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CSU adopts federal priorities for 2025—26 and prepares for a contentious Washington landscape
Summary
The Committee approved a two-year federal agenda that emphasizes Title IV funding, minority-serving institution support, workforce alignment and campus safety as the new Congress and administration shift federal priorities.
The Committee on Governmental Relations approved a two-year federal agenda that will guide the California State University's advocacy in Washington for 2025 and 2026, emphasizing federal student aid, support for minority-serving institutions, workforce development and campus health and safety.
The agenda, presented by Vice Chancellor Greg Sachs and Assistant Vice Chancellor Jeff Cullen, was developed after canvassing campuses and a multi-campus working group; staff said the proposal incorporated more than 40 suggestions from 11 universities and was vetted by the Chancellor's Council and presidents.
Context from Washington: Cullen and Sachs framed the priorities against a shifting federal landscape after the 119th Congress convened and a new presidential administration took office. Cullen told trustees the unified control of the Republican party in Washington increases pressure for federal spending cuts and policy changes, but narrow margins in Congress and Senate rules make sweeping moves difficult. He also warned the administration and Congress could pursue changes affecting higher education, including actions on Title IX, DEI programs and immigration-related enforcement.
Policy priorities: The proposed federal priorities spotlighted Title IV funding and student financial aid, workforce pipeline programs such as TRIO and GEAR UP, federal support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and federal funding to support campus safety, health and wellness. Cullen said the CSU will also seek partnerships with nongovernmental entities, industry and alumni to amplify advocacy.
Why CSU needs a Washington presence: Trustees and staff discussed the value of a robust Office of Federal Relations to translate federal developments into actionable guidance for 23 campuses, coordinate messaging across associations and campus offices, and cultivate third-party advocates. Staff described the office as an organizer that distills complex federal action into campus-level priorities and provides material campuses can use when meeting with members of Congress in their districts.
Vote and outcome: The committee moved and seconded approval of the federal priorities. In roll-call voting, the motion passed with all recorded voting members indicating yes. Staff said the Office of Federal Relations will implement the agenda through proactive advocacy, campus outreach and partnerships.
Ending: Trustees welcomed new federal relations staff and asked the chancellor's office to continue translating policy into campus-facing materials and to deepen engagement both in Washington and in congressional districts to show the CSU's scale and impact.
