AASCU on the Hill
Meet with your members of Congress and help shape policies that directly impact AASCU institutions.
Meet in person with your federal delegation.
The start of the first session of the 118th Congress presents a great opportunity to bring the leadership of regional public colleges and universities to meet in person with the respective members of their federal delegation. There are now 82 freshmen members of the new Congress between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate that need to learn and connect with our institutions.
Lend your voice, expertise, and policy insights to help them and all other members of Congress understand the complexities of modern higher education institutions, the diversity and makeup of today’s students as well as the innovative approaches, recommendations, and challenges in completion of your organizations’ mission.
Who should participate?
- Presidents and Chancellors
- System Presidents and Chancellors
- Government Relations Staff
- Student leaders on campus – invited by campus leadership
- Spouses/Partners
How will you benefit?
- Meet directly with your senators and representatives’ offices
- Get briefings on what is happening on Capitol Hill
- Receive useful suggestions for talking points and materials
- Participate in optional training session focused on how to conduct a successful congressional visit
- Network and connect with other AASCU presidents/chancellors and share best practices and learnings
Program Highlights
AASCU on the Hill offers information and action.
Topics that will be discussed include the development of public policies that strengthen the federal-state partnerships, why the nation needs to double the maximum value of the Pell Grant Program, the benefits of diversify the educator pipeline and protect recent gains in federal investments in public higher education.
In preparation for the congressional visits, participants will have access to great speakers who will offer the latest information about what is happening on Capitol Hill, what to expect during your meetings, a briefing on the key federal policy priorities, as well as suggested talking points and accompanying materials.
Training
We have prepared a playlist of training videos:
- AASCU on the Hill Event Overview
- Tips for Before and After Your Meeting
- Hill Meeting Do’s and Don’ts
- Advocating Before a Divided Congress
Learn more about the event from Mildred García and Luis Maldonado.
A member of AASCU’s Government Relations staff will contact you via email regarding scheduling to confirm your availability. Once confirmed, they will schedule meetings with your local Member of Congress and both Senators. You will be contacted with meeting times and, in the case of senate meetings, the names of other attendees and their contact information prior to the start of AASCU on the Hill.
AASCU staff will be contacting you regarding your availability, that would be the appropriate time to share any time constraints, additional requests, or previously scheduled meetings. You may also email us separately at govrel@aascu.org
You may email and let us know at govrel@aascu.org. When contacted by AASCU staff, please also share any pending or confirmed scheduling requests to avoid duplication of efforts. Our Government Relations team stands ready to assist with last minute changes, cancellations, or follow ups if you have not heard back from a congressional office.
The introductory session of AASCU on the Hill begins at 1:30pm on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. We recommend giving yourself a 15-20 buffer for arrival as D.C. traffic is known to be fickle. (Consider this a worthwhile tip for your meetings on Thursday, trips to Capitol Hill often take 15-20 minutes due to midday congestion and restrictive traffic patterns as you approach the Capitol Building.). If you or your students plan to attend the Supplemental Advocacy Training (which is optional) at 12pm on Wednesday, please arrive at Yours Truly 10-15 minutes prior.
Schedule at a glance
All sessions and meals will be held at the Yours Truly DC Hotel.
| 12–1 p.m. | Optional Advocacy Workshop (Requires separate registration) This session is designed for those who want hands-on advocacy training before Thursday’s AASCU on the Hill. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a mock meeting and hear tips about storytelling and navigating tough topics. The registration fee for this optional training is waived for student attendees. |
| 1:30–2:30 p.m. | Introductions and the Policy Implications of Stewards of Place The opening session will provide important information about AASCU’s forthcoming policy brief titled Advancing Public Policies and Funding to Support Stewardship of Place at Regional Comprehensive Universities.This brief is a companion document to the recently released Recommitting to Stewardship of Place: Creating and Sustaining Thriving Communities for the Decades Ahead and A Call to Action: Translating the Spirit of Stewardship of Place Into Practice.
|
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | The 118th Congress & What to Expect on the Hill Join this session to hear all the latest news from the start of the first session of the new Congress. Speakers will provide an update on the new education committee leadership and what we know about their policy priorities that will impact policies on access, student aid, institutional operations, and a partial HEA reauthorization.
|
| 4:00–5:15 p.m. | Conversation with Representative from U.S. Department of Education We will be joined by Assistant Secretary of Education for Postsecondary Education Nasser Paydar, who will share the latest news about the implementation of the new simplified FAFSA and President Biden’s FY24 budget submission to Congress. We expect to also learn more about the extensive regulatory work being done that will impact campus student safety, changes to reporting requirements on third-party servicers, and a new negotiated rulemaking process on a number of Title IV issues.
|
| 5:15-7 p.m. | Reception (event hotel) |
| 8–8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:45–9:30 a.m. | Final Charge Join your friends and colleagues for breakfast and some parting words of wisdom as everyone prepares for their congressional visits. Presenters will share their observations on why advocacy is more important than ever, how to maximize your engagement with the members of your federal delegation and build on the results of your successful visits.
|
| 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Hill Visits |
Building on the success of our recent annual conference in November, we are excited to welcome AASCU spouses/partners to Washington, DC in conjunction with the inaugural AASCU on the Hill event. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to join your partner in DC for networking and learning.
