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ACTA in the NewsCivic Education
A reason for optimism this Memorial Day
The Washington Times | May 21, 2026 by Scott Walker
Near my home in Wisconsin is a yellow barn with a smiling face painted on it. I drive past it often,…
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A Broadside for the Nation
April 21, 2026
In this Broadside for the Nation, we explain in detail why American higher education must restore this foundational requirement for college graduates to know the American story, what such a course might include, and, crucially, how to make this vision a reality.
Civic Education
Educating for a More Perfect Union
The American Council of Trustees and Alumni and the Museum of the American Revolution celebrated our nation’s 250th anniversary year with an evening panel discussion on how to reinvigorate history and civics education in American college and university classrooms and across the public history sector.
PROMOTING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Baylor University among nation’s best for core education, study finds
Chron. | May 21, 2026 by Molly Wilhelm
As many in Texas and nationwide warn of the ‘death’ of academic freedom, Baylor University appears to have avoided that fate—at least according to this new study. This month, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA)—a higher-education advocacy nonprofit—gave Baylor University’s core curriculum requirements an ‘A’ rating for 2026. In an analysis of more than 1,100 American […]
Baylor University among nation’s best for core education, study finds
A Broadside for the Nation
ACTA’s A Broadside for the Nation: Preparing College Students for Informed Citizenship convenes 24 historians and education leaders who argue that America’s 250th anniversary demands a renewal of civic education. The report urges colleges to require every student to complete a semester-long course on the American story.
Download PDFDEFENDING ACADEMIC FREEDOm
Getting an A at Harvard will be tougher starting in 2027
The College Fix | May 21, 2026 by Micaiah Bilger
Two thirds of faculty vote to approve cap on A grades for undergrads Harvard University faculty gave an emphatic “yes” to capping A grades in a vote Wednesday amid concerns about grade inflation and academic rigor at the prestigious institution. Approximately 70 percent voted to approve the 20-percent cap on As in undergraduate courses, The Crimson, […]
Getting an A at Harvard will be tougher starting in 2027ACTA in the NewsIntellectual Diversity
Kent State professors cautious in the classroom following SB1
Signal Akron | May 18, 2026 by Joe Malbin and Lauren Cohen
When Kent State University President Todd Diacon addressed the Faculty Senate at its March 16 meeting, he said professors aren’t the…
University of Maryland–College Park Report Card
May 12, 2026
ACTA’s Campus Freedom Initiative™ (CFI) has evaluated universities in several states against our Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression™,…
ACTA Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression
ACTA now provides a blueprint to help higher education regain and live by this core principle. The ACTA Gold Standard for Freedom of Expression™ provides clear guidance for institutions to create a culture of free thought on their campuses.
Download PDFENSURING ACCOUNTABILITY
MSU’s new loyalty rules, special meeting raise speech concerns among experts
The Detroit News | May 19, 2026 by Sarah Atwood
A measure passed late Sunday by the Michigan State University board limiting when and how statewide elected trustees can dissent after a board resolution gets approved is “fairly overreaching” and “concerning” to several higher education experts. And MSU’s near doubling of President Kevin Guskiewicz’s salary also prompted the Faculty Senate’s leader on Monday to express “grave concerns.” […]
MSU’s new loyalty rules, special meeting raise speech concerns among expertsACTA in the NewsDepartment of Education
Quality education needs an act of Congress
Washington Examiner | May 18, 2026 by Emily Rounds and Kyle Beltramini
This week, higher education experts are meeting in Washington to update regulations about accreditation — the quality assurance process that oversees $110 billion…
Institutions Prepare for New Accreditation Regulations
Inside Higher Ed | May 18, 2026 by Jessica Blake
As the Department of Education heads into its second week of negotiations over accreditation policies, the proposed regulations remain largely…
Governance for a New Era
Governance for a New Era is a blueprint for higher education governance. Signatories to the statement, a diverse group of 22 distinguished national leaders dedicated to ensuring America’s colleges and universities shed 20th century thinking and successfully meet 21st century challenges.
Download PDFIN THE
NEWS
ACTA in the NewsCore Curriculum
Baylor University among nation’s best for core education, study finds
Chron. | May 21, 2026 by Molly Wilhelm
As many in Texas and nationwide warn of the ‘death’ of academic freedom, Baylor University appears to have avoided that fate—at least according to this new study. This month, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA)—a higher-education advocacy nonprofit—gave Baylor Universit…
ACTA in the NewsCivic Education
A reason for optimism this Memorial Day
The Washington Times | May 21, 2026 by Scott Walker
Near my home in Wisconsin is a yellow barn with a smiling face painted on it. I drive past it often, and it reminds me to be optimistic. Despite recent studies, I am still upbeat about America — particularly as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great republic. Don’t get me wrong; there is…
ACTA in the NewsGrade Inflation
Harvard caps A’s at 20% of students to curb rampant grade inflation
The Washington Times | May 21, 2026 by Sean Salai
Harvard University will cap A grades at 1 out of 5 undergraduates next year in an effort to tame runaway grade inflation. Faculty members voted 458-201 on Wednesday to approve the grade cap. It will limit A’s to 20% of students in each course starting in fall 2027, with room for up to four more […
ACTA in the NewsGrade Inflation
Getting an A at Harvard will be tougher starting in 2027
The College Fix | May 21, 2026 by Micaiah Bilger
Two thirds of faculty vote to approve cap on A grades for undergrads Harvard University faculty gave an emphatic “yes” to capping A grades in a vote Wednesday amid concerns about grade inflation and academic rigor at the prestigious institution. Approximately 70 percent voted to approve the 20-pe…
HOW ACTA IS SUCCEEDING
370
institutions have been counseled by ACTA on matters of cost effectiveness, financial governance, and institutional spending. See ACTA’s one-of-a-kind higher education financial analysis tool: HowCollegesSpendMoney.com.
146
institutions and systems representing nearly four million students, encouraged by ACTA, reaffirmed their commitment to free speech on campus by adopting the Chicago Principles on Freedom of Expression or a policy of institutional neutrality.
256
institutions have improved their core curriculum requirements based on ACTA’s annual What Will They Learn?® initiative. Visit WhatWillTheyLearn.com
26,500+
students from 140 institutions have engaged in 660 civil discourse debates, dialogues, and workshops through ACTA’s college debates program partnership with Braver Angels and Bridge USA.
795
news outlets in 2025 covered ACTA’s nationwide impact on academic excellence, academic freedom, and accountability in higher education.
275
million dollars in gifts to higher education have been guided through ACTA’s Fund for Academic Renewal. Visit AcademicRenewal.org.
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Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
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