Accreditors and higher‑education leaders enter 2026 facing new federal scrutiny as the Department of Education moves to 'harmonize' accountability metrics and accrediting practices. AGB and other consultants are advising boards on responding to tightened expectations; webinars and guidance are framing reaccreditation as both compliance and strategic work. Institutions should note the ED effort aims to standardize outcome measures across programs—an action that could shift reporting burdens and affect how trustees engage with student‑success data.