Public Policy and Governmental Affairs
ACPA-College Student Educators International is consistently involved in high-stakes and high-profile government processes that affect higher education. We often find it necessary to join in advocacy with other associations to amplify our voices, take a position on certain issues, and offer support to public policy that aligns with our mission, vision and values. With the ever changing climate in our world today, it is imperative that we are transparent with members about our positions on pressing issues and work in public policy. This webpage serves as a resource to review formal documents that ACPA has drafted, are in the process of reviewing, or signed on to support.
The public policy work is guided by the ACPA Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Task Force. The task force is responsible for scanning and evaluating the political landscape, and developing strategies to address the concerns, issues, and challenges of members and/or the higher education field particularly related to political and legislative activities, as well as advise and recommend position and public policy statements to the ACPA Leadership Council.
Public Policy and Government Affairs Task Force
Chair, Public Policy & Governmental Affairs:
Terry Paape
General Members:
Clarissa Beavers, Terrian Garvis, Jose Guevara Johnson, Monique Hodges, Cody Nielsen,
Claire Robbins, Alan “Woody” Schwitzer, Justin Wilder
International Office Staff Liaison:
Chris Moody
ACPA-College Student Educators International is committed to advancing our mission and serving the communities in which we operate without engaging in global or domestic politics. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to maintaining a neutral and non-partisan stance in all our activities, including our communications, advocacy, and public policy efforts.
We recognize the importance of engaging with a wide range of higher education practitioners, scholars, and communities across the political and ideological spectrum. Our goal is to promote understanding, education, and collaboration on the issues that matter most to our mission, without favoring or supporting any political party, ideology, or candidate.
Please find our ACPA Communications and Content Position Statement on Non-Partisanship that guides the public policy work of the association.
Public Policy Priority Areas
ACPA-College Student Educators International is committed to ongoing engagement in higher education policy discussions and/or advocating for specific issues relevant to our purpose, mission and values.
In line with our purpose, mission and values, the following Public Policy Priority areas have been developed to help guide our engagement in the public policy space in order to better serve our members and the field of Higher Education.
- Students Matter: Every student matters and are valued for who they are and what they bring to higher education
- Faculty & Staff Matter: Faculty and staff play a critical role in the development of the student experience and within the overall higher education setting
- Access to Services & Support: Fair and equitable treatment and access to services is available to all members of the institutional community
- Academic Discourse: The ability for students, faculty and staff to engage in civil dialogue inside and outside of the classroom and to learn and teach about concepts and topics without censorship.
- Community & Belonging: Community and Belonging are vital to ensure success within the higher education space
- Relationship with Local Communities: Higher Education institutions are integral to the local communities where they are housed and must be active and engaged partners
- Value of Higher Education: The value and importance of Higher Education and its contributions for the greater good in society
The ACPA Policy Pulse is a monthly series of open conversations and webinar-style learning sessions focused on the latest public policy and advocacy efforts of ACPA. Designed as a space for connection and learning, this series invites ACPA members to come together to process recent legislation, digest its implications for higher education, and engage with colleagues and experts who are closely involved in the issues at hand. Whether you’re looking to stay informed, ask questions, or deepen your understanding of national policy developments, Policy Pulse offers a timely, supportive forum to learn and grow together.
17
17Sep2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free Webinar: CAS+ Portal Preview
Online
ACPA is proud to offer virtual learning opportunities for student affairs and higher education professionals. Join colleagues as we focus on getting you the information you need to thrive in your role and best support your students right now.
Policy Alerts and public announcements
The latest statements made by ACPA as a form of advocacy for the student affairs and higher education community.
Position Statements
The ACPA Leadership Council and Public Policy & Governmental Affairs Task Force have worked together to construct position statements on areas within the political and social climate that effect higher education. These statements serve as reference materials for those interested in understanding more about where ACPA stands on certain issues and current events.
We invite you to click on the links below to learn more about ACPA’s position on each topic. ACPA will continue to review, edit, and add to this list over time. If you have suggestions or feedback, please email us at info@acpa.nche.edu.
sign-ons
ACPA often joins relevant organizations in sharing support or concerns on a plethora of issues often referred to as sign-ons. Below are sign-ons ACPA has agreed to be a part of during 2026.
- Advocacy Letter to the National Science Foundation on Proposed Changes to the Guidance on Financial Assistance (8/24/2026)
- Community Letter to the US Department of Education on the Proposed Rescission of International Education Programs and Fulbright-Hays Program (6/30/2026)
- Community Letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding their proposed rule, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance (7/8/2026)
- Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration letter to the U.S. Congress on supporting permanent protections and stability for Dreamers (6/2/2026)
- Comment on the U.S. Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) titled, “Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell: Student Tuition and Transparency System (STATS) and Earnings Accountability” (5/20/2026)
- Community letter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) addressing processing delay of renewals for registered Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) individuals (5/19/2026)
- Student Aid Alliance Letter to US Department of Education commenting on the FY27 Budget Request (5/12/2026)
- Letter to US State Department to Prioritize Fall 2026 Term Student Visas (5/8/2026)
- Letter to US Department of Education on Proposed Rulemaking for Workforce Pell (4/8/2026)
- Letter to US Department of Education’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, “Reimagining and Improving Student Education” (RISE) (3/2/2026)
- Letter to US Department of Education on Accreditation Handbook RFI (1/26/2026)
RESOURCES
- Higher Education & The Trump Administration – Resources created in response to President Trump’s executive orders related to higher education compiled by the American Council on Education.
- U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Frequently Asked Questions About Racial Preferences and Stereotypes Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act – A follow-up FAQ document intended to answer questions following the February 14, 2025 Dear Colleague Letter.
- Protecting Higher Education – A Communications Toolkit: Speak Up for Higher Education – A website created and maintained by the National Education Association offering resources across a variety of public policy topics important to higher education.
- dotEDU Live (March 20, 2025 episode): What the Department of Education Layoffs Mean for Colleges and Universities – A podcast recording covering a range of recent U.S. federal government activities affecting higher education. Student Affairs Now (March 27, 2025 episode): Current Campus Context: Federal Student Aid, Institutional Autonomy & Associations’ Push Back – A podcast recording addressing the impacts of attempts by the Trump Administration to fundamentally change colleges and universities.
- ACE: Initial summary of Executive Orders that impact higher education
- Trackers pertaining to executive orders issued by President Trump can be found at: