Policy & Advocacy

AASCU delivers America’s promise through its public policy advocacy.

We amplify members’ voices, offering legislators and advocates guidance that promotes higher education and empowers state colleges and universities to transform their communities.

Contact us.
2023 Council of State Representatives chair Ronald S. Rochon, president of the University of Southern Indiana

We inform policymakers to strengthen state colleges and universities.

Policy Agenda

We help key stakeholders formulate effective public policy and define legislative priorities advancing public higher education.

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Policy Resources

Our resources provide institutions and policymakers with timely insights that inform the development of effective higher education policies.

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AASCU Advocacy Center

We facilitate the coordinated, tactical advocacy of state colleges and universities through impactful campaigns, federal updates, and lawmaker outreach.

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AASCU members are shaping the nation.

Our institutions are stewards of place, creating and sustaining thriving communities as engines of upward social mobility in cities, suburbs, towns, and remote rural areas throughout the United States.

 

322

out of the 780 public four-year institutions in the United States are AASCU members.

3.2 million

undergraduate students – 34% of the nation’s 9.3 million – are enrolled in or at AASCU institutions.

42%

of the 1.4 million bachelor’s degrees awarded in the United States come from AASCU members. 

Elevate our Public Policy Agenda.

Our annual Public Policy Agenda promotes the collective priorities of our members before Congress and the administration, focusing on the following three pillars and their policy actions:

  • Advance state and federal partnerships
  • Double the maximum Pell Grant awards
  • Strengthen educator preparation programs
  • Infrastructure investments
  • Responsible regulatory relief
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  • Campus Safety
  • Protection and Promotion of Free Speech
  • Promoting Civic Engagement, Campus Diversity
  • Improve Educational Opportunities for Veterans and Service Members
  • Support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and “Dreamers”
  • Promote International Education, Support Foster Care Youth Students
Learn more.
  • Institutional Autonomy of Public Institutions
  • Accreditation and Quality Assurance
  • Strengthen Educator Preparation
  • Competitiveness
  • Promote Innovation in Higher Education
Learn more.
Testimonials

“The AASCU on the Hill event was great. The speakers and panelists did a nice job of summarizing key federal policies and issues, providing helpful tips and tactics, and reminding attendees of the “why” behind the event, always grounding us in the significance of our mission as regional comprehensive universities. The meetings with federal legislators went very well, and the involvement of our amazing student leaders was particularly inspiring.

The event was the right mix of policy, learning, networking, engagement, and advocacy. And the D.C. weather cooperated perfectly!”

Joseph Bain

General Counsel
Fort Hays State University (KS)

“I am so glad I could be a part of AASCU’s inaugural “Day on the Hill.” Advocacy at the federal level has been uncharted territory, however, the day before prep and the chance to share with colleagues from other parts of the country provided just the right boost for this initial effort. Time will tell if we made an impact, but talking with our elected officials in this setting was a positive experience. Thanks to AASCU for making it happen.”

Jennie Rose

Governmental Affairs Officer
Fort Hays State University (KS)

Subscribe to our Weekly Federal Policy newsletter to stay informed.

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Connect With Our Government Relations Network

AASCU’s Government Relations team wants to hear from your government relations (GR) offices on key federal issues. Through our GR Network, AASCU will exchange the most relevant policy-related information, collect feedback on congressional proposals and administrative regulations, and request input from subject matter experts regarding key issues in higher education.

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