2026

Updates in Higher Education Taxation

Live Webcast Jun 3-4, 2026 $375 Individual

Overview

Join us for UT Law CLE's 2026 Updates in Higher Education Taxation to hear important updates and guidance for college and university tax professionals on federal tax issues and compliance, as well as legislative, judicial, regulatory, and administrative changes affecting colleges and universities. Across two afternoons, attendees will delve into critical updates on federal tax legislation, IRS enforcement trends, and judicial decisions shaping institutional compliance responsibilities. The program offers practical guidance on a wide spectrum of issues, including unrelated business income, executive compensation and §4960 rules, tax‑exempt bond financing, strategic alliances and joint ventures, and the evolving legal and tax considerations surrounding Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) arrangements.

By the end of the program, attendees will be able to:

Identify and evaluate recent legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting tax‑exempt higher‑education institutions.
Explain the new rules and less‑apparent compliance implications of OB3 affecting colleges and universities.
Identify compliance obligations, risk points, and reporting considerations associated with NIL activities.
Assess how forthcoming changes may affect institutional planning, operations, and compliance.
Develop strategies to address areas commonly targeted in IRS enforcement.

The 2026 Updates in Higher Education Taxation will serve in place of the annual Higher Education Taxation Institute (HETI). HETI will return as a live, in-person program in June 2027

Event Schedule

Program is subject to change.
All times are Central Time Zone.

Day 1 June 3, 2026
Day 2 June 4, 2026

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Wednesday Afternoon, June 3, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Jodi R. Kessler, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA
12:30 pm

Welcoming Remarks
12:40 pm

1.25 hrs

Recent Developments in College and University Tax Law

Review recent tax law developments that affect the higher education community, such as Congressional legislation, IRS enforcement measures and pronouncements as well as judicial decisions. Discuss the impact on prevalent tax issues, including unrelated business taxable income, compensation and fringe benefits, charitable contributions, international activities, endowments, and reporting requirements.

Benjamin A. Davidson, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC
Edward J. Jennings, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

Benjamin A. Davidson, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Chapel Hill, NC
Edward J. Jennings, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI
1:55 pm

5-Minute Break
2:00 pm

0.75 hr

OB3 Sleeper Provisions

In this presentation, the panel walks through the new rules and requirements in OB3 and the less-evident ways they may impact colleges and universities.

Shy Joseph, KPMG LLP - Boston, MA
Eric Pinsoneault, Smith College - Northampton, MA
Steven Shaw, Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Shy Joseph, KPMG LLP - Boston, MA
Eric Pinsoneault, Smith College - Northampton, MA
Steven Shaw, Harvard University - Cambridge, MA
2:45 pm

5-Minute Break
2:50 pm

1.00 hr

Name, Image, Likeness Updates

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) continues to reshape the legal, tax, and financial landscape of college athletics. This session provides a practical and timely update on NIL developments as they stand in 2026, with a focus on tax treatment, compliance obligations, and emerging institutional risks.

Joel Levenson, University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
TaRonda Randall, Husch Blackwell LLP - Kansas City, MO

Joel Levenson, University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
TaRonda Randall, Husch Blackwell LLP - Kansas City, MO
3:50 pm

5-Minute Break
3:55 pm

1.00 hr

A New Landscape of Strategic Alliances: Structuring Transactions with Donors, Faculty, and Commercial Partners

This session uses case studies to examine how universities can structure transactions with donors, faculty, and commercial partners, with an emphasis on tax law compliance and the practical implications of alternative structures. Using real-world scenarios, compare choices among structuring alternatives and discuss protections universities can, and should, build into these arrangements. Topics include preserving tax-exempt status, avoiding private benefit and inurement, managing unrelated business taxable income, navigating the IRS joint venture rules, ensuring compliance with tax-exempt bonds, and IRS Form 990 reporting.

Edward J. Jennings, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI
Erica McReynolds, PwC - Philadelphia, PA
Kendi Ozmon, Ropes & Gray LLP - Boston, MA

Edward J. Jennings, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI
Erica McReynolds, PwC - Philadelphia, PA
Kendi Ozmon, Ropes & Gray LLP - Boston, MA
4:55 pm

Adjourn

Time

Credit

Subject

Speaker
Thursday Afternoon, June 4, 2026
Presiding Officer:
Kyle R. ZumBerge, The University of Texas - Tax Services - Austin, TX
12:35 pm

Welcome Back
12:40 pm

1.00 hr

Legislative and Policy Updates Impacting Higher Education Taxation

Hear a timely and insightful discussion exploring key legislative developments—both proposed and recently enacted—that are shaping the taxation landscape for higher education institutions in the year ahead.

