McMahon issues higher education ‘National Call to Action’
Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Monday sent a “National Call to Action” to all college and university presidents, asking them to respond to a series of questions that the communication identifies as central to declining “public esteem” in higher education.
As covered in Community College Daily, the communication calls on institutions to publicly describe their commitment to “rigorous teaching, pathbreaking research, and national service” and post those commitments by the end of the year. More specifically, the secretary calls on institutions to detail their efforts related to access, affordability, academic rigor, free speech, ideological diversity, research integrity and postsecondary outcomes. While the message was sent to all college and university presidents, many of the questions appear to focus on activities more commonly associated with selective universities.
While campus leaders may choose to engage with the administration and publicly post information on their efforts in these areas, community colleges are not required to take any formal steps in response. AACC President and CEO DeRionne Pollard issued a statement affirming that community colleges already demonstrate the affordability, transparency and accountability called for by the secretary. The association has been in touch with the secretary’s office to confirm expectations for community colleges and will provide formal comments on behalf of the sector.
ED approves first Workforce Pell program
The Education Department (ED) this week approved a 14-week emergency medical technician program at Iowa Central Community College for Workforce Pell Grant eligibility. This is the first program to receive approval and begin disbursing aid to students.
As covered in Community College Daily, the announcement was made during a Tuesday press event at the college featuring Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Central President Jesse Ulrich.
ED is expected to process and approve additional programs in the coming weeks and months. AACC is very interested in learning about campus programs that have received approval or are in the final stages of the approval process. Please respond to this email or email us directly (ogr@aacc.nche.edu) if your campus has updates to share.
August recess provides advocacy opportunity
Each year, Congress recesses for the month of August to allow members to hear from constituents. The break is an important opportunity for community college leaders to connect with members of Congress, share the important work taking place on your campus and advocate for continued investment in the community college sector. We encourage campus leaders to arrange meetings with their members while they are home in their districts or states and to invite them to visit campus and meet community college students, faculty and staff.
In addition to building and strengthening relationships with members, the August recess provides a critical opportunity to advocate on behalf of community college legislative priorities. As a reminder, Congress continues to move slowly in advancing funding bills and avoiding a government shutdown on October 1. This delay gives community college leaders additional time to advocate for AACC funding priorities. We encourage campus leaders to refer to this document and discuss these programs during your conversations with their members.
Upcoming AACC events
Remember to register for AACC’s annual Advocates in Action event in Washington, D.C. September 15-16. Space is limited.
AACC’s “Lead Through the Noise” is a special edition of its Future Leaders and Future Presidents Institutes in Washington, D.C., September 28-30. Register today.