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Karin Fischer

@karinfischer.bsky.social
520 followers 23 following 329 posts

Write. Run. Eat. Drink. Travel. Root for the Nats! The only Newfie you know. Reporting on international ed and the economic, cultural, and political divides around American colleges.

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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Vice president JD Vance says the Trump administration thinks nine universities "merit an investigation," presumably over OPT, the work program for recent international graduates of U.S. colleges. It's an interesting mix of institutions.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Here's a link to @chronicle.com coverage: www.chronicle.com/liveblog/her...
chronicle.com
Colleges Would Have to Pay $70k for Each Recent Graduate on OPT Under Trump Proposal
For many international students, gaining American work experience along with their degree — through OPT, or optional practical training — is seen as an integral part of their education.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
🚨 NEWS: Trump administration wants to sharply increase fees for participating in optional practical training, the work program for recent international graduates. There would be a $70,000 fee for an initial OPT apps and $30,000 for subsequent apps public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-20660.pdf
public-inspection.federalregister.gov
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
NEW: A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from publicly releasing the names and addresses of foreign donors to American colleges. www.chronicle.com/liveblog/her...
chronicle.com
After Research Universities Sue, Judge Blocks Ed. Dept. from Publicizing Foreign Donors
The Association for American Universities argued that the government was overstepping its authority and not following proper administrative procedure by disclosing the names
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The U.S. government is appealing a federal judge's decision to block a sweeping new student-visa rule, putting time limits on foreign students, from going into effect. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
Notice of Appeal – #53 in Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. United States Department of Homeland Security (D. Mass., 1:26-cv-13799) – CourtListener.com
NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 50 Memorandum & ORDER,, by Mullin Markwayne, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, David Venturella. Fee Status: US G...
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
After a summer of speculation, the first hard data on international enrollments is in. The number of students from overseas on American campuses this September is about 8 percent lower than fall of 2025, the second year of declines. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
A Rare Bright Spot for International Enrollments?
Although foreign students at American colleges have declined, more are seeking Ph.Ds.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
I took a look at the issue of international students in college sports in the latest edition of my free weekly newsletter on global education, Latitudes. Read more here: www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Should International Students Play Ball?
Lawmakers say caps on foreign athletes will keep spots on college teams’ rosters for Americans.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Lawmakers want to cap international athletes on college teams, arguing they take spots from Americans. NCAA data show their numbers have increased over the past decade but have fallen for the past two years. Their share of all NCAA participants has held steady, around 5 percent.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Lawmakers say caps on foreign athletes will keep spots on college teams’ rosters for Americans. But is the critique justified? “I want to myth-bust on the notion we’re stealing spots,” an expert said. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Should International Students Play Ball?
Lawmakers say caps on foreign athletes will keep spots on college teams’ rosters for Americans.
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Reposted by Karin Fischer
Chronicle of Higher Education @chronicle.com · 21/09/2026
Higher ed ’s critics in Washington and state capitals seem to be cherrypicking issues at elite institutions to use as cudgels against the entire system, exacerbating the social, cultural, and political divides that hew along educational lines. chroni.cl/4roqVXH
chronicle.com
Higher Ed’s Harvard Problem
An exclusive club of colleges commands the public narrative. Does that come at a cost?
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Reposted by Karin Fischer
Dominique Baker @bakerdphd.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
When Karin reached out to me about this piece, I knew it would be good and it is even better than I expected www.chronicle.com/article/high...
chronicle.com
Higher Ed’s Harvard Problem
An exclusive club of colleges commands the public narrative. Does that come at a cost?
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Reposted by Karin Fischer
Victor Ray @victorerikray.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I'm taking a social media break but popped in to post this @karinfischer.bsky.social article on the problem of elite higher education standing in for all of higher education in the media. With quotes from me and @bakerdphd.bsky.social
chronicle.com
Higher Ed’s Harvard Problem
An exclusive club of colleges commands the public narrative. Does that come at a cost?
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The U.S. Departments of Education and State are opening joint investigations into Duke University and the University of North Dakota over foreign-financial disclosures. www.ed.gov/about/news/p...
ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of State Open Foreign Funding Investigations into Duke University and the University of North Dakota
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of State (State) opened foreign funding investigations.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A judge’s decision blocking a sweeping student-visa rule is a major victory for colleges and international students — but it's only the first skirmish of what's likely to be a lengthy fight. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
After a Court Win, What’s Next for a Challenge to Visa Rules?
