UT Austin is one of two universities that has not publicly rejected the Trump administration's 'Compact for Academic Excellence,' which asks universities to adhere to specific policies in exchange for federal funding; most other universities have rejected the offer, and the decision at UT Austin remains pending amid broader system issues.
Recent polls show mixed public opinion on Trump's deportation policies, while the administration plans to roll back regulations on power plants to support the fossil fuel industry. Meanwhile, efforts to address climate change include home flood preparedness and climate solutions week. The administration is also targeting elite universities, affecting research funding and tax status, amidst broader political and environmental debates.
Yale University is selling up to $6 billion in private equity stakes amid industry struggles and political pressures, having already sold about $3 billion, as part of a strategic shift due to lower-than-expected returns and broader challenges in private equity markets, reflecting wider trends among U.S. universities and institutional investors.
British universities are poised to benefit from the US's crackdown on Chinese student visas, as Chinese students seek alternative destinations like the UK, which offers shorter degrees, affordability, and global recognition, potentially boosting the UK's higher education sector and international collaborations.