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.
Category: Higher Education
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.
Nomination Sought for Advisory Panel on Burdensome Regulations within Higher Education Act
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.