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Greetings,
As we begin a new year, AICCU remains deeply engaged in advocacy efforts that elevate the role of California’s independent colleges and universities and, most importantly, center the students and communities we serve. In February, we will continue our longstanding advocacy traditions with our annual Federal Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., and our Day in the Capitol student advocacy day in Sacramento. This spring, we will bring campus leaders together for our inaugural Campus Leaders Advocacy Day on April 13–14, convening presidents and senior leaders at the State Capitol for meaningful legislative engagement. These conversations with lawmakers and their staff are critical to highlighting the vital role our sector plays in California’s higher education ecosystem and the impact our institutions have across the state.
Across these advocacy efforts, our students and campus leaders will underscore the enduring value of higher education and why it remains #WorthIt. At a time of increased scrutiny and federal disinvestment, we are focused on protecting college access and affordability by advocating for the preservation of federal financial aid and the restoration of the Grad PLUS Loan program. In California, AICCU continues to prioritize robust support for the Cal Grant program, recognizing its critical role in expanding opportunities for students across our institutions.
We are also deeply engaged in key policy discussions shaping California’s future. AICCU is working closely with Sen. Scott Wiener’s office on SB 895, which would place a multibillion-dollar California Science and Health Research Bond on the November 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the bond would invest in scientific research and development across public and private universities, research institutions, and companies statewide. The bill also establishes a California Foundation for Science and Health Research Finance Council, and we are pleased to share that AICCU has secured a designated seat on this council.
In addition, AICCU is participating in a California Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Task Force convened by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. This cross-sector effort brings together higher education leaders and advocates to develop a framework to inform future state investment in HSIs and strengthen the support for the students they serve.
Together, these efforts reflect our shared commitment to advancing solutions in the face of federal disinvestment and ongoing uncertainty. Through partnership, advocacy, and a sustained focus on students, we are working to help shape a more equitable, innovative, and resilient future for higher education in California.
Sincerely,
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Kristen Soares
President
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
| | Leading Through Uncertainty: A College President’s View on Higher Education’s Future | | |
The latest episode of Insights with AICCU features Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College. The episode is hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and is sponsored by First American Education Finance.
This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities facing higher education, with President Stritikus sharing how Occidental College is expanding college access through transfer partnerships, strengthening support for first generation and veteran students, and increasing transparency around tuition and financial aid. Drawing on his role as board chair of the American Council on Education, the nation’s largest higher education association, President Stritikus also offers a perspective on the national landscape, including growing public scrutiny of higher education, federal policy pressures, and the critical importance of collaboration across the sector.
Insights with AICCU is a quarterly podcast featuring insightful conversations surrounding issues impacting the higher education space. Guests include prominent figures in higher education such as policymakers, campus leaders, students, advocates, and more. The podcast is available for listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Episode transcripts are also available.
| | New California Private College is Possible Event Calendar | | |
A new event calendar is now available, featuring in-person and virtual opportunities from more than 80 private, independent colleges and universities across California. The calendar highlights campus tours, open houses, and information sessions on admissions, financial aid, and academic programs, making it easier for prospective students to explore their higher education options and find the right fit.
| | AICCU 2025 Annual Meeting | | |
AICCU convened its 2025 Annual Meeting in Sacramento, bringing together campus leaders from member institutions, partner organizations, and state agencies for two days of learning, collaboration, and dialogue on the most pressing issues facing independent higher education in California.
During the Annual Business Meeting, members elected seven new leaders to the AICCU Executive Committee, strengthening the association's governance and leadership.
Elected to president positions:
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Christopher Callahan, president of University of the Pacific
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Risa Dickson, president of University of La Verne
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Jim Gash, president of Pepperdine University
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David Howse, president of California College of the Arts
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Matthew Parlow, president of Chapman University
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Roger J. Thompson, president of Saint Mary’s College of California
Elected to a non-president position:
- Jamienne Studley, president emerita of WASC Senior College and University Commission
At the Annual Meeting reception, Assemblymember Darshana Patel was honored as AICCU’s 2025 Policymaker of the Year, in recognition of her leadership on higher education policy. As the author of AB 402, Assemblymember Patel championed increased Cal Grant support for students seeking to continue their educational journey at a four-year independent nonprofit institution. President Mark Milliron of National University welcomed Assemblymember Patel and presented her the award.
| | AICCU's Facts & Figures Report | | |
AICCU published its 2026 Facts & Figures report (formerly known as the Impact Report) highlighting important enrollment, demographic, and other data in the ICCU sector over the past year. The report is widely distributed to policymakers, higher education stakeholder groups, and AICCU campus communities to ensure these communities understand the collective impact of the independent sector on California’s higher education ecosystem.
The report also featured an insert summarizing the impact of federal student aid on ICCU students, including the Pell Grant, FWS, SEOG, and Grad PLUS programs. Highlights include the diversity of ICCU Pell Grant recipients, with over 40% being Latino.
| | 2026 Independent California Colleges Advocate Program | | |
Twenty students from nine AICCU member institutions have been selected to join the 2026 cohort of AICCU’s Independent California Colleges Advocate Program (ICCAP). Through the course of the six-month program, participants will gain firsthand experience in how state policy and budget decisions shape higher education and learn how to effectively advocate for themselves, their peers, and their institutions
The program includes a series of advocacy training webinars featuring guest speakers with expertise in higher education policy, budget and legislative advocacy, and strategic communications, including social media. In February, students will put these skills into action by meeting with state legislators and their staff during AICCU’s 2026 Day in the Capitol to discuss policy and budget priorities and share how these decisions affect their college experience.
Now in its seventh year, ICCAP is designed to equip students with the skills, experience and professional networks needed for careers in public policy, public service, and civic leadership. Students who successfully complete the program graduate with a robust advocacy portfolio demonstrating their ability to engage policymakers and influence key stakeholders.
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Connect with us.
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