commentary

Washington Watch: Some flexibility on certification rules

The U.S. Education Department (ED) continues to propose a bevy of new regulations for postsecondary institutions. One set, concerning “Institutional and Programmatic Eligibility,” largely takes effect on July 1. The American Association of Community Colleges…


Advocacy quick hits: ED updates FAFSA timeline

The U.S. Education Department (ED) this week issued an electronic announcement (EA) updating the timeline for the processing of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data and sending Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs) –…


How we can make college affordable for everyone

When I first came to Austin Community College District (ACC) in fall 2023, I knew I wanted to get to know our students and learn about our community. What I discovered wasn’t a surprise, but…


Leveraging accreditation to drive innovation, equity

In the realm of higher education, the process of accreditation holds significant weight. It serves as both a validation of institutional quality, an impetus for continuous improvement, and a gatekeeper for financial aid and credit…



Why student clubs matter in community colleges

Extracurricular activities play a critical role in shaping the college experience for students, and they are often characterized as a rite of passage for students. One of these extracurricular activities is student clubs. Participating in…


10 things your campus should be doing to launch generative AI

Every community college is dealing with the emergence of generative artificial intelligence; the positive implications for increased efficiencies, improved student services, more creative and relevant curriculum and the transformation of workforce readiness and training are…


Washington Watch: Congress releases final appropriations bills

Congress on Thursday released text and accompanying report language for the six fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills it had not yet passed, including the all-important Labor, Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS-ED) appropriations…