UVA Rejects Federal Education Compact Invitation
The University of Virginia (UVA) has declined an invitation from the U.S. Department of Education to join the proposed Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. Interim President Paul Mahoney made this announcement on Friday.
Details of the Federal Education Compact
The compact aimed to provide various public and private institutions with enhanced access to research grants and additional benefits. In return, participating schools would have to adopt specific approaches regarding admissions practices, tuition, foreign enrollment, and more.
UVA’s Response to the Invitation
In a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Mahoney expressed that while there are many agreeances between UVA’s values and those cited in the compact, the University does not seek “no special treatment” for its foundational goals. He emphasized that the integrity of academic work necessitates a merit-based evaluation of research and scholarship.
- UVA supported open dialogue with the federal government.
- Mahoney highlighted challenges in higher education that need addressing.
- The compact was initially offered to nine institutions.
Commitment to Higher Education Values
Mahoney acknowledged that tying research funding to a contractual arrangement, as proposed in the compact, was not aligned with UVA’s principles. He underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing the issues within higher education.
In a separate communication to the UVA community, he expressed gratitude to those who shared their opinions on the compact. Mahoney reiterated the University’s commitment to:
- Strengthening free expression and inquiry
- Protecting academic freedom
- Ensuring affordability
- Promoting intellectual pluralism
- Maintaining institutional neutrality
UVA’s decision not to participate reflects its dedication to upholding academic integrity and navigating the challenges in the current educational landscape. The University aims to engage in constructive dialogues to create sustainable solutions for the future of higher education.
