Insights with AICCU

Melanie Storey, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) discusses the most pressing issues in federal financial aid policy, including the Pell Grant shortfall and proposals to address it, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans and loan caps under H.R. 1, the fight over the definition of professional degree student, and the push for transparency in financial aid offers through the College Cost Transparency Initiative. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU Vice President for Policy.

Two former students of AICCU's Independent California Colleges Advocate program, Katelyn Pohlman and Alexis Takagi, discuss the biggest challenges facing college students today, including housing, basic needs, and financial literacy. They also make a compelling, firsthand case for why higher education remains worth it, even as its value faces growing public scrutiny. Katelyn serves as a member of the California Student Aid Commission's Student Advisory Council and is set to graduate from Chapman University this spring. Alexis is a graduate of Santa Clara University and a research analyst at the Campaign for College Opportunity. This episode is hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and shares how Occidental College is expanding college access through transfer partnerships, strengthening support for first generation and veteran students, and increasing transparency around tuition and financial aid. Drawing on his role as board chair of the American Council on Education, the nation's largest higher education association, President Stritikus also offers a perspective on the national landscape, including growing public scrutiny of higher education, federal policy pressures, and the critical importance of collaboration across the sector. Hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Dr. Larry Galizio, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, shares the critical role of partnerships in shaping California's higher education landscape. He discusses the challenges facing colleges amid federal uncertainty, the importance of flexible funding and transfer pathways, and how collaboration between community colleges and AICCU institutions can expand opportunity for students across the state. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Maria Toyoda, president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), opens the "black box" of accreditation and discusses how WASC balances rigorous standards with institutional innovation to improve student outcomes, reduce costs, and adapt to a changing higher education student population. Maria also offers insight on how accreditors are responding to new federal policies. Hosted by AICCU Vice President for Policy Tom Vu. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.

Sarah Flanagan, vice president for government relations and policy development at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), is set to retire this year after a transformative 30-year career in education policy. Sarah reflects on her career and offers actionable advice for university leaders on how to elevate their advocacy efforts. She shares strategies for fostering productive relationships with policymakers, addressing misconceptions about higher education, and navigating the challenges of today's polarized political climate. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares.

Paul Mitchell joins us again in this special episode following the 2024 Election to discuss polling and voter trends that defied expectations.

Paul Mitchell, vice president of bipartisan voter data firm Political Data, works with campaigns, nonprofits and universities with a specialty in polling and survey data. He shares his insight ahead of the 2024 Election, and what predictions can be made on voter demographics, trends among college students, battleground states, and more. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU vice president for policy.

Jessie Ryan has been with the Campaign for College Opportunity for nearly 20 years and has shepherded the Campaign's major policy victories, including historic transfer reform, the creation of a community college scorecard, and a new funding formula that balances access with student success. She took office as president in July and shares with us her future plans for the Campaign.

Doug Lederman, co-founder of Inside Higher Ed, shares the early beginnings of the online publication. He examines the state of higher education and how it has changed through his perspective as a journalist covering the industry for nearly 40 years.