AACRAO's Public Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) plays a vital role in shaping the dialogue around legislative and policy matters impacting higher education. To continue this work AACRAO is seeking new members for the Public Policy Advisory Group for the coming years.
The group provides an essential practitioner perspective on emerging legislation and public policy matters and serves as a practical resource to AACRAO’s Executive Director and Federal Relations staff as they craft responses to proposed legislation or regulation.
Over the years, PPAG has been involved in numerous initiatives, leveraging the expertise of its members to advocate for policies that benefit students, institutions, and the broader educational landscape. One notable area of focus for PPAG
has been advocating for equitable access to higher education. This includes supporting legislation and initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for underrepresented minority groups, low-income students, and first-generation college
attendees. PPAG members have worked tirelessly to ensure that admissions processes are fair and transparent and that financial aid programs adequately support those in need.
Additionally, PPAG has been instrumental in addressing the needs of non-traditional students, including veterans and servicemembers. Through their advocacy efforts, PPAG has helped shape policies that recognize the unique challenges faced
by these individuals and ensure they have access to the resources and support necessary to succeed in their educational pursuits.
Furthermore, PPAG has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding competency-based education (CBE) and credit for prior learning (CPL). These innovative approaches to education have the potential to revolutionize how students learn and
demonstrate mastery of skills. PPAG members have been actively engaged in advocating for policies that support the implementation and recognition of CBE programs and CPL opportunities, ensuring that students receive credit for the knowledge
and skills they have acquired outside of traditional academic settings.
Overall, PPAG serves as a critical voice in the policymaking process, providing AACRAO and its stakeholders with valuable insights and recommendations based on their firsthand experience as practitioners in higher education. By actively engaging
with public policy issues, PPAG members have the opportunity to shape the future of higher education and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and institutions alike.
Get Started
The PPAG group consists of eight to twelve AACRAO members who are selected based on their areas of expertise, type of institution, and how representative they are of the geographic, gender, and ethnic diversity of the association.
Areas of expertise may include admissions, enrollment services, financial aid, access, and equity, serving veterans and service members, community colleges, graduate and professional education, competency-based education, credit for prior learning, and
others.
Each year, the association aims to add up to four new members who will then serve for a three-year term. Joining the group is an opportunity to engage with and help influence public policy issues by providing your input as a first-hand practitioner.
If you are interested, please apply using this form by no later than March 29, 2024. Once you apply, the review process generally takes up to two weeks. AACRAO will host an in-person and Virtual meeting for PPAG members during our Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.