January 17, 2024 | Issue # 274
I want to begin by wishing all of you a Happy New Year, and I hope the new semester has started off well. Our friends in Southern California are dealing with fear and uncertainty as the wildfires continue to burn. And even after the fires are fully extinguished, the road to recovery will be long. But, as I said in my statement last week, community colleges are resilient and responsive to the needs of the local community, and I am confident they will continue in that role for their students and communities.
AACC staff also are paying close attention to what is happening in this new legislative session in Washington, D.C. We’ll keep you informed of any legislative news that will affect your college or students.
“2025 AACC Awards of Excellence Finalists”
This week, we announced the finalists for the AACC Awards of Excellence. You can find the list in this CC Daily article. Congratulations to all the finalists! The award winners will be revealed at AACC Annual.
“Digital Portfolios Advantageous for Students, Employers”
In the latest issue of CC Journal, read about the adoption of digital portfolios, which give students the opportunity to present their credentials to any potential employer, anywhere, at any time.
AACC Board of Directors Election Information
In early February, voting will start for the AACC Board of Directors election. Be on the look-out for more information about your voting credentials and the board slate. Only CEOs from current AACC member institutions may vote, so if your college hasn’t renewed its membership, please do so now.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for five separate discretionary grants in the FY 2025 application cycle. Grant applications are due by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on March 7, 2025. The grants will fund projects that advance the technological capability and promote the deployment of intelligent transportation system applications for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operations and CMV safety-related activities that increase public awareness and education on CMV safety.
Check Out the AACC Annual Schedule
Even though 2025 just started, AACC Annual will be here before you know it. The full schedule of sessions is now online. You can use the keyword search to find topics that interest you. Register now for AACC Annual and book your hotel no later than March 18.
Listen to the Latest Episode of CC Voice Podcast
In the latest episode of the Community College Voice podcast, Joliet Junior College President Clyne G. H. Namuo discusses adopting a Design Thinking approach to enhance strategic initiatives and solve problems. Listen here.
On Wednesday, January 15, AACC Chief of Staff Tammy Reichelt and I met with Meg Natter, the director of community colleges and foundations at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Where’s Walter
On Wednesday, January 8, I participated in a virtual meeting with the AACC Board of Directors. During the meeting, we received a legislative update from Capitol Hill Partners.