By Mike Bilfinger, Assistant Director, Public Policy, AACRAO
Two of the primary responsibilities of AACRAO’s Government Relations (GR) team are 1) to monitor federal and state issues to understand their potential impact on higher education and 2) to engage with lawmakers and other stakeholders to provide input from our members' perspectives. These responsibilities are best served by receiving input from practitioners who truly understand the impact of prospective regulations and legislation.
The AACRAO Government Relations and Public Policy Advisory Group Collaboration
The AACRAO Public Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) is a group of 12 members working closely with our association’s GR team as they monitor proposed legislation and/or regulations. Individuals in the PPAG provide an essential practitioner perspective on emerging public policy matters, and they play a vital role in shaping the dialogue around issues impacting higher education from an AACRAO member perspective.
You Can Help Shape Policy: Apply to Join the PPAG
AACRAO is seeking new volunteers to continue the PPAG's work in the coming years. AACRAO seeks your expertise and knowledge.
Applications are open until March 7, 2025, so we encourage individuals to please consider applying. After applications close, the review process generally takes several weeks. Once selections have been made, the group meets on a quarterly basis. Selected applicants serve for a three-year term before then rolling off.
Application Criteria
Individuals must be AACRAO members.
Selection is based on areas of expertise and the type of institution, creating a group representative of the association's regional, gender, institutional, and ethnic diversity.
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.
By actively engaging with public policy issues, PPAG members can be an active voice for higher education and make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and institutions alike.