Encouraging legislation at the state and federal levels that support the mission of our institutions
Advancing the Association’s California Legislative Agenda
AICCU represents the Association and its member institutions before the State Legislature and Governor’s Office. AICCU also engages and represents the sector on various state agencies and boards, including the California Student Aid Commission, California Education Interagency Council, Cradle-to-Career Data System, Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and Department of Finance, among others.
AICCU tracks hundreds of bills each year across priority issue areas, including state financial aid programs, student affairs policies, employment, teacher preparation and retention, nursing, transfer, and budget issues. AICCU advocates for public policies that expand college access and affordability, strengthen student success, leverage the capacity and innovation of independent institutions, and help California meet its workforce needs. AICCU also works to ensure that the independent sector is represented in the major policy conversations shaping the future of higher education, workforce development, and economic opportunity in California.
For more information please contact Alex Graves, Vice President for Government Relations.
- Representing the association & member institutions
- Going before both legislative & executive branches
- Reporting positions on policy issues, budget, and legislation
State Advocacy Quick Links
Advancing Our Priorities on Capitol Hill
AICCU is active on the federal policymaking and regulatory level. The association closely tracks legislative, budget, and regulatory actions related to the Higher Education Act, federal student aid, Title IX, online distance education, and more.
AICCU engages with members of Congress and other public officials. We organize an annual advocacy day in Washington, D.C. for campus leaders to meet with California’s senators and House delegation. In addition to members of Congress, AICCU has advocated to the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Reserve.
In order to further strengthen and broaden the association’s impact on Capitol Hill, AICCU engages with national higher education associations on issues of importance to our member institutions and the students they serve. AICCU is a member of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, and the Council of Independent Colleges. Association staff leverages the knowledge and experience of our partners to maximize our reach and influence on the federal level.
For more information please contact Tom Vu, Vice President for Policy.
- Tracking federal legislative, budget & regulatory actions
- Leading an annual advocacy day in Washington, D.C.
- Partnering with national higher education associations
