dotEDU: Higher Education Policy Explained

In the second episode of our special series dotEDU Global Voices, hosts Sarah Spreitzer and Devorah Lieberman—ACE senior advisor and president emerita of the University of La Verne—welcome Sue Cunningham, president and CEO of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), to discuss the importance of leadership, innovation, and building strong global connections in higher education.

Cunningham shares how she transitioned from a stage manager in the arts to a top association leader in higher education advancement by discovering and embracing her own leadership style—a journey that has bolstered her success and one she encourages other women leaders to undertake.

Cunningham is one of 10 women featured in Devorah's book, Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives, which highlights the experiences of women leaders from universities around the world. The book was developed as part of Devorah's work with the IAUP Women's Leadership Initiative.

This podcast series is produced in partnership with the ACE Women's Network, which connects and supports women in higher education across the country, helping them develop leadership skills and advance in their careers. Learn more at www.acenet.edu/womensnetwork.

Be sure to visit the dotEDU webpage for our regular policy-focused episodes.

In this three-part special series, dotEDU Global Voices, hosts Sarah Spreitzer and Devorah Lieberman—senior advisor at ACE and president emerita of the University of La Verne—host three trailblazing women featured in Devorah's book Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives. This insightful book highlights the journeys of ten women leaders from universities around the world, developed as part of her work with the IAUP Women's Leadership Initiative.

In this episode, Gülsün Sağlamer, the first and only female rector in Istanbul Technical University's 250-year history, shares how her leadership modernized the university—introducing English-language programs, revamping infrastructure, and cultivating alumni support. Gülsün also reflects on her innovative mentorship efforts, creating opportunities for the next generation of academic leaders.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how one woman reshaped higher education in Turkey. Subscribe now for future episodes featuring more extraordinary women leaders in higher education.

This podcast series is in partnership with the ACE Women's Network that connects and supports women in higher ed all across the country, helping them develop their leadership skills and advance in their careers.

If you're looking for a community that's all about mentorship, growth, and supporting women, you can find more information at www.acenet.edu/womensnetwork

Check out our regular dotEDU webpage for our regular policy-focused episodes.

Links: Gülsün Sağlamer

International Association of University Presidents (IAUP)

Spotlighting Female Leadership: Strategies, Stories, Perspectives

ACE Women's Network

dotEDU Podcast

In this special post-election episode recorded on November 6, ACE President Ted Mitchell joins hosts Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja to discuss the 2024 election results and their implications for higher education. With Donald Trump returning to the White House, the conversation explores critical issues facing colleges and universities, including efforts to abolish the Department of Education, the potential reissuance of the Trump travel ban and immigration policies affecting international students, the future of the latest Title IX rule and other federal regulations, DEI initiatives, and more.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

ACE Policy Recommendations to 2024 Presidential Candidates ACE | Sept. 11, 2024

ACE Calls for Policy Focus on Higher Education in Presidential Campaigns ACE | Sept. 16, 2024

Higher Education Builds America

Republicans Could Abolish the Education Department. How Might That Work? Inside Higher Ed | Nov. 4, 2024

What a Trump Presidency Means for the 2025 Tax Fight, Explained Bloomberg Law News | Nov. 6, 2024

College Cost Reduction Act: By the Numbers

In this episode of dotEDU, Jon Fansmith, Sarah Spreitzer, and Mushtaq Gunja analyze the presidential campaigns so far and discuss what the upcoming lame duck session of Congress could mean for higher education legislation. Then, Sarah and Mushtaq engage in an inspiring conversation with Ardis Eschenberg, Chancellor of Windward Community College, about how her institution is supporting student parents and breaking down barriers to their success. This episode highlights the unique needs and strengths of student parents at institutions across the nation.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

dotEDU Live Post-Election Breakdown: What the 2024 Results Could Mean for Higher Education American Council on Education | Nov. 6, 2024

Polls Are Tied, Voters Dig in and Harris, Trump Scratch for Any Advantage The Washington Post | Oct. 29, 2024

Nate Silver: Here's What My Gut Says About the Election, but Don't Trust Anyone's Gut, Even Mine The New York Times | Oct. 23, 2024

Gaming Out the Lame Duck Politico | Sept. 26, 2024

House Education Committee Advances Anti-Hazing Bill Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 12, 2024

