Donald Trump Offers UT Austin Funding Under Political Compact

President Donald Trump's (R) administration is offering the University of Texas access to increased federal funding under the agreement that the University will put in place a set of conservative political priorities.

The offer is part of a new initiative called the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which was recently sent to nine major universities, including the University of Texas at Austin.

Under the proposed compact, universities would agree to enforce federal definitions of gender, apply those definitions to student facilities and sports, and eliminate the consideration of race and gender in admissions decisions.

The agreement would also require a return to mandatory SAT or ACT testing for undergraduate applicants and stricter rules around campus speech and student discipline.

There will also be a 15% acceptance cap placed on international undergraduate students.

In return, the university could receive "substantial and meaningful federal grants" and increased indirect cost payments. That would consist of additional funds to support research and operational infrastructure.

Kevin Eltife, chair of the University of Texas Board of Regents, said the system is "honored" that UT Austin was chosen and is open to the potential advantages.

"We welcome the new opportunity presented to us and we look forward to working with the Trump Administration on it," Eltife said in a statement.

The move highlights a shift in strategy by the Trump Administration, as the administration pushes for conservative reforms on college campuses nationwide.