The SORT — June 17: States Rewrite the College Syllabus
State capitals are mandating what public-college students must study to graduate, and a 105-year-old Michigan university shuts its doors in 14 days.
GOP State Lawmakers Are Mandating Civics and History in College Gen Ed
Red-state legislatures are rewriting what public-college students must take to graduate. Iowa's legislature passed bills this session requiring U.S. history and government in core requirements; Florida removed sociology from its approved general-education course list for 2026-27; and Arizona added a new three-unit civics course requirement for fall 2026. An Inside Higher Ed analysis published June 16 documents how the trend is spreading nationally, driven by GOP-controlled statehouses. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni's 2026 "What Will They Learn?" report found only 19.4% of four-year colleges currently require a U.S. history or government course to graduate.
Why it matters: Students at public colleges in states passing gen-ed laws should check whether new required courses affect which credits count toward graduation and how long their degree takes.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
Siena Heights University Closes Permanently June 30 — 14 Days Away
Siena Heights University, a 105-year-old Catholic institution in Adrian, Michigan, will permanently close on June 30, 2026. The school announced in summer 2025 that enrollment declines and financial pressure made continued operation unsustainable; approximately 1,800 students were enrolled at the time. Grand Valley State University, Adrian College, and other Michigan schools have established guaranteed transfer pathways. Students and alumni who have not yet requested official transcripts should contact the university immediately, as it will cease all operations at month's end.
Why it matters: Federal student loans tied to a closing institution may qualify for a Closed School Loan Discharge — affected students should review StudentAid.gov for eligibility and deadlines.
Source: Siena Heights University
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