2012 NAICU Annual Meeting

"Issues" would seem to be the defining word, as higher education, and the nation, approach a year fraught with matters to be addressed. A troubling U.S. and European economy, a contentious and divided Congress, an approaching presidential election - these are just some of the top of mind issues we face as we enter 2012.

Within higher education, the issues encompass seismic shifts in the academic and administrative paradigms that have been the bedrock of our institutions. In higher education policy, federal student aid faces rethinking and reduction, the Department of Education is pursuing education reform that will affect all of us, and Congress remains a hotbed of proposals for increased "consumer information."

All this, and more, will be discussed and debated over four days at the NAICU Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.  On-line meeting registration and hotel reservations are now open.

While we continue to flesh out the programming, here are some highlights of what you can expect at the 2012 Annual Meeting:

• Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers -- The chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee will address how the current federal budget and the year ahead in Congress might affect federal student aid and the nation.
  
  
• Zakiya Smith -- A senior advisor for education policy at the White House Domestic Policy Council (where her focus is on higher education policy) will be a member of a panel discussing how the administration is approaching the topic of college affordability, and then examine models for containing costs and enhancing affordability, while safeguarding academic quality.
  
  
• Diane Ravitch -- As research professor of education at New York University and author of the recently-published book The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education, she is one of the most influential voices in the ongoing debate on how to reform education. Diane has never feared speaking the truth, as she sees it, to members of Congress, the media, educators - and we anticipate, to NAICU Annual Meeting attendees.
  
  
• Douglas Brinkley - Described as "the best of the new generation of American historians," he's a distinguished professor of history at Rice University and has written on a broad range of topics, including presidents, military campaigns, American leaders, Catholicism, and Hurricane Katrina. Don't miss this engaging speaker, with insights on history's biggest people and events, and how they relate to today.
  
  
• "From Surviving to Thriving," with Joanne Soliday -- Why are some colleges thriving in the midst of higher education change and threats, while others are struggling to survive? This respected consultant on the strategic direction of private colleges and universities will share nine initiatives that, when addressed intentionally, make the most difference in college and university strength. These are take-home insights you can apply on your campus.
  
  
• "Why Does College Cost So Much?" - When their book with that title was published a year ago, Robert Archibald and David Feldman unleashed a firestorm of debate. Their assertion is that, for the majority of Americans, higher education is more affordable today than it was a decade ago. And their argument is made all the stronger by their expertise as professors of economics at The College of William & Mary.
  
  
• Rethinking the Higher Education Model -- The "new normal" is forcing higher education to re-evaluate its financial and educational models in ways that would have been considered revolutionary just a few short years ago. A panel of presidents will provide insights into creative, unconventional strategies undertaken at their institutions to stay ahead of the curve in a fast-changing environment.
  
  
• Making Sense of the Trends That Will Impact Your Marketplace -- Bob Sevier, senior vice president, strategy, with Stamats, and a perennial NAICU Annual Meeting favorite, will look at the major economic and demographic forces impacting our private colleges and universities, and will help you gain perspective on what matters and what doesn't in today's marketplace.
  
  
• Leaders from Congress -- The Annual Meeting will, of course, also feature our usual array of visits by key elected officials.  Watch for announcements of additional speakers as congressional schedules evolve.
  
  
• "Academies" on Government Relations and Public Relations -- We'll again offer these two popular half days of sessions for both presidents and their key government relations/public relations staff.  Schedule updates will carry details on the academies' speakers, who will offer valuable insights and information for presidents and their key staff members.
  
  
• Plus Plenty of Networking -- As in past years, you'll also have ample opportunity to visit with your colleagues at a full slate of social activities.  And of course, we'll once again set aside time for those all-important Hill visits with your congressional delegation.

Check the Preliminary Schedule -- Check the preliminary schedule regularly for updates in the coming weeks. 

On-line Meeting Registration Now Open -- This year NAICU has implemented on-line registration. Follow the link to register for the meeting, and to pay via credit card on line, or for instructions on paying by check.   

We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible.  Our room block at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill always fills up rapidly.  To make your room reservations, call the Hyatt at (888) 421-1442, mentioning the NAICU Annual Meeting, or use this special hotel reservation link to make an electronic reservation.

We look forward to your joining us in late January for an engaging and informative meeting.

Start:	Sunday, January 29, 2012
End:	Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Location:	Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

NAICU Staff Contact:  Deborah Reilly