Recent federal budget agreements and emerging regulatory changes could be consequential for student and institutions of higher education. New policies enacted in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and from the White House are reshaping the student aid and research landscape. The session will explore the legislative and regulatory shifts, the advocacy environment for higher education, and help attendees understand the evolving political dynamics influencing higher education priorities.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the impact of the current political environment on higher education
• Identify key areas of advocacy for higher education institutions in 2026
• Consider strategies for responding to the impact of changing regulations

This session explores the establishment and effective administration of a successful institutional loan program in light of the legislative phase-out of GradPLUS and new limits on Parent PLUS. Participants will gain an understanding of the strategic, financial, and operational considerations required to design and sustain a program.

Key Topics and Learning Objectives

• Student Communication: Building clear, ethical, and proactive communication strategies to enhance borrower understanding.
• Program Design & Legal Structure: Selecting the right legal framework and design for your institution.
• Financing Options: Exploring funding mechanisms such as internal capital, endowment funds, external lines of credit, participation with third-party lenders, accessing the capital markets—and the benefits and risks of each approach.
• Underwriting & Origination: Establishing eligibility criteria, credit assessment standards, and transparent application processes.
• Servicing & Risk Management: Managing repayment, delinquency, and default risk while supporting students and alumni.
• Partnerships & Compliance: Evaluating potential banking, origination, and servicing partners, maintaining regulatory compliance, and ensuring institutional accountability.

Amidst the surge of headlines and market chatter, it can be challenging to cut through the noise and grasp what’s really happening in private markets — and what it means specifically for higher education portfolios. 

Mercer’s Matt Vokes, Cori Trautvetter, and Texas Hemmaplardh will explore the investment asset classes that are currently capturing the attention of colleges and universities. Together, they will analyze the key challenges, emerging opportunities, and strategic insights across alternative asset classes such as private equity, private debt, and real estate.

Presented By: 

This event is provided for general informational purposes only. The views expressed in the event are those of the event sponsor and/or individual speakers and not NACUBO. NACUBO does not necessarily endorse any information, views, products, or services discussed in the event.

January 28-30, 2026

CPE Available: Estimated 10 Credits in Accounting and Accounting Governmental

This program is a fantastic introduction for new professionals moving into higher education accounting as well as those individuals seeking to learn more about nonprofit and governmental accounting. This accounting and financial reporting workshop covers net asset classes, restrictions, endowments, investment pool unitization, grants and contributions, capital assets, debt, revenue recognition, expense reporting, and operating activities.

Attendees receive a thorough explanation of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) guidance relevant to higher education institutions. There is emphasis placed on preparing and understanding the financial statements as well as all external higher education reporting requirements. Concurrent operating and campus process panels allow faculty and attendees to focus on the public and not-for-profit/private sectors of higher education.