The Spouse/Partner gathering will bring together member spouses/partners for 1.5 days to focus on specific topics and issues around financial wellness and the spouse/partner role with advocacy and to participate in the AASCU on the Hill events.
Wednesday, April 19 |
|
| 10–11:30 a.m. | Embracing Advocacy in the Spouse/Partner Role This session will help spouses/partners to better understand the various elements of advocacy and how to best connect and support in this meaningful work.
|
| 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | Spouse/Partner Lunch |
| 12–3 p.m. | Guided Walking Tour of DC |
| 2:45–3:45 p.m. | The 118th Congress & What to Expect on the Hill Join this session to hear all the latest news from the start of the first session of the new Congress. Speakers will provide an update on the new education committee leadership and what we know about their policy priorities that will impact policies on access, student aid, institutional operations, and a partial HEA reauthorization.
|
| 4:00–5:15 p.m. | Conversation with Representative from U.S. Department of Education We will be joined by Assistant Secretary of Education for Postsecondary Education Nasser Paydar, who will share the latest news about the implementation of the new simplified FAFSA and President Biden’s FY24 budget submission to Congress. We expect to also learn more about the extensive regulatory work being done that will impact campus student safety, changes to reporting requirements on third-party servicers, and a new negotiated rulemaking process on a number of Title IV issues.
|
| 5:15–7 p.m. | Reception (event hotel) |
Thursday, April 20 |
|
| 8–8:45 a.m. | Spouse/Partner Breakfast and Networking |
| 8:45–10 a.m. | Financial Wellness for the Journey Whether you are new to the presidency or are a seasoned veteran, financial wellness is essential to navigating the journey. Join this robust discussion that will provide core tips and practical application in the spouse/partner role.
|
| 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Hill Visits |
Meet our speakers
Heidi M.
Anderson
President
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Shelly
Eweka
Senior Director, Financial Planning Strategy
TIAA
Brian
Flahaven
Vice President Strategic Partnerships
Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
Mildred
García
Chancellor
California State University System
Jolene
Koester
Former Chancellor
California State University
Bill
LaForge
Former President
Delta State University (MS)
Luis
Maldonado
Vice President, Government Relations and Policy Analysis
AASCU
Kirk A.
Nooks
Former President
Gordon State College (GA)
Nasser
Paydar
Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education
Department of Education
Ronald S.
Rochon
President
University of Southern Indiana
Ashish
Vaidya
Former Senior Fellow
AASCU
John Patrick
Walsh
Director of Federal Relations and Policy Analysis
AASCU
Registration Fees
| Attendee type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Presidents, Chancellors, Government Relations staff |
$200 |
| Spouse/Partners | $100 |
| Optional Advocacy Workshop (includes lunch) |
$75 |
| Students | complimentary |
AASCU is committed to the health, safety and well-being of all attendees at our gatherings. We follow all local rules and CDC guidance and closely monitor conditions related to COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Attendees at all AASCU events agree to adhere to the following health and safety protocols.
Before leaving home
- AASCU strongly encourages all participants to be fully vaccinated. The CDC Vaccines website provides definitions of “Fully Vaccinated” and “Up To Date”.
- Stay home if you feel unwell or have any COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. We recommend attendees wear masks while traveling to and from the event and follow COVID-19 safety practices in the days leading up to the event.
- We strongly encourage attendees to take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test before traveling and before arriving to AASCU convenings.
Onsite during the event
- Masks are recommended and will be available at the registration desk.
- If you are experiencing cold or COVID-19 symptoms please be respectful and wear a mask.
- Self-administered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests will be available at the registration desk. We encourage participants test themselves upon arrival before joining the conference.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
- If you feel unwell, develop symptoms of COVID-19, or test positive for COVID-19 at any time during the convening, seek medical care and do not attend the meals or gatherings.
- If you test positive during the conference, please notify AASCU staff by emailing meetings@aascu.org.
AASCU reserves the right to modify these policies and procedures at any time given the rapidly changing nature of any current and ongoing public health emergencies.
Unfortunately we will not be able to issue refunds for this event should your schedule change.
All meetings and conferences sponsored by AASCU are inclusive and accessible to all individuals, including individuals with disabilities. Please request accessibility services when you register and contact us if you need auxiliary aids or services.
Request services.By participating in an AASCU conference, you are automatically authorizing AASCU to use your name, photograph, voice, or another likeness for purposes related to the mission of AASCU, including but not limited to publicity, marketing, websites, social media vehicles, and any other AASCU-related electronic forms or media for the promotion of AASCU and its various programs.
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