Ardis Eschenberg Windward Community College

Higher Ed Changemakers Prototype Strategies to Support Student-Parent Success ACE | September 24, 2024

Raising Expectations for Institutional Intervention: What Colleges and Universities Can Do to Support Student-Parent Success ACE | September 19, 2024

Student-Parent Data: What We Know, What We Don't, and How to Find Out ACE | September 19, 2024

Pu'uhonua: Places of Sanctuary Windward Community College

Student Parent Story Dashboard Windward Community College

Hānaiaulu Childcare Center Windward Community College

Student-Parent Data: What We Know, What We Don't, and How to Find Out ACE | September 19, 2024

New laws enacted since 2020 may impact student voters, especially tighter restrictions on student IDs. ACE General Counsel Peter McDonough joins hosts Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer to unpack what these critical changes mean for campuses. Jon and Sarah also discuss what Congress accomplished before leaving Washington, DC, to campaign for next month's elections.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

Higher Education Builds America American Council on Education

North Carolina Colleges and Universities Support Relief Efforts Following Hurricane Helene American Council on Education | Oct. 4, 2024

Lawmakers Eye Moving Quickly on NDAA After November Return Roll Call | Oct. 1, 2024

Prepare for Fall 2024: Campus Safety and Free Speech Strategies and the Upcoming Election American Council on Education

Student Voting and College Political Campaign-Related Activities in 2024 American Council on Education

Removal of On-Campus Voting on Election Day Sparks Uproar at Purdue Inside Higher Ed | Oct. 3, 2024

How the Fastest-Growing County in Wisconsin Is Scrambling the Presidential Race The New York Times | Sept. 20, 2024

Harvard legal scholar Cass Sunstein joins Mushtaq Gunja and Sarah Spreitzer to delve into the foundational role of the First Amendment in shaping responses to campus protests and free speech issues in higher education. Drawing from his latest book, Campus Free Speech: A Pocket Guide, written in the wake of the protests of spring 2024, Sunstein offers practical insights on the complexities surrounding the issue, including the distinctions between public and private institutions, the implications of Title VI, and more. The hosts also give a quick update on the short-term funding package approved by Congress just ahead of the Sept. 30 fiscal year deadline, and a new Government Accountability Office report on the troubled 2024 FAFSA rollout.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

Campus Free Speech: A Pocket Guide

Cass Sunstein Wants to Help Universities Navigate Free Speech Conflicts Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 3, 2024

House Set to Advance Bill Preventing Government Shutdown The Washington Post (sub. req.) | Sept. 25, 2024

Congressional Watchdog Digs Into FAFSA Fiasco, Revealing Oversights, Call-Center Failures, and Unresolved Glitches The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | Sept. 24, 2024

In the latest episode, Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer kick off the sixth season with a deep dive into the key issues shaping higher education this fall. With Congress in a monthlong sprint, they explore a flurry of messaging bills along with the legislation lawmakers actually need to accomplish before heading out for full-time campaigning. They also discuss the Biden administration's push to cement its higher education legacy. Finally, the conversation shifts to the 2024 presidential race, examining Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's higher education agendas.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

Speaker Mike Johnson Yanks Government Funding Bill Amid Growing GOP Defections NBC News | Sept. 11, 2024

H.R.8281 - SAVE Act Congress.gov

Republicans Seek to Revive China Initiative Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 11, 2024

Letter to House Leadership on China Legislation ACE | Sept. 9, 2024

Statement of Administration Policy: H.R. 1398 – Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2024 Executive Office of the President | Sept. 10, 2024

H.R.7683 - Respecting the First Amendment on Campus Act Congress.gov

Federal Anti-Hazing Bill Moves One Step Closer to Becoming Law Inside Higher Ed | Sept. 12, 2024

Letter on the Stop Campus Hazing Act ACE | Sept. 10, 2024

College Cost Reduction Act: By the Numbers ACE

SAVE Repayment Plan Federal Student Aid

20 Senators Ask Cardona to Delay Gainful Employment, Financial Value Transparency Deadline Higher Ed Dive | Sept. 11, 2024

ACE Policy Recommendations to 2024 Presidential Candidates ACE | Sept. 11, 2024

In this episode, Jon Fansmith and Sarah Spreitzer give their insights into the current presidential election developments before they discuss decisions Congress faces prior to heading out for vacations and campaign trails. They tackle the latest developments in appropriations funding, and the markup of two House Ways and Means Committee antisemitism bills and their implications. Plus, they examine Congress's efforts to address the FAFSA debacle and the Supreme Court's Chevron decision.

