Category: Higher Education

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”

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.

CGS Executive Summary

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.

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.

A provision in the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA), enacted late last year, mandates that an existing federal student aid advisory group begin collecting information on burdensome federal regulations and develop recommendations to improve institutional compliance and reduce duplication and inefficiency.

To comply with its new charge, the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance – which provides independent advice to the Secretary of Education and Congress – is forming an expert review panel of representatives from the higher education community, across all sectors.

The Association of American Universities is soliciting nominees for this panel. The names of suggested members for the panel should be provided to Jonathan Nurse by Thursday February 5th.

The Advisory Committee expects to announce members of the expert review panel in March or April, 2009. The committee will cover travel expenses for panel participants. Committee meeting dates have not been announced.