Federal Friday
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Launches Comprehensive, Nationwide Federal Student Aid Fraud Prevention Effort
- Department of Education: Secretary McMahon Testifies on President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Initiates Investigation into Stanford for Allegedly Discriminating Against Students on the Basis of Race
- Department of Education: Task Force Publishes Report on Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias and Restoring Religious Liberty
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Finalizes Landmark Rule to Lower College Costs and Simplify Student Loan Repayment
Reimagining and Improving Student Education: Federal Student Loan Program
On May 1, the Department of Education issued the final rule stemming from the Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) negotiated rulemaking committee. The final rule is effective July 1, 2026, and implements many of the student loan components of H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The final rule is available at the following link:
The Department of Education also issued a press release on the final rule, which includes additional information for review.
Political Activity Guidance Reminder
As a reminder, as uncertainty continues around the federal landscape, Universities of Wisconsin employees should be mindful of political activity and public advocacy guidelines.
Activities such as sharing a petition or contacting a legislator for political purposes using your university email address or state resources to engage in political campaign activities at any time or engaging in political activities during work time are prohibited.
In your capacity as private citizens, on non-work time, and without use of university resources (including the use of university email addresses) employees may circulate or sign a petition or letter of support advocating for public policy or a political candidate. However, if using your name and official title, it should be made clear that an individual’s endorsement indicates neither support nor endorsement by the university of a particular policy position or candidate, and that you are acting solely in your role as a private citizen.
For more information, you can read the Guidance on Political Activities Frequently Asked Questions document. Importantly, these FAQs should be treated as general guidelines and not legal advice.
Please direct specific questions regarding political campaign issues to the Office of General Counsel or your university’s Office of Legal Affairs.