to play college football at age 26; and the College Football Hall of Fame ballot added Baylor’s Robert Griffin III plus Illinois standouts Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice. Student/School Updates: Yuba College hosted its 44th annual Pow Wow, and Frontier Community College released its Spring 2026 academic honors lists.

College Sports Spotlight: Texas Tech stunned Alabama in the Women’s College World Series semifinals, then set up a Texas rematch in the championship series. New Medical Training: University of the Pacific is planning a $150 million School of Medicine in Stockton, targeting physician shortages in underserved parts of California, with the first class expected in fall 2030. Higher-Education Funding Fight: Ireland’s research community is pushing back after researchers say a €4.55B funding strategy sidelines arts and humanities. Student Pathways: Qatar’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education announced an Academic Bridging Program letting humanities-track students transition into scientific and technical university fields under scholarship rules. Access and Affordability Policy: The Philippines’ Senate approved a bill expanding the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, boosting subsidies for eligible students from 4Ps households. Campus Life and Support: University of Phoenix launched a veterans and affiliates network to support military-connected students and alumni. UK University Value Debate: A new UK poll finds public confidence in the value of a university degree is falling amid debt and job worries. Governance Watch: Australia’s ICAC will hold public hearings into alleged corruption at the University of Wollongong.

Higher Ed Access (Philippines): Senate Bill 1894/House Bill 8476 expands the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, automatically prioritizing Tertiary Education Subsidy eligibility for 4Ps senior high graduates and adding support for books, transportation, laptops, and housing, with schools required to adopt equity and inclusion plans. Student Housing (Sri Lanka): Sri Lanka’s higher education ministry says 55 new hostel projects will be rolled out for 16,000 students across state universities in three phases to ease accommodation shortages. Online Degree Rankings (U.S.): U.S. News & World Report ranked Johnson & Wales University’s online programs among the best, including Best Online Bachelor’s in Business and Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice. Remote Work & Early Career (U.S.): New Fed research links rising unemployment for recent college grads to remote work growth, arguing managers have a harder time training and mentoring new hires. Campus Free Speech/Discipline (Australia): University of Sydney students protested disciplinary proceedings tied to a Palestine solidarity poster, with the university alleging antisemitism. College Sports Policy (U.S.): A bipartisan Protect College Sports Act proposal aims to preserve competitive balance while letting athletes profit via NIL and pushing back on a “minor league” model. Tuition Freeze (Texas): Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas colleges to keep undergraduate tuition and fees frozen through 2026-27; McLennan Community College says it’s already aligned. Teach-Out Funding Crisis (U.S.): Hampshire College says it may not have enough money to fund its promised teach-out through the fall, despite earlier plans. Leadership Moves (U.S.): Roger Williams University named Brian G. Williams interim president; Ferris State named Andrew Polter associate VP for advancement. Local College Updates: North Central College plans a new student commons; Gavilan College awarded a record 2,062 degrees/certificates to Class of 2026.

AI & Innovation in Higher Ed: KAIST unveiled its new College of AI, aiming to train researchers and interdisciplinary talent and build a “responsible AI ecosystem.” STEM Pipeline: Qatar is rolling out its STEM HUB to shift schools toward practical, innovation-focused learning through programs like STEMathon and innovation incubators. Campus Access & Heat: Telangana universities extended summer vacation to June 5–6 due to extreme heat, with classes set to resume soon. Admissions Results: Andhra Pradesh will release AP EAMCET 2026 results today on cets.apsche.gov.in, with counselling following. Faculty Shortages: Tamil Nadu faces a major staffing crisis, with many universities reporting huge faculty vacancies and even missing vice-chancellors. University Rankings Pressure: Australia’s universities are sliding in global rankings amid underfunding concerns, even as a few top schools hold steady. Research & Compliance: A new analysis warns universities about export-control violations that can happen through normal teaching, research partnerships, and publications. Student Life & Support: Bridge-to-College honored Valley seniors with scholarships totaling $8,000, highlighting pathways to national universities.

College Affordability: Alabama’s Student Grant Program could cover up to $3,000 a year for eligible students at participating private colleges, with awards not tied to financial need. Student Safety & Campus Security: A bomb threat to the Toledo Zoo was deemed not credible after police and zoo safety protocols were activated. Higher Ed Funding Policy: Oklahoma’s State Regents approved a performance-based funding formula starting FY2027, tying more base dollars to enrollment, retention, degree completion, and workforce readiness, plus $15.7M in new appropriations. International Education & Work Placements: Abingdon & Witney College says Government-backed Turing Scheme placements are already underway in St. Lucia, Spain, and the U.S., giving students hands-on construction and electrical experience. Student Life & Learning: University of Ibadan students shared post-UTME and exam-prep stories, including using AI tools to break down topics. Health & Research: An IIT Gandhinagar–UIUC study finds “herbal cigarettes” can be as harmful as tobacco, raising new concerns ahead of World No Tobacco Day. Campus Community: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater announced its annual women’s soccer golf outing for Aug. 23, supporting the program.

