New Report: The Trust Agenda: A Framework for Advancing Public Trust in Higher Education

Posted by American Association of Colleges and Universities on June 23, 2026

The Trust Agenda presents a framework for leaders of colleges and universities to advance public trust in higher education and strengthen the social contract between campuses and the communities they serve.

Colleges and universities face a moment of crisis, with their missions, funding, and operations under threat. At the same time, US public opinion surveys show that support for higher education is at historic lows. The Trust Agenda outlines a response to these challenges that can build public trust, make campuses more trustworthy, and enable colleges and universities to defend their missions successfully.

The report’s recommendations include a combination of internal reforms, external communications, and collaborative defense strategies. The unifying theme of The Trust Agenda is a need for increased and meaningful connection in higher education—between campuses and their communities; among faculty, staff, students, and administrators; across institutions; and with society as a whole.

The report outlines five recommendations for advancing public trust in higher education:

• Accelerate Innovation by breaking down barriers to institutional change and improvement.
• Prioritize Community Engagement through mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities.
• Recommit to Inclusive Excellence by ensuring all students feel welcomed and supported.
• Tell a Clearer Story about higher education’s role in promoting opportunity, economic mobility, and the advancement of knowledge.
• Coordinate a Mission-Centered Defense of academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

Learn more and download the report.