Columbia University has provided its “initial set of information” to the U.S. federal government, marking a significant step in complying with a $221 million agreement signed earlier this year with the Department of Education.
This submission meets two key October deadlines outlined in the July 23 settlement. The agreement was established to restore nearly $400 million in previously suspended federal funding and address violations related to Title VI. As part of this comprehensive deal, Columbia is now required to issue public semi-annual progress reports, provide detailed admissions data, and develop new training programs aimed at reinforcing campus norms and values.
Admissions Data and Compliance Monitoring
The agreement specifically mandates Columbia to submit extensive admissions data to Bart Schwartz, an independent monitor overseeing the university’s compliance. This data must meticulously detail both rejected and admitted students, categorized by race, color, GPA, and standardized test scores.
Furthermore, by October 1, the university was required to provide “training materials to socialize all students to campus norms and values more broadly.” A Columbia spokesperson confirmed the university would issue “regular public reports on its progress,” though specific dates for these reports were not provided.
Leadership and Oversight
Jim Glover, the senior associate dean for academic administration at the Climate School, has been appointed as the resolution administrator and vice provost. In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the July agreement, assuming the position in November, and will submit regular progress updates to Schwartz.
During a University Senate plenary on October 3, acting University President Claire Shipman announced that the settlement has already led to the reimbursement of “almost 99 percent” of the research grants that had been affected.
Shifts in International Enrollment
The federal agreement also includes a directive for Columbia to “examine its business model and take steps to decrease financial dependence on international student enrollment.” Data from the International Students and Scholars Office indicates that international students constituted 38 percent of the total student population in the fall of 2024.
During a Senate plenary on October 24, Shipman noted a concerning trend of declining international student applications, attributing it to families’ apprehension regarding the current political climate. She assured that the university is “watching the trend very closely.”
In response to the agreement, Columbia Law School has introduced a new mandatory essay question for international applicants to its fall 2026 JD program, requiring them to articulate their reasons for wishing to study in the United States. Columbia College plans to implement a similar question in its upcoming admissions cycle.
Broader Implications
Columbia’s recent settlement underscores a growing federal emphasis on transparency and accountability within higher education, particularly concerning Title VI and nondiscrimination policies. The university’s commitment to issuing public reports and reevaluating its admissions model could set a precedent, potentially influencing how other U.S. institutions navigate diversity, equity, and compliance under increasing federal oversight.