Plus, a new report catalogs worldwide attacks on academic freedom.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
When Americans’ trust in college is diminishing, the omnipresence of elite institutions makes it that much more difficult to for the sector to unyoke itself in the public and political consciousness. How does higher education solve a problem like Harvard? www.chronicle.com/article/high...
chronicle.com
Higher Ed’s Harvard Problem
An exclusive club of colleges commands the public narrative. Does that come at a cost?
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
UPDATED to add a link to the ruling granting the preliminary injuction: lnkd.in/gR7eHCqB
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
NEWS: A federal judge has blocked the most sweeping change to student-visa rules in years from going into effect. The rule, which would have kicked in tomorrow, would have strictly limited the amount of time foreign students can stay in the U.S. More to come ...
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
A federal judge expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's justification for a change to student-visa regulations but didn't issue a ruling. www.chronicle.com/liveblog/her...
chronicle.com
Federal Rule Would Revoke Tax-Exempt Status for Colleges With Race-Conscious Policies
The proposed regulations take aim at campus practices in admissions, scholarships, and other areas that encourage diversity.
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Reposted by Karin Fischer
Eric Kelderman @erickelderman.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The rumors are true. @shenandoahkate.bsky.social and I are starting a newsletter! This is for decision makers -- department chair, associate director, or college president, etc. -- and we'll be break down how they manage the tough calls on campus. Sign up here: www.chronicle.com/newsletter/d...
chronicle.com
Decision Points
Decision Points is a knowledge community for the next generation of higher-ed leaders. Delivered every Tuesday.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Subscribe to Latitudes for your weekly fix of global education news and analysis: www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Contending With a Stressful, New Normal
International educators are feeling the strain of a fast-changing environment.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Federal policy changes and other pressures are causing widespread stress among international educators. Four in 10 said they felt “underwater and overwhelmed” in their jobs, while another 55 percent said they were “moving forward, day by day.” Read how they're avoiding burnout 👇
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The Trump administration will exempt colleges and other nonprofits from a proposed $100,000 fee on skilled-worker, or H-1B, visas. Higher education — which uses the visas to hire researchers and other specialized workers — had pushed for the carve-out. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
The Costs of Costly Study Abroad
Findings from a new report. Plus, H-1B, OPT, CPT, oh my!
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Here's my original coverage of the CPT policy change — which the Trump administration maintains is not a change www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Colleges Are Warned About International Students Who Work
The U.S. government sent a message to administrators about curricular practical training, or CPT, that appears to change policy.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The message says explicitly that students can only be approved for the federal program if the internship, co-op, practicum or other work experience is required of *all* students, regardless of citizenship. The more expansive interpretation could make it difficult for most foreign students to qualify
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
NEW: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released follow-up guidance on curricular practical training — but the additional clarification is unlikely to offer much reassurance to colleges or international students. www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis...
ice.gov
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Also worth noting: 58 percent of enrolled degree-seeking international students last year were at the graduate level, which isn’t reflected in Common App data. Undergrad numbers, however, had been finally growing post-pandemic
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Check out what more readers had to say in this week's Latitudes newsletter And thank you to so many of you who took the time out to respond to the survey. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
The Cost of International-Enrollment Declines
New estimates of the economic impact of a drop in foreign students. Plus, readers weigh in on a looming federal rule change.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Six in 10 educators are anxious but preparing for an imminent rule change that will put strict limits on the time foreign students can stay in the U.S. “My blood pressure is sky high — and I feel pretty good about where my office is,” said one
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
NEW: The Dept of Homeland Security is warning that CPT, a federal work program, should only be approved for foreign students in cases "without which they would be unable to complete their degree" — a broader interpretation of regs than made by most colleges www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis...
ice.gov
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Here's the link to this week's Latitudes newsletter www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
The Cost of International-Enrollment Declines
New estimates of the economic impact of a drop in foreign students. Plus, readers weigh in on a looming federal rule change.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
An expected drop in international students this fall could cost the American economy almost $3.5 billion, according to new estimates by @NAFSA. Visa delays, policy changes, and travel restrictions could result in a 9.5 percent enrollment decline. (Link to newsletter in comments 👇)
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
NEW: Thirty U.S. senators have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of State, raising concerns and asking pointed questions about visa delays and appointment unavailability for foreign students. www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/u...
