American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) 2012 Public Policy Agenda Synopsis

2012 Public Policy Principles 1. Common Good/Individual Benefits “Higher Education is a common good that provides significant benefits to individuals and society as a whole. ..”

  1. Embodiment of democratic ideas “America’s public higher education system stands as an embodiment of the nation’s democratic ideals.”
  2. Promised return on America's investment in Education “State colleges and universities are committed to delivering America's promise through quality
  3. Accessibility “No American should be denied the opportunity to pursue higher education for lack of financial resources .....
  4. 2012 Public Policy Priority Areas
  5. Affordability (AFF)
  6. Access and Completion (AC)
  7. Accountability (ACC)
  8. Competiveness©

Some of the specific priorities include the following:

AreaPriority
AFFBaseline Pell Amount of $4,860.
AFFPell Grant amounts are based on income.
AFFMake Tax Credits for college tuition permanent.
AFFExempt Pell Grants from a factor in determining the amount of the tax credit.
AFFMake permanent the opportunity to transfer (up to $100K) from an IRA tax free, to charitable and other non-profit organizations.
ACDirect support to public higher education institutions that enroll a high percentage of low income students.
ACIncrease funding to help states align P-12 and higher education curricula, standards and assessment.
ACSupport continued appropriation levels for Title III of the Higher Education Act.
ACSupport and promote the benefits provided to veterans.
ACCSupport the continued development of comprehensive data systems based on common data elements.
ACCHold states accountable for appropriation levels.
ACCWork to devise more accurate student progress and completion measures.
CSupport the strengthening and funding of high-quality clinical experiences in all traditional teacher preparation programs.
CSupport meaningful partnerships between state and local education agencies and higher education to support teacher education.
CSecure a dedicated funding stream to support reform in university-based teacher preparation.