• Federal Research Under the Microscope. Greater scrutiny of how universities use and translate federal R&D funding.
• Global Competition & Research Security. Growing focus on foreign influence, data protection, and international collaboration.
• Affordability & Student Aid in Flux. Ongoing debates over Pell Grants, loans, and FAFSA implementation.
• Talent & Immigration Policy Pressures. Visa rules affect international students, faculty, and U.S. competitiveness.
• Universities as Economic Engines. Emphasis on workforce development, innovation, and public-private partnerships.
• Increased Oversight in a Polarized Environment. More congressional attention on governance, free expression, and campus climate.

*White House OMB – President’s FY26 Budget Request
** Congressional Research Service – Appropriations Status Table
*** Cornell Research & Innovation – FY2024 Research Expenditures (PDF)

• Continue to advocate for the university in a bipartisan manner. Ongoing meetings with both sides of the aisle to illustrate benefits of Cornell’s research
• Collaboration with other universities. Working with other institutions and associations to find common solutions
• Partnerships. Partnering with an array of organizations and agencies to push priorities
• Research matters. Highlighting our research’s impact in the media
• Sharing student stories. Organizing ”Hill Days” for current students to advocate for continued federal funding

• Connect us with your NGO, thinktank, or agency. Connect us with collaborative organizations to use Cornell as a resource and as a partner
• Engage with your Representative or Senator. Highlight what Cornell means to you and why it matters
• Op-eds. Convey your Cornell matters story in your local or national media.

An Op-Ed is one of 3 basic columns that appear on the opinion pages of most newspapers and online media:

• Editorials 
• Letters to editor 
• Op-Eds 
  • Op-Eds are opinion columns that introduce new perspectives and viewpoints to a topic that editors feel are important to their readers. They’re also longer, usually 600 to 750 words – sometimes more. Most op-eds on a particular page are written by that publication’s in-house or syndicated columnists, and a handful are submissions by unaffiliated writers (such as you). They are a writer’s opportunity to make a point, introduce a new idea — express an interesting opinion.

Policy brief vs. policy-focused op-ed

Purpose:
White Paper: In-depth analysis & recommendations
Op-Ed: Persuasive argument on current policy issue

Tone & Style:
White Paper: Formal, academic, neutral
Op-Ed: Informal, engaging, persuasive

Length:
White Paper: 10–50 pages, thorough research
Op-Ed: 600–1,200 words, concise

Structure:
White Paper: Structured with sections & headings
Op-Ed: Clear, singular point, less structured

Simplified op-ed structure

YOUR THESIS →
BACK UP YOUR THESIS (supporting evidence) →
WHAT’S NEXT? SOLUTIONS! (or CALL TO ACTION)

Op-eds often fall into 1 of 3 buckets

With the right ingredients, an op-ed can stand out:

A clear, focused thesis

• A thesis should be clearly presented early in your text.
• Readers must not hunt for your argument. Otherwise, they’ll stop reading!

Headlines can help

• Establishing a clear, succinct and accessible headline can help give an op-ed direction and focus.
• Avoid broad academic titles that leave the reader wondering what your message is.
• Example:
  • Avoid: Reforming presidential elections for fairness, equity and inclusion
  • Try this: It’s time to throw out the Electoral College. Here’s why. 

Rule of 3

Breaking down your message into thirds can help turn multipart arguments into accessible and engaging content

News peg

Editors are always seeking content on the news of the week, day, even hour. Having a timely news peg can be one tool to grab an editor’s attention.

Helpful tactics

• Unique angle. Don’t be afraid to raise eyebrows, then back your argument. Editors like counterintuitive.
• Personal narrative. Personal, emotionally driven op-eds can make compelling, impactful pieces, especially when academic research and expertise are pulled in to back them up.

Think about audience

Are you trying to reach a national audience? A state-wide audience? A regional audience? A targeted audience of environmentalists, academics, scientists, or higher ed professionals?

Best pitching practices

• Sweat the subject line. Op-Ed Pitch: Your Headline
• Meet the editor where they are  - contextualize your pitch with the news of the day. Why now?
• Convey the crux of your argument and share who you are – and why you are the right person to make your argument.
• When submitting drafts: copy the text of your op-ed in the body of your email.
• Always pitch one outlet/editor at a time. Editors require exclusivity.
• Patience required! (often 3-5 business days worth) But follow-ups are appropriate.