As this is the final episode until September, Jon and Sarah also explore what will await Congress when they return after summer break, noting potential uncertainties influenced by the presidential elections.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

Legislative Branch Spending Bill Defeated in House Roll Call | July 11, 2024

House Approps Approves Labor-HHS Bill Axios | July 11, 2024

House Republicans Advance 2 Contested Antisemitism Bills Inside Higher Ed | July 10, 2024

Letter on the University Accountability Act and the Protecting American Students Act ACE | July 8, 2024

House Committee Advances Bill to Mandate FAFSA Release by Oct. 1 Higher Ed Dive | July 10, 2024

Letter in Support of the FAFSA Deadline Act ACE | July 9, 2024

Proposed Changes to FAFSA for the 2025-26 Award Year ACE | May 22, 2024

Supreme Court Overturns 1984 Chevron Precedent, Curbing Power of Federal Government CNN | June 28, 2024

OPINION: The Only Certainty Is Uncertainty Inside Higher Ed | July 2, 2024

State Employees in Texas Not Subject to Overtime Rule, Judge Holds HR Dive | July 1, 2024

Project 2025 Would Radically Overhaul Higher Ed. Here's How. Inside Higher Ed | July 11, 2024

In this episode, Katharine Meyer of Brookings and ACE's Heidi Tseu join Jon Fansmith to delve into the complex landscape of state higher education governance. They explore trends such as free college approaches, the surge of anti-DEI legislation, and the impact of the Supreme Court rulings on race in admissions. They also dissect the challenges and opportunities facing higher ed around student-athletes, tenure, and state support for skilled workers. Plus, catch up on Congress, DACA, Title IX, and Pell appropriations.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

Three More Spending Bills Set to hit Rules Panel as House GOP Push Moves Ahead Politico | June 25, 2024

Small Step Could Bring Big Relief to Young Undocumented Immigrants The New York Times (sub. req.) | June 18, 2024

What's the Deal with the Blocked Title IX Rule? Here's What Colleges Need to Know. The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | June 20, 2024

Supreme Court Divided Over Whether to Curb Power of Federal Agencies The Washington Post (sub. req.) | Jan. 17, 2024

ACE Releases Updated Issue Brief on Student Voting and Campus Political Campaign Activities American Council on Education | June 24, 2024

ACE Launches Office on National Engagement American Council on Education | Sept. 11, 2023

Tracking Higher Ed's Dismantling of DEI The Chronicle of Higher Education (sub. req.) | June 21, 2024

131 Scholarships Affected by Texas DEI Ban Inside Higher Ed | June 18, 2024

Performance-based Funding: The New Normal or a Schtick? University Business | March 11, 2024

Illinois's Ambitious Plan for Higher Ed Funding Inside Higher Ed | March 29, 2024

Massachusetts Governor OKs $50M for Free Community College Higher Ed Dive | Aug. 11, 2023

Michigan Free Community College Program to Extend to 350,000 More Residents Higher Ed Dive | July 25, 2023

Paychecks, Drafts and Firings: The Possible Future of College Sports The New York Times (sub. req.) | April 22, 2024

Republican Attacks on Tenure Ramp up in Latest Battle with Higher Education The Hill | March 3, 2024

In this episode, ACE General Counsel Peter McDonough joins us to delve into the turbulent developments in college sports over the past year. Jon and Sarah then discuss recent House action on campus protests, the status of the FAFSA for the upcoming award year, and why higher ed should be watching the National Defense Authorization Act.

Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email [email protected].

Here are some of the links and references from this week's show:

NCAA, Leagues Back $2.8 Billion Settlement, Setting Stage for Current, Former Athletes To Be Paid Associated Press | May 23, 2024

College Athletes Barred From Employment Status in New GOP Bill Bloomberg Law | May 23, 2024

Covid-era Funding for Schools Ending Soon Politico | June 10, 2024

A Potential Path Forward for Pell Grant Expansion Inside Higher Ed | June 11, 2024

Navigating the FAFSA Crisis: A Timeline American Council on Education