What is it?
This extremely significant legislation regulating many aspects of higher education, from financial aid to fire safety reporting, turned 50 years old at the end of 2013 and expired the end of fiscal year 2014. It has been running on a series of temporary extensions. There have been efforts in each Congress to pass a bill or series of bills; however, none have ever gone beyond the committee level.
The American Council on Education (ACE), an association of which SU is a member, works with Congress and the presidential administration on an ongoing basis to ensure the views of its members are reflected in policy discussions and during the reauthorization process.
Why Does it Matter?
The Higher Education Act determines how federal dollars are awarded to colleges and students. It dictates the framework and timing for loans, accreditation, and so much more.
The Office of Government and Community Relations will continue to follow progress on this legislation. For more information, contact us at gcr@syr.edu.