Richard A. Grafmeyer, Capitol Tax Partners - Washington, DC
Alexander L. Reid, Baker & Hostetler LLP - Washington, DC

Richard A. Grafmeyer, Capitol Tax Partners - Washington, DC
Alexander L. Reid, Baker & Hostetler LLP - Washington, DC
1:40 pm

5-Minute Break
1:45 pm

0.50 hr

Bond Issuance Preparedness: New Money and Refundings Done Right

As interest rates and market dynamics continue to shift, issuers and borrowers of tax-exempt bonds must be proactive and strategic in preparing for upcoming financings, whether for new money or refunding. This session offers a practical overview of key considerations and essential documentation for a successful bond issuance. Topics include the importance of accurate arbitrage rebate and private business use calculations for refundings, strategies for planning and timing capital projects, best practices for reimbursement resolutions, and guidance on permitted investments to ensure compliance and flexibility.

Alan Bond, BLX Group - New York, NY
Cathleen Chang, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP - Houston, TX
Christopher Pings, University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ

Alan Bond, BLX Group - New York, NY
Cathleen Chang, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP - Houston, TX
Christopher Pings, University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ
2:15 pm

5-Minute Break
2:20 pm

0.75 hr

UBI Basics (Jeopardy Edition)

This interactive session provides a practical, foundational overview of Unrelated Business Income (UBI) and Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) as they apply to higher education institutions. Using a Jeopardy-style format, participants will test and build their knowledge of core concepts such as the statutory framework, the three-part UBI test, common university revenue streams, key exceptions and exclusions, and Form 990-T fundamentals.

Susan P. Clark, Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Andrew J. Gray, Forvis Mazars - Dallas, TX
Rebecca Menin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA

Susan P. Clark, Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Andrew J. Gray, Forvis Mazars - Dallas, TX
Rebecca Menin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA
3:05 pm

5-Minute Break
3:10 pm

0.75 hr

UBI (Advanced)

This advanced session builds on the foundational overview to examine complex UBIT issues facing higher education institutions, including expense allocation methodologies, expense substantiation, and high-risk technical areas that frequently draw scrutiny. Through practical case studies and discussion of planning considerations, this presentation explores sophisticated compliance challenges and strategic approaches that institutions are confronting in today’s enforcement environment.

Amy S. Bellanca, Crowe LLP - Plano, TX
Jackie Daniels, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA
Matthew Shade, Penn State University - University Park, PA

Amy S. Bellanca, Crowe LLP - Plano, TX
Jackie Daniels, Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Cambridge, MA
Matthew Shade, Penn State University - University Park, PA
3:55 pm

5-Minute Break
4:00 pm

1.00 hr
Executive Contracts and 4960 Rules
In negotiating executive compensation agreements for tax-exempt entity executives, this presentation discusses some tax issues that may not come up in for-profit entities, including:
- Most longer-term retirement, reward, or retention programs;
- Executive fringe benefits (housing, cars, tuition-free benefits for family members, life insurance, post-retirement health, country clubs, spousal travel, board travel, security, etc.);
- A possible future separation agreement.
In negotiating a compensation package, an entity needs to keep an eye on how these benefits and payments will “play together” under section 4960 (and for W-2 timing). This may include charting expected increases in pay, the value of benefits, and separation agreements, along with the possible use of various substantial risks of forfeiture structures to help balance the entity’s need for retention and incentives and the executive’s need to generally feel secure and rewarded.
Susan P. Clark, Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Karen Field, RSM US LLP - Washington, DC
Joel Levenson, University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
Donald Neal Jr., University of Nebraska System - Lincoln, NE
Susan P. Clark, Emory University - Atlanta, GA
Karen Field, RSM US LLP - Washington, DC
Joel Levenson, University of Central Florida - Orlando, FL
Donald Neal Jr., University of Nebraska System - Lincoln, NE
5:00 pm

Adjourn

Day 1 June 3, 2026
Day 2 June 4, 2026

Download Schedule

Conference Faculty

Amy S. Bellanca

Crowe LLP
Plano, TX

Alan Bond

BLX Group
New York, NY

Cathleen Chang

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Houston, TX

Susan P. Clark

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Jackie Daniels

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

Benjamin A. Davidson

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Karen Field

RSM US LLP
Washington, DC

Richard A. Grafmeyer

Capitol Tax Partners
Washington, DC

Andrew J. Gray

Forvis Mazars
Dallas, TX

Edward J. Jennings

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Shy Joseph

KPMG LLP
Boston, MA

Joel Levenson

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

Erica McReynolds

PwC
Philadelphia, PA

Rebecca Menin

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

Donald Neal Jr.

