December 5, 2017 * Issue #875
POLICY and ADVOCACY
1. HOUSE RELEASES BILL TO REAUTHORIZE HEA
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Friday released a 542-page bill to reauthorize the Higher Education Act that would significantly change federal student aid, such as allowing students to tap Pell grants to pay for short-term education programs and permitting colleges to limit students borrowing. It also would require higher education institutions to cover certain portions of student aid if students drop out. Learn more about the bill.
AACC Contact: David Baime
EVENTS and SERVICES
2. WDI REGISTRATION CLOSES SOON
Community college workforce and economic development efforts require collaboration and cooperation across policies, practices, initiatives, partners, and funders. Forge partnerships at AACC’s 2018 Workforce Development Institute (WDI) in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 30–February 2. Check out the draft program online and register by Dec. 15.
AACC Contact: Jen Worth
3. REGISTER FOR THE AACC ANNUAL CONVENTION
Registration is Open for the 98th Annual AACC Convention. The theme is “Cowboy Up for Student Success.” We hope you’ll join us in Dallas, Texas, April 28–May 1, 2018.
AACC Contact: Angel Royal
NEWS and SOCIAL NETWORKING
4. “WASHINGTON WATCH: IT’S CRUNCH TIME IN WASHINGTON”
Congress is under pressure—on taxes, funding, and DACA—as the first legislative session of the 115th Congress turns into its final month. Learn more in CC Daily.
AACC Contact: Matthew Dembicki
5. “MORE THAN TUITION-FREE”
The Nevada Promise Scholarship offers students support beyond free tuition. Read about it at the AACC 21st Century Center.
AACC Contact: Tabitha Whissemore
PROGRAM INITIATIVES
6. AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE DEADLINE EXTENDED
There is still time to submit nominations for the 2018 Awards of Excellence. The deadline has been extended to December 15. Award recipients will be announced at the AACC Annual Convention in Dallas, Texas.
AACC Contact: Angel Royal
7. INVITING STUDENTS TO USE STEM TO IMPACT THE WORLD
AACC, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, is hosting the fourth annual Community College Innovation Challenge (CCIC) competition. The CCIC invites community college students to work alongside a faculty mentor and an industry partner, to craft innovative STEM-based solutions for real world problems. Ten community colleges will be selected as finalists and will receive travel support to attend an Innovation Boot Camp June 11–14, 2018, in Alexandria, Virginia. The Boot Camp will provide hands-on learning opportunities and includes a high-profile reception on Capitol Hill. The top two teams will receive cash prizes. Deadline to apply: February 14, 2018.
AACC Contact: Ellen Hause
8. BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Let us spotlight your college on our website! The Community College Spotlight offers member colleges an opportunity to have their institution featured on the home page of the AACC website. This is a free member benefit.
AACC Contact: Tina Henry-Barrus
OPPORTUNITIES FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
9. A GLOBAL RESOURCE
EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of more than 425 international student advising centers in more than 175 countries. It provides free, comprehensive information about studying in the U.S. to prospective international students as well as recruitment information and services to U.S. academic institutions. To maximize this global resource, create your EducationUSA online account today.
AACC Contact: Wayne Wheeler
10. HOST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is recruiting community college partners to host U.S. government-sponsored international students through our undergraduate exchange programs. Check out the application online.
AACC Contact: Wayne Wheeler