Can They Do That? The White House's Higher Ed Compact and Shutdown Fallout

The Trump administration's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence" lands on nine campuses with vague perks and 23 demands, including tuition freezes, international caps, and "viewpoint diversity" audits. Hosts Mushtaq Gunja, Jon Fansmith, and Sarah Spreitzer ask can they do that?—then discuss the shutdown's real impacts, week one of negotiated rulemaking, the stalled $100,000 H-1B fee, and a Dear Colleague reminder on federal funds and lobbying.  Here are some of the links and resources from this week's show:  Economic Indicator Tool  The Economic Impact of Higher Education in America  The Trump Administration's Higher Education Compact  Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education  White House   White House Calls for Institutions to Sign Compact With Federal Government   ACE | Oct. 3, 2025  Trump's Proposed 'Compact' Asks Colleges to Show They're 'Pursuing Federal Priorities'  The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025  OPINION: Trump's 'Compact' With Universities Is Just Extortion  The New York Times (sub. req.) | Oct. 2, 2025  Higher Ed Sounds Off on Proposed Compact  Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 6, 2025  Government Shutdown and Higher Ed  Government Shutdown Could Set Off Uncertainty for Research, Oversight, Some Student Benefits and Services   ACE | Sept. 30, 2025  From the Department of Education   Negotiated Rulemaking for Higher Education 2025  Reminder Regarding Prohibited Use of Federal Grants Funds for Lobbying and Allowable Membership Costs  What Would a Shutdown Mean for Rule Making?  Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 29, 2025