Can They Do That? The White House’s Higher Ed Compact and Shutdown Fallout

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Aired October 7, 2025

The Trump administration’s proposed “Compact for Academic Excellence” lands on nine campuses with vague perks and 23 demands, including tuition freezes, international caps, and “viewpoint diversity” audits. Hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Jon Fansmith, and Sarah Spreitzer ask can they do that?—then discuss the shutdown’s real impacts, week one of negotiated rulemaking, the stalled $100,000 H-1B fee, and a Dear Colleague reminder on federal funds and lobbying. 
 


Here are some of the links and references from this week’s show:

Economic Indicator Tool

The Economic Impact of Higher Education in America

The Trump Administration's Higher Eduction Compact

Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education
White House 

White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government 
ACE | Oct. 3, 2025

Trump’s Proposed ‘Compact’ Asks Colleges to Show They’re ‘Pursuing Federal Priorities’
The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025

OPINION: Trump’s ‘Compact’ With Universities Is Just Extortion
The New York Times (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025

Higher Ed Sounds Off on Proposed Compact
Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 6, 2025

Government Shutdown and Higher Ed

Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services 
ACE | Sept. 30, 2025

Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for States and Programs 
National Conference of State Legislatures

Government Shutdowns and Higher Education
ACE

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