News from NAICU

This morning the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Joe Biden’s $1.7 trillion “Build Back Better” plan, a package of tax changes and spending on education, healthcare and the climate that is the centerpiece of his domestic agenda.  Included in the legislation is a $550 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award, the foundation of the federal student aid programs. The legislation is now headed to the Senate for consideration after Thanksgiving. 
 
NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.M. issued a statement following the vote:
 
“This morning’s action by the House of Representatives to increase the Pell Grant maximum award by $550 is welcome news.  While the amount falls far short of the $1,475 Pell increase the Biden administration originally sought—and does not come close to doubling the Pell Grant to $13,000 sought by the Double Pell Alliance, we are heartened by this first important step and that Congress may add an additional $400 this year as part of the federal appropriations process.
 
“Over the course of nearly 50 years, the Pell Grant has been proven to be an effective tool in helping students from low- and middle-income families achieve their higher education goals.  We remain steadfast in our advocacy for doubling the Pell Grant maximum award to $13,000, which would increase the number of eligible students, reduce student debt, and restore the purchasing power of this important federal financial aid program.”
 
- Barbara K. Mistick, D.M.
  President, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
   
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. Our member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities, art and design colleges, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions. Each year, private, nonprofit colleges and universities graduate more than 1.1 million students.

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, along with the American Association of Community Colleges, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, American Council on Education, Association of American Universities, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Institute of International Education, and NAFSA: Association of International Educators, today issued the following statement urging the U.S. government to partner with the higher education community to develop and implement a national strategy to return international student enrollment and exchanges to pre-COVID 19 numbers.  
 
“The higher education community is deeply committed to, and places a high priority on, increasing the overall access, diversity, and success of the students it serves. International students play an important role in these efforts by enriching the learning environment for all students and bringing a global perspective that adds to the diversity of the campus and community.
 
“International Education Week celebrates the extraordinary contributions international students and scholars make to college and university campuses across the country. It is essential that the federal government support higher education’s efforts to develop a national strategy to increase the number of international students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities, ensuring that the nation returns to its pre-pandemic, high water mark level set in 2015 of more than 1 million international students.  
 
“We are encouraged by the recent Joint Statement by the Departments of State and Education expressing ‘A Renewed U.S. Commitment to International Education.’  The higher education community looks forward to engaging closely with the federal government to enact policies and take coordinated action to support greater international student enrollment.
 
“International students not only add to the diversity of our institutions, but they also contribute to the American economy by supporting jobs and businesses and by fueling innovation. As the U.S. recovers from the pandemic-induced economic downturn, international students can help support a lasting recovery. International students continue to bolster the U.S. economy even after they complete their studies; many go on to help American companies stay on the leading edge or even start their own businesses and create jobs.
 
“International Education Week provides an opportunity to celebrate the contributions international students and scholars make to our institutions of higher education. We appreciate the Biden administration’s efforts to date that support international students and offer flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher education community and country at large must continue to make clear that international students are an essential part of our communities and continue to be welcomed to the United States.”
 

This morning the Biden Administration released a new framework for a $1.85 trillion Build Back Better social-spending and climate package, which includes a $550 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award. Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), which is a member of the #DoublePell Alliance, released the following statement:
 
“Today is a significant day for low- and moderate-income students and families who wish to attend the college or university of their choice and earn a post-secondary degree. The Build Back Better framework released earlier by the White House includes a $550 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award. In a negotiating environment where proposals were being cut or eliminated, this increase signifies the support this proven federal student aid program continues to have among policymakers.
 
“For nearly 50 years, the Pell Grant has helped students access and afford a higher education, today helping nearly seven million students. President Biden has stated his commitment to doubling the Pell Grant maximum and today’s announcement is a positive step in that direction.  Doubling Pell as part of the post-pandemic recovery will ensure this generation of Americans get the education and training they need to both move up the economic ladder and get the economy working again, while helping America compete in a global economy that demands high skills.
 
“I am also pleased to see the increased support included in the package for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Minority-Serving Institutions as well as the language making DACA students eligible to receive Pell Grants. These are critically important components of the package that will help vital student populations.
 
“The steps taken today are important and acknowledge the tremendous grassroots support for programs that help millions of students every year. We look forward to continuing to work with the White House and Congress to see these increases realized. We also stand committed to finishing the journey and furthering our collective efforts toward doubling the Pell Grant maximum award to $13,000.”
 