padilla.senate.gov
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
A proposal to charge $100,000 for optional practical training, a federal work program for international graduates of U.S. colleges, could effectively put it out-of-reach to all but the wealthiest students and employers. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
OPT Could Come at a Steep Price
The Trump administration is considering a $10,000 fee for the popular work program. We have questions.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
The clock is ticking down to one of the biggest overhauls to U.S. student visas in years. I want to know how colleges and organizations are coping with the student-visa changes. Please take part in this SHORT SURVEY: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon...
forms.cloud.microsoft
Microsoft Forms
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
NEW: The Trump administration is considering levying a $100K fee on optional practical training, the postgraduate work program for international students. It could discourage students, many of whom want work experience in addition to a degree, from coming to the U.S. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
wsj.com
Exclusive | U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students Wanting to Work After Graduation
The proposed policy would particularly affect Silicon Valley, Wall Street and universities.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
NEW: American consular officers have reportedly refused student-visa applicants because they do not have paperwork that complies with new regulations — even though the rules do not take effect for seven weeks. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Visa Changes Are Coming, but the Headaches Are Here
A mix-up involving student applicants raises questions about how government employees charged with implementation will be trained.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
For years, success in winning competitions for federal research grants was synonymous with a thriving university. Could an institution’s ability to forge private-sector partnerships become the new yardstick? www.chronicle.com/article/cu-b...
chronicle.com
CU Boulder’s $60-Million Pivot
Federal money built this research powerhouse. Can private industry sustain it?
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
This isn't the first census to warn of foreign-language program cuts and enrollment declines. I've been covering this (and much more in global education) in my free weekly newsletter www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
What to Know About Big Changes to Student Visas
Buckle in, and let’s break it down.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Why is language study on the chopping block? Foreign-language majors are the top target for program cuts at American colleges, according to an examination of publicly announced course reductions over the last two years. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
A new rule caps the amount of time international students can stay in the United States. It changes a lot more than that. In this week's Latitudes, some of the less-covered aspects of the regulation that could shape its impact going forward. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
What to Know About Big Changes to Student Visas
Buckle in, and let’s break it down.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
There's more analysis of study abroad data in last week's issue of my global-education newsletter, Latitudes. If international ed interests you, I hope you'll subscribe for free www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Taking Stock of New Education-Abroad Data
Most colleges expect the number of Americans studying overseas to increase or hold steady.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
What keeps Americans from studying abroad? Money.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
More NEWS: The U.S. House overwhelmingly voted to defeat an amendment that would have stripped all funding from the Fulbright Program. The majority of both Ds and Rs voted against eliminating the flagship U.S. educational and cultural exchange program. clerk.house.gov/evs/2026/rol...
clerk.house.gov
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Want to understand more about the biggest change to student-visa regulations in decades? Read more here: www.chronicle.com/article/the-...
chronicle.com
The Obscure Rules Change That Could Drive More Foreign Students Away
International enrollments at U.S. colleges were already hurting. Now for the next blow.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
NEWS: The Trump administration has released long-expected regulations that would put fixed time limits on student visas — a restriction that colleges fear could further depress international interest in studying in the United States www.federalregister.gov/public-inspe...
federalregister.gov
Public Inspection: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Me...
Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
College officials are bullish about more Americans studying abroad, but they don’t expect more funding to get students overseas. Takeaways from a survey on the state of study abroad: www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
Taking Stock of New Education-Abroad Data
Most colleges expect the number of Americans studying overseas to increase or hold steady.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
You can read more takeaways from the survey (and lots of other #globaled news and analysis in Latitudes, my free weekly newsletter www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
For Foreign Enrollments, Not a Pretty Picture
A snapshot survey found that many colleges saw application declines and expect fewer international students to come to campus this fall.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
There has been a remarkable reversal in applications by international students: For the upcoming fall, 59 percent of U.S. colleges said applications from overseas were down. Four years ago, two-thirds of colleges reported an **increase** in apps.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Six in 10 U.S. colleges say international applications decreased for this fall — the inverse of trends from just three years ago. The findings from an Institute of International Education survey — well, they're not great, guys. www.chronicle.com/newsletter/l...
chronicle.com
For Foreign Enrollments, Not a Pretty Picture
A snapshot survey found that many colleges saw application declines and expect fewer international students to come to campus this fall.
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Karin Fischer @karinfischer.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Ah, nothing like a “summer” ballgame in San Francisco. Go Jays!
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