Federal Legislation

AVIC works closely with its national partner, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). NAICU is the primary advocate for its member colleges and universities on matters under consideration by Congress and the federal government.

Higher Education Act

 

The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEA) completed its passage through Congress in 2008 and makes sweeping and complicated changes to the rules colleges must follow if their students receive federal aid. The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities has developed a very helpful compliance guide, HEA 101.

 

 

With reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, we urge our members to monitor (and quantify if possible) the impact of these legislative changes. AVIC will be working with NAICU to inform Congress about the impact in Vermont.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

 

The 110th Congress approved legislation that will substantially increase the educational benefits available to our nation’s veterans. Provisions of the “Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act” were included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental Appropriations Act.

The expanded benefits will be available beginning August 1, 2009.  NAICU’s  Post 9/11 GI Bill section contains vital information about implementing this program, including the Yellow Ribbon program for students attending private colleges.

Student Aid Legislation

 

Find your congressional district by calling the Student Aid Alliance Hot Line at 1-800-574-4243.  You’ll be connected to a brief message about the latest information on student aid and then switched to the Capitol operator.

Tell them the name of the U.S. Senator or Representative with whom you want to speak, and you’ll be connected to his/her office.

United States Department of Education

 

To learn about topics such as the Recovery Act, Race to the Top Fund, and more, visit the U.S. Department of Education website at www.ed.gov.