University of Nebraska System
Lincoln, NE

Kendi Ozmon

Ropes & Gray LLP
Boston, MA

Christopher Pings

University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ

Eric Pinsoneault

Smith College
Northampton, MA

TaRonda Randall

Husch Blackwell LLP
Kansas City, MO

Alexander L. Reid

Baker & Hostetler LLP
Washington, DC

Matthew Shade

Penn State University
University Park, PA

Steven Shaw

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Planning Committee

Brittany Cvetanovich—Co-Chair

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

Jodi R. Kessler—Co-Chair

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA

April Stephens Rogers—Director

The University of Texas School of Law
Austin, TX

Amy S. Bellanca

Crowe LLP
Plano, TX

Alan Bond

BLX Group
New York, NY

Susan P. Clark

Emory University
Atlanta, GA

Benjamin A. Davidson

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Robert W. Friz

PwC
Philadelphia, PA

Andrew J. Gray

Forvis Mazars
Dallas, TX

Edward J. Jennings

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Artemis Velahos Koch

University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Bob Lammey

Ernst & Young LLP
Boston, MA

Joel Levenson

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL

Ruth M. Madrigal

KPMG LLP
Washington, DC

Alexandra O. Mitchell

Holland & Knight LLP
Seattle, WA

Kendi Ozmon

Ropes & Gray LLP
Boston, MA

Preston J. Quesenberry

KPMG LLP
Washington, DC

Sean P. Scally

Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Kyle R. ZumBerge

The University of Texas - Tax Services
Austin, TX

Credit Info

Live Webcast

MCLE Credit

Texas – 8.00 hrs
Legal Specialization(s): Tax Law

You may claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the State Bar of Texas. A Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you upon claiming credit. The system reports Texas CLE credit every Tuesday. If you are claiming credit in the last week of your birth month, self-report your CLE credit directly to the State Bar of Texas at texasbar.com, using the course number provided on your certificate of attendance.

California – 8.00 hrs

To claim California MCLE credit, California credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.
You must claim your credit online in Your Briefcase, and will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE is required to provide the State Bar with electronic attendance records for any MCLE participatory activity within 60 days of completion of the activity. The California licensee is responsible for reporting their compliance/credit hours earned to the State Bar at the end of their reporting period directly to the State Bar of California at calbar.ca.gov. UT Law CLE will maintain Attendance Records for four years.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Ohio – 8.00 hrs

To claim Ohio MCLE credit, Ohio credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to The Supreme Court of Ohio within 30 days after the conference.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Oklahoma – 9.50 hrs

To claim Oklahoma MCLE credit, Oklahoma credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #169) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Oklahoma Bar Association for MCLE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. UT Law CLE will report credit on your behalf to the Oklahoma Bar Association within 30 days after the webcast.

Pennsylvania – 8.00 hrs

To claim Pennsylvania MCLE credit, Pennsylvania credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. Verification pop-ups will NOT display when the webcast video player is in "full screen" mode. Furthermore, the notification sound effect alerting pop-ups, will NOT play on mobile devices. We recommend viewing from a computer, as opposed to a mobile device, should MCLE credit, other than Texas, be needed. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

UT Law CLE is an approved provider of Pennsylvania credit, sponsor #236. Attorney attendance will be reported to Pennsylvania within 2 weeks after credit is claimed and submitted. Attorneys are not able to report this credit on their own, and UT Law CLE pays all associated fees for the credit hours. Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other States – 8.00 hrs

Note on Self-Reporting Your Credits in Another State

If you wish to satisfy MCLE or other professional education requirements in another state for a program offered by the University of Texas School of Law, please check with the state bar or other licensing authority in that state to ensure it will qualify for self-reporting your credits.

To claim Other States MCLE credit, Other States credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. You must claim and certify your credit online in Your Briefcase, you will then be provided a Certificate of Attendance for your records and to provide to other licensing authorities as needed.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

MCLE credit is presented based on a 60-minute credit hour.

