Federal Court Extends ACTS Deadlines for Additional Institutions to April 24
A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a new temporary restraining order (TRO) on April 13, 2026, further extending the ACTS reporting deadline to April 24, 2026, for a defined group of plaintiff-intervenors and their constituent institutions.
This updated order applies to:
- Association of American Universities (AAU) member institutions
- Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) member institutions
- Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges
- Maine Independent Colleges Association
- North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
- Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Previously named independent institutions, including Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Middlebury, Sarah Lawrence, Swarthmore, and Vassar
In addition to extending the deadline, the court has restrained the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing prior ACTS reporting deadlines of March 18, March 31, or April 8 against these institutions while the case proceeds.
Separately, the preliminary injunction previously granted to the 17 plaintiff states and their constituent public institutions remains in effect, pausing enforcement of ACTS requirements for those institutions during ongoing legal proceedings.
As a result, ACTS reporting timelines now vary significantly depending on institutional affiliation and legal status. Institutions are encouraged to closely monitor developments and coordinate with institutional leadership and legal counsel to determine their specific obligations.
AIR recognizes the continued strain this evolving situation places on institutional research and data professionals. Many teams are navigating shifting requirements while balancing broader responsibilities that support student success and institutional effectiveness. The professionalism and persistence of the community during this period remain critical and deeply appreciated.
AIR will continue to share updates and provide resources to support institutions as more information becomes available.