In a prerecorded message to the WASAC advisory board, Gov. Bob Ferguson celebrated last year's gains in FAFSA/WASFA completion and said he will request legislation to require all high school seniors to complete the federal or state aid form, with an option to sign a waiver. Board members discussed implementation and the supports districts would need.

Southwestern is asking RUSO to consider a Letter of Intent for a 91-credit Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity (proposed Fall 2027, Weatherford). The LOI frames the program as workforce-focused, emphasizes applied skills and a reduced-credit pathway, and cites Lightcast labor-market data and employer demand in Oklahoma.

Co-chairs Whitney Turner and Gabe Kerr presented seven goals for the Math Pathways Task Force, including creating a protocol for changing a major's gateway course, reviewing placement multiple measures, continuing course improvement, and considering proctored/placement exam policies; recommended wording on including advanced math in general education was sent to KBOR for consideration.

Staff told the committee MCPS is funding courses for 2,234 students under state College and Career Readiness (CCR) standards this year but that 102 students discontinued the program after budget changes; council members called for demographic breakdowns to assess equity.

OCHE reported application and enrollment growth tied to Apply Montana and system initiatives (Montana 10), with increases in resident capture and projected 1,500 new undergraduate FTE since 2023; Regents pressed for measurement of marketing effectiveness.

Governor Kotek said HR 1, the recent federal law, caps many graduate student federal loans and is already reducing enrollment and creating financing gaps for professional students in Oregon. She urged federal action and said the state is fighting the limits in court.

Panelists described a higher‑education package that would help low‑income students and fund student‑success supports, and urged businesses to expand internships and apprenticeships to keep graduates in Central Wisconsin.

Students, union leaders and university officials told the committee that halving Finish Line funding — and proposed changes in HB 5032 — would limit access for thousands of low‑income and transfer students; they urged restoration and expansion.

Senator Slap thanks task force for working towards creating a statewide Connecticut Promise program.

Staff reported 175 approved community-college baccalaureate programs statewide and previewed research on workforce alignment; Pierce College proposed a Bachelor of Applied Science in accounting to serve working adults and military-affiliated students.

Karen Kim advocates for House Bill 251278 highlighting its importance for first generation students.

Lawmakers approve significant funding for specialty education programs in private institutions.

The board approved three memorandum of agreements with Francis Marion University to expand dual-enrollment seats, early-college cohorts and college-level offerings at Pointer, and approved additional dual-enrollment contracts with Columbia International, SC State and Lander University.

The committee advanced AB 15 34 to create a state approval process and consumer protections for short‑term programs seeking new federal workforce Pell funding, with witnesses stressing guardrails and equity concerns and the sponsor accepting committee amendments.

The Senate Health & Welfare Committee heard testimony from Dr. Leslie Johnson of the Community College of Vermont on college credit and prior‑learning options for early‑childhood educators and an Office of Professional Regulation briefing outlining an eight‑year transitional licensing window and a proposed 21‑credit alternative pathway. The committee requested fiscal detail and a report back timeline; no votes were taken.

The board approved several substantive program applications: a proposed AAS in gunsmithing at Western Dakota Tech tied to an asset purchase, a credit‑for‑prior‑learning pathway for Southeastern Tech’s paramedic AAS, a one‑year HVAC diploma, and an additional location at the Rapid City Correctional Facility for Western Dakota Tech.

Senate Bill 2147 aims to enhance funding for need-based scholarships over the next biennium.

Students with disabilities thrive in college, gaining independence and self-advocacy through supportive programs.

North Dakota colleges seek to expand inclusive programs for students with intellectual disabilities.

College Park aims to improve admissions messaging and highlight local universities amid capacity challenges.

Law grants tuition aid on equal terms to all, effective July 1, 2025.

Adams announces restoration of $126 million in CUNY funding to reverse recent budget cuts.