In January 2025, the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) joined a coalition of higher education associations in signing a letter led by the American Council on Education (ACE) to the U.S. Department of Education. The letter requests an extension of key reporting deadlines related to the new Financial Value Transparency (FVT) and Gainful Employment (GE) regulations.

The letter, sent on behalf of nearly 40 organizations, urges the Department to move the July 31, 2025, reporting deadline to December 31, 2025. The signatories cite the extensive scope and complexity of the new data reporting requirements, and the challenges many institutions face in collecting, validating, and submitting the necessary information within the current timeframe.

As the leading voice for professionals in institutional research and data-informed decision-making, AIR supports the intent of the FVT and GE rules to increase transparency and protect students. At the same time, AIR recognizes the operational realities institutions face in implementing large-scale reporting changes and supports the call for a realistic timeline that ensures both compliance and data quality.

By signing this letter, AIR reaffirms its commitment to helping institutions build and maintain strong data capabilities—while also advocating for practical implementation strategies that allow for accuracy, integrity, and effectiveness in reporting.

Read the full letter here.