Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.

Dear Colleagues:

As the November midterm elections approach, Washington is preparing for a potentially changing political landscape. Regardless of the outcome, the elections will help shape the congressional agenda on higher education, including student aid, institutional accountability, and federal oversight of colleges and universities.

Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), co-chair of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), recently hosted a roundtable discussion at Washington and Lee University with college and university leaders from Virginia's 6th Congressional District to discuss challenges facing higher education. Participants included Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education David Barker, NAICU’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Stephanie Giesecke, and NAICU members Ken Ruscio, president of Washington and Lee University; Gary Daynes, president of Mary Baldwin University; Tracy Fitzsimmons, president of Shenandoah University; Mary Dana Hinton, president of Hollins University; and Chris Peace, president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia.

Speaking of the CICC, the upcoming elections will bring changes to its membership and new opportunities to recruit members. I encourage you to use our CICC materials to invite your representative to join this bipartisan caucus, which helps educate members of Congress about the issues facing private, nonprofit colleges and universities and their students.

In other news, we expect the final Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) rule to be released next week. Once published, NAICU will analyze the rule, assess its implications for our institutions, and share our findings with you. In the meantime, visit our microsite for information on AIM and other recent Title IV regulations.

Webinar reminder. NAICU has scheduled three webinars next month focusing on key policy developments and their potential implications for your campus.

• Finishing Strong, Looking Ahead: NAICU’s Priorities in the Lame Duck & Previewing the 120th Congress – November 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EST [register].

• Treasury’s Proposed Tax-Exempt Rule Changes: Key Concerns and NAICU’s Public Comments – November 16, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST [register].

• Accreditation Final Rules: What’s In, What’s Out, and What You Need to Know – November 23, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EST [register].

I hope you and your team can join us!

Whatever the election outcome, NAICU will remain focused on ensuring that the priorities of private, nonprofit higher education are heard as the 120th Congress establishes its legislative and oversight agenda.

I hope you have a pleasant weekend.

Regards,

Barbara

Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU

For more information, please contact:
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.