Advocacy Communications-State Thomas L. Harnisch, Director of State Relations American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

What is AASCU? 420 presidents/chancellors of public universities & systems Led by Dr. Muriel Howard Emphasis: undergraduate education, college access, student success, institutional leadership Federal lobbying and federal/state/institutional policy leadership. Leadership/professional programming for CEOs, CAOs, Government Relations, Communications, International Affairs

Our campus missions AASCU institutions seek to provide student access to high-quality, affordable college opportunities. We are accountable to the public and stewards of our regions. #Opps4All

Key Points The public sector of higher education is being privatized due to state budget cuts. Public HBCUs are on the front lines of privatization State budget cuts are making college less affordable and leading to fewer opportunities Effective advocacy communications are essential to stop privatization

“Our HBCUs have a glorious past. We must make sure they have a glorious future.” -Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Deputy Undersecretary of Education and Acting Executive Director, White House Initiative on HBCUS

Disinvestment and An Uncertain Future Source: State Higher Education Executive Officers, 2016

Disinvestment and An Uncertain Future Source: State Higher Education Executive Officers, 2016

Disinvestment and An Uncertain Future Source: Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2016

Disinvestment and An Uncertain Futre Future Source: Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, November 2015, New York Fed

Trend Lines and Privatization Florida-2048 Georgia-2051 Louisiana-2027 Mississippi-2052 North Carolina-2064 South Carolina-2031 Source: Postsecondary Education Opportunity, February 2015

Effective Advocacy Communications The higher ed-state relationship is based on fundamentally based on trust. – Demonstrate accountability to shared objectives Be proactive---how can your institution address state needs? There is no offseason in state relations.

Effective Advocacy Communications Conveying institutional outcomes – Are you being a good steward of public dollars? Keeping college affordable? How? – Communicate accurate student degree completion – Regional stewardship – USE STORIES!!!

Effective Advocacy Communications Messaging: – The economic message is compelling. – Acknowledge political realities. Emphasize reforms and outcomes, not making up for lost funds – Keep it simple

Effective Advocacy Communications Communicate the Public Good of Your University – How else are you contributing to K-12 education, health care, the environment, etc.

Effective Advocacy Communications Build a comprehensive state relations program Create a public engagement master plan – How will we strategically engage the public? Who are our partners? What solutions can we provide to local, regional and state needs?

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