All programming will take place in Room B+C at McGregor Memorial Conference Center. A complimentary shuttle to and from campus will be provided.
EWA is grateful to Lumina Foundation for providing the major funding that made this seminar possible. EWA thanks the Department of Communication’s Journalism Institute for Media Diversity at Wayne State University for hosting the seminar. EWA retains editorial control over all programming.
Welcome to the 2025 EWA Higher Education Seminar
Keynote Interview With Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz
Major changes to federal higher education funding and policy are causing ripple effects, not just on campuses but in the college towns that depend on them as economic engines. Where are postsecondary institutions and local communities seeing the most immediate effects? As many states pull back on their investments in higher education, what’s the long-term economic and scientific impact of cuts to research and development?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes major changes to the U.S. Department of Education, including a massive overhaul of the federal student loan system, changes to Pell Grants and new college accountability measures. Researchers and policy experts offer insights about the law’s impact on colleges and students – and debate what these kinds of policy decisions should look like – while journalists provide guidance and resources for nuanced reporting.
The “college-for-all” mantra has fallen out of favor as a major education goal. Pathways initiatives, which often include education beyond high school but perhaps not a four-year degree, are now the trend. How are postsecondary institutions responding? An expert explains the changing policy landscape, including “Workforce Pell” for short-term training. Journalists share reporting tips and explain how following workforce outcomes creates opportunities for holding higher education accountable.
Accreditation – a review process meant to ensure educational quality – is the key to unlocking billions of dollars in federal financial aid. Critics on both sides of the aisle say reform is needed to better hold institutions accountable for poor student outcomes. But accreditation is becoming increasingly politicized. Experts provide a crash course on this wonky – but important – corner of higher education and explain the potential impact of changes at the state and federal levels.
Journalists who have covered major higher education news and trends – the role of technology, including artificial intelligence, in campus life; how the interpretation of Title IX is shifting and being used to target transgender students’ rights; and efforts to eliminate or ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives – share top takeaways from their reporting and lead in-depth discussions with reporters.
High-profile detentions by immigration officials. Enhanced visa scrutiny. Social media surveillance. Travel bans. International students have recently faced a wave of federal actions that have left many frightened and some in educational limbo. What is the history of governments targeting immigrant students? What are the short- and long-term impacts of these actions on students and colleges? What should reporters know about this issue, and how can they best source stories?
Who has sway in how college administrators make decisions — beyond governing board members? Who’s in the room for discussions about the Trump administration’s actions and other pressing issues, including institutional neutrality and sexual misconduct? How does that change depending on whether a school is private,public, regional or a community college? Consultants and experts discuss how college leaders come to agreements and what reporters should know as they cover institutional decisions.
The federal government gives $1 billion a year to public and private colleges it designates as minority-serving institutions. The program’s fate may be tied to a recent lawsuit filed by the state of Tennessee and the anti-affirmative action group Students for Fair Admissions. Although the lawsuit targets Hispanic-serving institutions, arguing that funding schools based on student ethnicity is unconstitutional, a successful challenge could affect other MSIs. Experts discuss MSIs and constitutional law, then meet with journalists for in-depth conversations.
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