Other Credit

National Accounting CPE – 9.60 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

Delivery Method: Group-Internet Based

To comply with NASBA Standards, attendees claiming CPE credit must select National Accounting CPE in the "Choose Your Credit" pop-up window that appears when you sign into the webcast. Once you have selected this option you will receive random verification pop-ups through out the webcast that you must acknowledge. Your acknowledgment of the pop-ups will inform how much credit you are able to claim at the end of the program. Electronic attendance sign-in sheets will be shared in the webcast chat throughout the program. You will need your CPA license number to sign in. You will also need to make sure you that you complete the sign-in documents as they are shared. Once the program concludes you will need to claim your credit in the UT CLE system, using the orange "Claim Credit" button at the bottom of the webcast player page. Once this is completed you will be able to download your Certificate of Completion that you may use to report your credit to the appropriate state board of accountancy. Please contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions or concerns regarding verification pop-ups, sign-in sheets, or your certificate of attendance.

Reporting: CPAs are responsible for reporting CPE credits earned to their state's accountancy board, and must retain appropriate documentation of their participation in learning activities. Visit your state’s reporting website for more information or www.nasba.org.

TX Accounting CPE – 9.60 hrs

The University of Texas School of Law (Provider #250) live webcast presentations meet the requirements and are presumptively approved by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy for Texas Accounting CPE credit based on a 50-minute credit hour. Approved for general CPE credit only.

This accreditation requires attendance verification. In compliance with the rules, UT Law CLE monitors and records attendee responses to questions that randomly appear during the live webcast presentation. The response record is detailed on the Certificate of Completion.

To claim Texas Accounting CPE credit, the Texas Accounting CPE credit option must be selected PRIOR to viewing the live webcast. Upon claiming credit, a Certificate of Completion will be emailed to you. Self-report your CPE credit directly to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.

Contact us at accreditation@utcle.org if you have additional questions.

Key Dates

Live Webcast – Jun 3-4, 2026

Live Webcast

Individual
$375.00

Cancellation Policy
Last day for full refund cancellation: May 29, 2026
$50 processing fee applied after this date

Our Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors! Click each logo below to learn more.

KPMG LLP

KPMG LLP
tax.kpmg.us/services/development-exempt-organizations.html

KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm, is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG International's member firms have over 256,000 professionals in 143 countries. KPMG has a national network of exempt organization tax professionals providing tax consulting and compliance services to colleges, universities, healthcare providers and many other types of tax-exempt organizations.
Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP
crowe.com

Crowe LLP (www.crowe.com) is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm that uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax, advisory and consulting services.

Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the best places to work in the U.S. As an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world, Crowe serves clients worldwide. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world. Crowe’s Exempt Organization Tax Services practice includes experienced professionals dedicated to serving the higher education industry, working with more than 175 institutions. Crowe is aware that to properly serve higher education institutions, professionals within the firm must concentrate a significant portion of their time serving college, university and other education-focused clients to maintain a high level of industry specialization. The development of this practice provides exciting challenges for our staff relative to the complex issues and ever-changing needs of higher education entities. Crowe is also proud to be the author of NACUBO’s web-based guide to the Form 990.
PwC US Tax LLP

PwC US Tax LLP
pwc.com

Our purpose—to build trust in society and solve important problems—is at the core of everything we do. It guides how we serve our clients, our people and the world. To help our clients build trust and deliver sustained outcomes, PwC provides professional services across Audit and Assurance, Advisory and Tax. We bring a range of capabilities to help organizations solve faster, solve more and realize more value. Across our global network of nearly 328,000 professionals in 152 countries, we are committed to advancing quality in everything we do. PwC’s higher education practice is built to help address the opportunities and challenges faced by higher education institutions today. With dedicated professionals working with colleges and universities across the nation, we assist our higher education clients in tax compliance and planning, including navigating policy changes to support their missions.
RSM US LLP

RSM US LLP
rsmus.com/nonprofit

RSM US LLP is the leading provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, with 18,000 professionals in 77 cities, six locations in Canada, one in El Salvador and four in India. It is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms with 65,000 people across 120 countries.

RSM professionals have extensive experience serving the tax needs of public and private colleges and universities. By staying attuned to the latest trends and developments in the education sector, we can offer timely, practical solutions to proactively meet the needs of our clients.

Updates in Higher Education Taxation

Overview

Event Schedule

Wednesday Afternoon, June 3, 2026

Thursday Afternoon, June 4, 2026

Conference Faculty

Planning Committee

Credit Info

MCLE Credit

Other Credit

Key Dates

Our Sponsors

KPMG LLP

Crowe LLP

PwC US Tax LLP

RSM US LLP

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