On May 26, 2009, the Department of Education announced that it will hold three public hearings and related forums around the country to gather public suggestions on several higher education issues. The Department will also be conducting forums after each of the three hearings to discuss: (1) how changes to the Department’s financial aid communications and processes (including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) could improve college planning, preparation and access; and (2) how best to leverage federal postsecondary programs to foster student educational persistence and degree attainment. The dates and locations for these meetings are listed below. Continue reading “Department of Education to Hold Public Hearings on Higher Education Issues”
Category: Higher Education
House Foreign Affairs Committee Seeks Increase in Study Abroad Opportunities
Yesterday (May 14th), legislation was introduced in the House Foreign Affairs Committee that would advance provisions of the Paul Simon Study Abroad Act.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Release
Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today introduced wide-ranging legislation to improve and support U.S. foreign policy efforts, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 (H.R. 2410). Continue reading “House Foreign Affairs Committee Seeks Increase in Study Abroad Opportunities”
CGS Releases Report on Broadening Participation in Graduate Education
On April 23rd, the Council on Graduate Schools (CGS) released its latest report Broadening Participation in Graduate Education at a legislative forum featuring Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA).
CGS Overview: The U.S. system of higher education is arguably the best in the world, but there is a leak in the pipeline. Even as our nation is becoming increasingly diverse, some groups remain highly underrepresented in graduate schools, particularly in science and engineering.
This report highlights programs that have had success in enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in graduate education, and offers policy recommendations aimed at identifying and cultivating talent wherever it exists, with particular emphasis on developing domestic talent from traditionally underrepresented groups.
AAU Provides Humanities Advocacy Materials
The Association of American Universities has posted on its website materials for advocacy on behalf of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The materials include a document on the importance of NEH and the humanities—with a focus on the restoration of funding for core program divisions and the creation of a new graduate education program—with back-up charts showing funding trends for NEH and individual programs.
Campus Safety Act Passes House
On February 3rd, the House of Representatives passed the Campus Safety Act of 2009 (HR 748) by voice vote. The legislation was sponsored by Congressman Robert C. Scott (D-VA), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. The measure has drawn bipartisan support, including that of the subcommittee’s ranking member, Louie Gohmert (R-TX). The legislation authorizes the creation of a center that would provide $2.8 million in educational and training grants to campus public safety and mental health offices. The Campus Safety Center would also develop protocols for responding to campus emergencies and serve as a clearinghouse of information on best practices for campuses. The bill now move to the Senate for consideration. If approved, funding would need to be appropriated for the center in the annual appropriations process.