January 11, 2019 | Issue # 129
Happy New Year! The association continues to be thankful for our members, and the level of engagement that we have with you. We heard you. Last year, we heard from a number of college leaders about cybersecurity as a top-of-mind issue for our sector. During the annual Fall Meeting, we hosted a panel discussion of experts from ellucian and practitioners to articulate the impact that IT breaches could have on academic programs and business operations. Because this is such an important issue, we also are planning to showcase this topic at the AACC Annual Convention in Orlando. In particular, AACC has tapped Educause, a leader on cybersecurity issues, to host a half-day pre-convention workshop entitled, “Chance Favors the Prepared: Data Protection Strategies in Higher Education.” We will also host a spotlight session where leaders will share challenges in the cybersecurity space, and how they addressed them. As we plan for the spotlight session, we’d like to hear from you, if you have implemented innovative strategies in the cybersecurity arena that other college leaders can learn from. Click here to submit your information.
“A Better Understanding of Asian Students’ Needs”
Community colleges reaching out to address the needs of Asian/Pacific Islander (API) students face some unique challenges, such as significant differences within that population, a lack of leadership role models and inadequate data. Learn more in CC Daily.
“Creating a Smoother Transfer”
Three North Carolina higher ed institutions are building on a partnership to increase opportunities for students interested in biomedical careers. Read about it at the AACC 21st Century Center.
Upcoming AACC Board Election
Members will vote to elect new AACC board members in February. Your college’s membership must be current to receive your voting credentials and your ballot. Not sure if your college is an AACC member? Email AACC membership services to find out.
AACC has nine commissions, which were established to provide advice to the AACC board and staff and to encourage collaboration among community college entities and organizations. Interested in serving on a commission? AACC is now accepting applications. CEOs, vice presidents/vice chancellors, associate/assistant vice presidents/vice chancellors, and provosts from AACC member colleges are eligible to apply. Appointments range from 1 to 3 years. Commissions meet twice a year. The deadline to submit applications is May 1, 2019, by 5:00 p.m. (ET).
Register for the AACC Annual Convention
Don’t miss out on the premier community college event of the year: the AACC Annual Convention. Join us in Orlando, Florida, April 13–16. Register now.
Be Recognized at the Hail & Farewell Luncheon
The Hail & Farewell Luncheon is the association’s opportunity to wish a fond farewell to retiring CEOs as well as hail new and 25-year CEOs. Held during AACC’s annual convention luncheon program, Hail & Farewell is a celebration of leadership. AACC is now accepting applications for Hail & Farewell recognition until March 22, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. (ET).
On January 8, I met with Dr. Casey Sacks, deputy assistant secretary for community colleges in the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education, at the AACC offices. Joining us were AACC’s Jen Worth, Tammy Reichelt, Mary Heiss, Kevin Christian, and Wayne Wheeler.
See more of Where’s Walter.