College Admissions & Access: Cuba will open university admissions for majors and advanced technical programs on June 8, using only the academic index (no entrance exams this year) and running through multiple rounds, with thousands of seats also reserved for blended learning and distance education. Student Life & Safety: A 21-year-old Glasgow University student, Thomas Reynolds, died after a suspected fall from a bridge while trying to retrieve a dropped phone; tributes highlight his popularity. Campus Milestones: Lakehead University will hold 2026 convocation ceremonies in Thunder Bay and Orillia, honoring David Johnston with an honorary degree and Paul Weber as a Fellow, plus a Civitas Award for Luana Dawn Shirt. Grading Policy Debate: Harvard faculty approved a policy starting in 2027 that caps A grades at 20% in most courses, arguing grades should reflect effort and attendance. College Sports Money Watch: New federal data show big swings in women’s basketball spending—UAB ($2.17M) and UIC ($2.40M) far above state averages, while Utica ($174K) and CUNY Medgar Evers ($43.7K) lag. Athletics & Culture: ESPN’s College GameDay will visit Ohio State vs. Texas in Week 2 on Sept. 12. Higher Ed & Integrity: Chinese universities reiterated zero tolerance for academic misconduct after staff were punished for research irregularities.

College Admissions: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University) extended its 2026-27 application deadline, with the online window closing today at 11:59 PM; applicants must submit documents and complete registration via the official portal. Higher Ed Policy: Maharashtra formed a state task force to review how NEP 2020 is being implemented across universities and colleges, aiming for more uniform guidance and faster rollout. Student Pathways: Mumbai University released its second merit list for 2026 today, with document verification and fee payment set for June 1–3 and the third list due June 4. Teacher Pipeline: Corning Community College and Alfred University hosted “Celebrating Educators,” highlighting teacher shortages and the growing role of AI in classrooms. Community College Wins: Butte College held its record-setting commencement with 1,500+ degree earners, while Danville Area Community College celebrated esports national championships. Local Education Life: State College opened a long-awaited public skatepark, and Pride Month festivities at Sparsholt College brought the whole campus together. Campus Safety & Accountability: A UC Riverside-linked student apartment complex fire drew major response efforts, and a State College man was sentenced to 50–100 years for child sexual abuse.

Degree Acceleration Watch: Oklahoma State Regents approved rules letting colleges propose bachelor’s degrees down to 90 credit hours, aiming to boost affordability and address workforce gaps—though critics worry about rigor and preparedness. Campus Cost Cuts: A university is offering buyouts to staff after a 40-person “jump ship” wave, as institutions juggle enrollment and state funding pressure. Law School Leadership Shake-Up: The University of Arkansas named Katheleen Guzman interim dean of its School of Law starting July 1, after controversy over the prior dean’s stance on transgender athletes. Student Support Funding: Savannah State University announced a historic $42.8 million state investment for student wellness and engagement facilities. AI in Schools: OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu is set to roll out in Armenia’s schools and universities in 2026-27, starting with 50,000 subscriptions and teacher training. College Access for Foster Youth: Kentucky reports more foster and adopted youth using its college tuition waiver, with graduation rates rising to about 40%. Workforce Training Launch: Collège Boréal officially launched a Construction Engineering Technician—Civil and Mining program at its Timmins campus for a September start. Athletics & Community: University of Portsmouth honored student impact at its Student Impact Awards, celebrating volunteering, research, and entrepreneurship.

Workforce Training: Northwest Lineman College in Edgewater is training future utility linemen with hands-on scenarios and rodeos, with local leaders touring the program as hurricane recovery needs skilled workers. Distance Learning Expansion: Mumbai University is opening a new Centre of Distance and Online Education in Palghar (at Sonopant Dandekar College), targeting nearly 1,000 enrollments and building on existing centers. Campus Safety: Chungbuk National University in South Korea reported a bromine gas leak at a lab, sending 17 people to hospitals after an accident involving a dropped reagent bottle. College Sports Policy: A Louisiana bill would limit public access to records on how college athletes are paid, while federal lawmakers push proposals to restrict transfers and regulate NIL/agent pay. Women’s College Softball Spotlight: Nebraska and Arkansas square off in the Women’s College World Series, with Ava Kuszak delivering a walk-off HR as the tournament heats up. Student Outcomes & Community Colleges: Luzerne County Community College held its 58th commencement for 548 graduates, while University of Sioux Falls and Southeast Technical College released spring Dean’s List and graduation honors.

