Congress has dawdled for a decade. That's long enough.

High schools are adopting new, sophisticated assessments. Educators see in these projects a way to change college admissions as well, yielding more diverse classes.

Student aid won't face immediate impact, but civil rights investigations are likely to halt. Research agencies are unlikely to review and act on grant proposals.

Lou Anna K. Simon has faced increased scrutiny as women speak about being abused by Larry Nassar, a former university physician who was convicted on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct. 

College presidents must be collaborative, adaptable, and willing to share power to guide their institutions to success in the 21st century.