Columbia University submits initial data to federal monitor under Title VI compliance deal

Columbia University has submitted its first set of data to the US Department of Education as part of a $221 million agreement aimed at resolving Title VI violations and reinstating nearly $400 million in suspended federal funding, according to the Columbia Spectator.

The university met two October submission deadlines outlined in the July 23 settlement, which requires Columbia to release public progress reports twice a year, provide detailed admissions data, and introduce new training programs to strengthen campus norms and values.

As per the agreement, Columbia must share admissions data with Bart Schwartz, the independent monitor appointed to oversee compliance.

The data includes information on both admitted and rejected applicants, categorized by race, color, GPA, and standardized test scores.

Additionally, the university is required to provide “training materials to socialize all students to campus norms and values more broadly” by Oct 1.

A university spokesperson told Columbia Spectator that Columbia “will provide regular public reports on its progress” but did not specify when these reports would be released.

Jim Glover, senior associate dean for academic administration at Columbia’s Climate School, has been appointed as the resolution administrator and vice provost to oversee implementation of the settlement.

Glover will officially assume the role in November and submit ongoing progress updates to Schwartz.

During a University Senate plenary on Oct 3, acting University President Claire Shipman said the agreement had already resulted in the reimbursement of “almost 99%” of affected research grants.

The settlement also calls for Columbia to reduce its financial reliance on international student enrollment.

International students made up 38% of the university’s population in fall 2024, according to data from the International Students and Scholars Office cited by Columbia Spectator.

At another Senate plenary on Oct 24, Shipman acknowledged that international applications were declining.

“Many families are concerned about the political climate,” she said, noting that the university is “watching the trend very closely.”

In line with the agreement, Columbia Law School has introduced a new essay requirement for international applicants to the fall 2026 JD program, asking them to explain why they want to study in the United States. Columbia College plans to include a similar question in its next admissions cycle.

The settlement underscores an increasing federal focus on transparency, equity, and compliance in higher education.

By mandating detailed public reporting and revised admissions practices, Columbia’s case could set a precedent for how other US universities manage diversity, nondiscrimination, and federal accountability moving forward.