College Closures & Accountability: Martin University’s sudden shutdown left staff unpaid and students scrambling, with employees saying leaders had promised the school would stay open through spring 2026. Tuition & Affordability: Kansas public universities are seeking 2026-27 tuition hikes ranging from 3.5% to 6%, with the Board of Regents set to vote in June. Campus Safety: Kentucky State University closed its Frankfort campus after a “potential threat” tied to a suspicious message mentioning a gun and a bomb. AI in Higher Ed: A Lumina-Gallup survey finds 47% of college students have considered changing majors because of AI, while Nigeria’s universities are moving from talk to implementation—still held back by resources. Admissions Policy: Yale is reinstating SAT/ACT requirements for first-year and transfer students after a test-optional stretch. Student Rights: A Lebanon Valley College student sued over alleged Title IX failures, claiming the school didn’t separate her from the reported abuser. Leadership & Programs: Michigan’s prison-education consortium named a founding president to expand college-in-prison learning.

Higher Ed Labor: Sheffield Hallam University staff began a four-week strike over pensions, jobs, and working conditions, with UCU warning graduations could be delayed as marking stops. Budget Pressure: UNISON says up to 300 jobs could be cut at the University of Sussex after about 500 took voluntary redundancy, as the school faces a reported enrollment loss. Campus Expansion: Bournemouth and Poole College took the keys to its new £37m Lansdowne campus building, set to open this autumn with updated facilities across media, computing, hospitality, and more. Student Life & Learning: California community college students still struggle with online learning after COVID, with about 40% of classes online and less campus engagement. Workforce Pipeline: Kutztown University launched a tuition-free accelerated special education certification pathway, aiming to speed up teacher supply. College Sports Policy: Sens. Maria Cantwell and Ted Cruz unveiled the Protect College Sports Act, targeting NIL, transfers, eligibility, and adding a narrow antitrust exemption. Local Community: Arts University Bournemouth students helped create an eco-themed wildlife mural at Poole’s Baiter Park.

Leadership Shake-Up in Higher Ed: Clemson University’s Board of Trustees has selected Michigan State President Kevin Guskiewicz as its next president, with a five-year contract and a $1.2M base salary, as he succeeds James P. Clements. College Sports Policy: Sens. Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell are set to introduce the bipartisan “Protect College Sports Act of 2026,” aiming to bring order to NIL and transfers with limits on transfers, a “Lane Kiffin Rule” for coach movement, and a limited antitrust exemption. NIL & Public Funding Backlash: A new poll finds most voters oppose using taxpayer money to fund public college athletic departments amid the NIL era. DOJ Civil Rights Case: The Justice Department sues UCLA over alleged “deliberate indifference” to an antisemitic hostile environment affecting Jewish and Israeli students. Affordability Move: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott again freezes undergraduate tuition at public colleges and universities through 2027. UP System Expansion: The University of the Philippines Board of Regents elevated UP Tacloban College into a constituent university of the UP System. Student Support & Success: Community College of Vermont will hold its June 6 commencement for nearly 500 associate degree recipients, highlighting donor impact and student pathways.

DOJ vs. UC: The Trump administration sued the University of California again, alleging UCLA tolerated a hostile educational environment for Jewish and Israeli students during a 2024 pro-Palestinian encampment—its second DOJ case against UCLA this year. Campus climate & accountability: A separate UK case is headed to an employment tribunal after a kitchen worker claims racist name-calling and forced shoes led to a leg amputation. Health policy in focus: New Zealand’s College of Midwives is reviewing the Simpson Report, praising its call for evidence-based maternity care and more resourcing. Student life & transitions: Vermont’s Community College of Vermont will hold its 2026 commencement at Norwich, awarding nearly 500 associate degrees. Learning, tech, and upgrades: Sejong University opened what it says is Asia’s largest university-run AI virtual media studio, built with SK Telecom support. Local education news: Bridgwater College Academy in England is under special measures after an Ofsted report. Sports: UT Tyler is set for Game 1 of the NCAA DII World Series.

First Amendment Win: Ball State University will pay $225,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by former employee Suzanne Swierc, who was fired over a private Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk—an ACLU deal that says schools can’t punish protected speech. Local Leadership: College Park, Maryland named Sharis McCrary as its new police chief after the prior chief resigned. Campus Life & Safety: A Northern Kentucky University student, Murry “Alexis” Foust, 22, was found dead after a monthlong search; police reported no signs of foul play. Commencement & Degrees: Fletcher Technical Community College picked Marie DesOrmeaux Centanni as its spring 2026 keynote, while an 80-year-old Vietnam veteran earned a degree after 63 years away. Sports Tech: OTTO SPORT AI launched “Club Account” tools for volleyball recruiting visibility. Higher Ed Watch: University of Manchester says it will offer real work placements to all undergrads.