April 10, 2020 | Issue # 160
Happy Community College Month! If ever there has been a time to honor the work of community colleges, this is it.
AACC is busy advocating for additional funding through the next federal stimulus bill expected from Congress. The CARES Act was a good first step, but it will not close the funding gap students and higher education institutions face. We have signed on to letters to Congress that outline the higher education and tax policy changes that we hope to see added to the next COVID-19 Supplemental Spending bill. Among the recommendations is an additional $46.6 billion in higher education funding, which would be divided equally between students and institutions.
We’ll keep you updated on all the legislation that affects your institutions and students.
“ED’s Updated COVID-19 Guidance”
The U.S. Education Department (ED) recently updated its COVID-19 guidance, which addresses numerous student financial aid and other important areas for the current award year. Learn about it in CC Daily.
A Minnesota community college balances being globally and locally focused. Read about it at the AACC 21st Century Center.
Webinar on Federal Stimulus Legislation
Last week, AACC hosted a webinar about the implications of the CARES Act. If you missed it, you can view it here.
Apply to Be on an AACC Commission
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 June 1, 2020, by 5:00 p.m. (ET).
The U.S. Census determines both political representation in Congress and state houses, as well as disbursement of federal funds to state and local governments, which, in turn, affects community colleges. You can encourage students, staff, and faculty to complete the Census by placing articles on your college website, or including information in e-newsletters about how students can participate in the Census and why it’s important.