- Barbara K. Mistick, D.M.
  President, NAICU

NAICU today announced the appointment of Elizabeth Gemoets as vice president and chief operating officer.  Gemoets, who is currently the chief operating officer at the Association of Academic Health Centers (AAHC) in Washington, DC, will begin her tenure on November 15. 
 
At AAHC, whose membership is comprised of universities providing health professions education, biomedical research and healthcare delivery, Gemoets is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the organization, which works with its members on issues related to academic health thought leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, meetings, publications, and research analytics.  Gemoets, who has 25 years of association management experience, also serves as Secretary/Treasurer for AAHC with fiduciary and corporate governance oversight and over the past decade has helped AAHC become a global organization.
 
Prior to her work at AAHC, Gemoets served for ten years at the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), most recently as the vice president for operations, and worked on Capitol Hill as the director of meetings and communications at the National Council of State Housing Agencies.
 
“Elizabeth brings a deep understanding of nonprofit association management and leadership to NAICU,” said NAICU President Barbara Mistick, D.M.  “Additionally, her tenure at CIC provided important exposure to both the issues facing private, nonprofit higher education and, more importantly, the diversity of NAICU’s mission-based membership.  We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to our team.  I know she will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we continue to effectively and efficiently serve our members and their students.”
 
Gemoets, in this newly-created position of VP/COO, will oversee NAICU’s research, human resources and finance, meetings and events, membership, and IT functions.
 
“The opportunity to engage in more focused work with private colleges and universities at such an important time in our country is deeply appealing,” said Gemoets.  “Private, nonprofit higher education represents not only my personal background, but also a significant portion of my professional career.  I am looking forward to bringing my higher education experience and association management expertise to NAICU to help the association best serve its membership.”
 
Gemoets obtained a bachelor’s degree in Music and Business from Skidmore College and did graduate work in nonprofit management at American University.
 
NAICU was assisted in its search to identify a diverse mix of qualified candidates for the VP/COO position by Academic Search.
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The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. Our member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities, art and design colleges, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions. Each year, private, nonprofit colleges and universities graduate more than 1.1 million students.

Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Patty Murray (D-WA) and Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced today the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2021, which would double the Pell Grant over a period of five years.  In materials provided by the lawmakers, they stated that as the economy recovers from the impact of COVID-19 “we must solidify the investment in students and families and advance a more equitable economic future for the next generation.” 
 
NAICU President Barbara Mistick, D.M. released the following statement regarding the proposed bill:
 
“Doubling the Pell Grant maximum from $6,495 to $13,000 is the single most important step Congress can take to make access to college possible for all students. Pell Grants are a proven bipartisan program and the fairest and most efficient way to help low-income and first-generation students access and complete college. Additional grant aid helps keep low-income students in college and on track to graduation.
 
“As we attempt to bring America back to strong and sustainable economic growth, doubling Pell Grants is one of the most effective and immediate tools that policy makers can use to accelerate economic recovery.
 
“I applaud the work Senators Hirono and Murray and Representatives Pocan and Scott have put into crafting this legislation and the focus they have put on students and families. Currently, there are more than 1.1 million students at private, nonprofit colleges and universities who receive Pell Grants each year (38% of students at private, nonprofit colleges are Pell Grant recipients, similar to the 40% at 4-year state institutions). This support provides nearly $5 billion to help them attend and complete college.

“While this legislation is an important step, I challenge Congress to work to double the Pell Grant more quickly so families who are recovering from the pandemic can take advantage of this essential assistance.  Ideally, Congress should double the Pell Grant by June of 2022, which is the 50th anniversary of the program.

“I’d also like to applaud the bill sponsors for proposing that a mandatory funding stream be provided, along with an automatic increase against the Consumer Price Index, so low-income families can be assured that their grants will be available when they need them to use at the college or university that best meets their educational goals.  This proposal will allow schools and communities to help students start to plan for college in middle school or earlier.
 
“Finally, I’d like to highlight a provision that gives up to an additional $1,500 boost in the Pell Grant to the lowest income families.  Any expansion of the Pell Grant program needs to first consider the needs of the lowest income families. This innovative approach will target those who need the funding the most.
 
“Doubling the Pell Grant is NAICU’s number one legislative priority and we appreciate the long-standing bipartisan support from Congress for the program, which serves as the cornerstone of federal student aid.  It is our hope that this tradition of bipartisanship will continue as Congress works to double the Pell Grant.”