The U.S. Department of Education is planning to 'harmonize' accountability metrics across federal programs, pushing institutions to align stronger evidence on student outcomes and governance. Department officials say the change aims to create a level playing field; critics warn rushed metric shifts could leave vulnerable students behind and create new compliance burdens for colleges. Accreditation experts and AGB consultants are already hosting sessions on accreditation changes, advising boards to reframe reaccreditation as strategic opportunity rather than paperwork. Webinars this season are emphasizing board oversight of student learning outcomes, financial sustainability, and transparency obligations. Institutions should expect accreditors and federal agencies to demand clearer evidence of impact and governance engagement; many boards will need to strengthen annual evidence reviews and committee workplans to meet new expectations. Practical note: 'Harmonize' means aligning disparate performance indicators into consistent federal measures — institutions should inventory data systems and gap areas now to avoid rushed fixes later.