May 29, 2024

Leading the news this week: ED shared that they have officially processed more than 10 million FAFSA forms. However, only 41% of graduating high school students have submitted FAFSAs, marking a 15.5% decrease compared to last year's numbers.

Now let's dive into the latest news in higher education!

*NEW* Office for Civil Rights' Annual Report

The Department of Education (ED) recently released its Office for Civil Rights' Annual Report for FY 2023. The report outlines OCR’s efforts to ensure civil rights compliance among institutions of education that receive federal funds, addressing discrimination based on various factors.  It includes details on the resolution of 16,448 cases out of 19,201 received complaints, amid challenges such as increased caseloads and reduced staffing levels.

For access to the full report, click here.

Coalition Letter on Strengthening FAFSA 

ACCT joined a coalition of higher education organizations in sending a letter to Congressional leaders, advocating for enhancements to the FAFSA process and improvements in the student financial aid system.

To read the full letter, click here.

Dear Colleague on Implementation of Upcoming Regulations

Earlier this month, ED published a Dear Colleague Letter providing an overview of regulatory changes impacting institutions' eligibility to participate in Title IV, Higher Education Act programs. These changes arise from the final rule published last year concerning Financial Responsibility, Administrative Capability, Certification Procedures, and Ability to Benefit, set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

For the 2024-25 award year, institutions must be cognizant of these changes and ensure compliance. Of note, institutions intending to introduce eligible career pathway programs after July 1, 2024, are required to seek approval from the Department. Furthermore, they are prohibited from offering any additional eligible career pathway programs until the initial one receives approval.

To read the full letter, click here. 

Higher Ed Legal Issues Update Webinar  

Join ACCT’s panel of Higher Ed legal practitioners as they provide a comprehensive and interactive update on four of the leading legal issues currently facing Higher Ed Institutions in the areas of (1) Artificial Intelligence; (2) The new and long-awaited Title IX Education Department Regulations; (3) The new Federal Minimum Wage/Overtime Regulations; and (4) First Amendment Litigation issues facing Higher Ed Institutions.

The webinar will take place Wednesday, June 5 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm ET.  To register, click here. 

• Accepting applications on a rolling basis - SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Cohort 2 Applications
• June 5 - Higher Ed Legal Issues Update Webinar  

Outreach Efforts

Is your institution meeting or hosting an event with federal elected officials?

We created a Congressional Contact Form that will help us track outreach efforts of community college leaders across our membership. By filling out the form, you are better informing ACCT's advocacy efforts and our advocacy team is able to continue those conversations with congressional staff in DC. 

ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW:

Have a Question?

Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges.

If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For more information about ACCT's advocacy services, visit acct.org/advocacy

Spread the Word.

Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) Alert network. To join, simply register here. 

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