News from NAICU

The U.S. Department of Education today released  its final Title IX regulations offering sweeping changes in definitions, responsibilities and procedures regarding sexual assault with an August 14, 2020 effective date.  NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., issued the following statement on the new regulations:
 
“After three years of study and nearly 125,000 public comments the Department of Education today has issued a 2,033-page set of complex rules and far-reaching regulations with an effective date of August 14, 2020, upending the entire process colleges and universities use to adjudicate sexual harassment and sexual assault claims on campus.
 
“College and university leaders are committed to providing a safe environment and fairness to all students.  However, in the best of times, it would be extremely difficult for colleges and universities to implement this wholesale change in rules and procedures in less than three months.  In the middle of a global pandemic and national economic collapse, when higher education leaders must be singularly focused on the health and safety of their students and campus communities and the survival of their institutions, this wholesale change is unconscionable.  
 
“We are extremely disappointed that the Department is imposing such a short implementation timeline at a time when the global pandemic has created a crisis for institutions and students alike, and when officials are not able to be on campus to prepare to implement the new rules.
 
“Many will be very concerned that these regulations will have a chilling effect on victims of sexual assault. In addition, the overly legalistic nature of the regulations will turn campuses into courtrooms and impose an expensive and burdensome process on institutions and students.”
 
 

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the $2 trillion CARES Act this afternoon providing relief resources to colleges and universities and the millions of students and communities they serve.  The bill, expected to be signed by the president, provides nearly $14 billion for all sectors of higher education.
 
NAICU President Barbara Mistick, D.M. released the following statement regarding the passage of the CARES Act:
 
“Members of Congress deserve significant credit for coming together and passing legislation that provides critical relief for so many sectors of our society.  I know they received significant input from their constituents, including hundreds of private, nonprofit college and university presidents.  What Congress has done today is provide important economic relief for our country to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act will also help ensure that students, who have had their academic year turned upside down, have a path to complete their education and institutions have the capacity to meet the changing needs of delivering that education.
 
“The CARES Act recognizes the important contributions that private, nonprofit colleges and universities make to their communities, regions, and states.  It also clearly illustrates the important role these institutions have within all of higher education.  Private, nonprofit colleges and universities educate more than 5 million students and provide more than 1.2 million jobs to the economy.  While the funding amount is important, more support will be needed for institutions to address the enormity of the crisis on their campus and continue serving their students and communities.
 
“The coronavirus emergency is historic in nature.  Colleges and universities, with help from federal, state, and local policy makers and, most importantly, their own communities, will persevere as they have previously through national emergencies.  On behalf of the more than 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities, we look forward to continuing to work with Congress to help the nation recover and get through this crisis together.”
 
#   #   # 
With more than 1,000 colleges, universities, and associations as members, NAICU serves as the unified national voice of independent higher education and reflects the diversity of private, nonprofit higher education in the United States.  Our member institutions include major research universities, church-related colleges, historically black colleges, art and design colleges, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, two-year colleges, and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business, and other professions. 
 

	NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick presents a framed photo of a CICC Member Spotlight to Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH).

U.S. Representative Bob Latta (R-OH), a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), was recognized today for his leadership and support of independent colleges and universities by Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
 
“Through five terms in Congress, Rep. Latta has worked to further economic prosperity and job creation in Ohio and nationwide,” Mistick said. “He has worked closely with the independent colleges and universities in his district to advocate for higher education, including supporting academic research and the federal student aid programs which ensure students and families from all economic backgrounds have access to a range of educational options and the financial aid necessary to achieve their goal of a college degree.”
 
Rep. Latta has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007. In the 116th Congress, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, Subcommittee on Energy and the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
 
“Our colleges are inspiring the next generation of leaders in many different industries, and it’s noticeable,” he said.  “While I crisscross the 5th District, I meet farmers, business owners, teachers, and other leaders who are alumni of our great colleges and universities. They’re taking what they’re learning in the classroom and transforming the workforce and the way we do business. It’s incredible to see.”
 
He has seen firsthand the contributions of the colleges in his district.
 
“Our colleges in Ohio are at the forefront of research,” Rep. Latta said. “We’re seeing the development of cures to horrible diseases. We’re seeing them shape the way we care for patients and run our farms. These institutions play a major role in workforce development, partnering with the private sector to place students in good jobs right out of college.”
 
Rep. Latta has taken a holistic approach to supporting higher education.
 
“We assist colleges and universities with access to research funding so they can continue to be at the forefront of research and development” he added. “We maintain open lines of communication between Capitol Hill and our college presidents. And finally, we work to ensure that when they graduate, our students are entering a booming economy with job opportunities, and finding the career and technical support they need to fill the millions of skilled openings available across the country.”
 
Located in the Northwest corner of Ohio, Rep. Latta’s district borders both Michigan and Indiana, and is comprised of 14 counties and includes the cities of Bowling Green, Defiance and Findlay. 
 
Ohio is home to 50 independent higher education institutions enrolling more than 165,000 students.  Five independent colleges and universities are in Rep. Latta’s district, including: Defiance College, Lourdes University, Ohio Northern University, University of Findlay, and Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
 
Ohio Northern University President Dan DiBiasio, Ph.D., lauded the Congressman for his advocacy of private, nonprofit colleges and universities.
 
“All of us at Ohio Northern University deeply value Rep. Latta’s strong and sustained advocacy for higher education, especially his appreciation for private higher education and particularly for ONU,” DiBiasio said.  “His support for federal student aid benefits thousands of our students and his recent enthusiastic endorsement of our successful USDA award has led to the transformation of engineering education at Northern.”
 
Lourdes University President Mary Ann Gawelek, Ed.D., cited the Congressman for his strong support of higher education in Ohio.
 
“Rep. Latta has been a champion for higher education in Ohio for over a decade,” Gawelek said. “He appreciates and supports independent colleges and universities as critically important for meeting the needs of Ohio post-secondary learners.  Through his friendship and support, Lourdes University is particularly able to provide excellent and relevant education to students through the TRIO Support Services Program.”
 
University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., praised the Congressman for his understanding of the educational needs of his district.
 
“Rep. Latta understands and supports the people he represents. He is present in his district, and he knows the issues we face,” Fell said. “I have seen first-hand his support of education in all its facets: pre-school, K-12, skills training, two-year colleges, public and independent universities.  Rep. Latta serves his constituents well, and we are fortunate to have him in Congress.”
 
Defiance College President Richanne C. Mankey, Ed.D., lauded the Congressman and his local staff for their presence on campus.
 
“Rep. Latta is engaged with Defiance College in mind and deed,” Mankey said. “He is often on campus for discussions and holds periodic meetings on our campus, including an Opioid Town Hall with local and national figures. His support of the independent sector is fueled by his willingness to seek understanding as the conversations about post-secondary education and work-force development ensue. We appreciate Rep. Latta and his very supportive Defiance office staff.” 
 
Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio (AICUO) President and General Counsel C. Todd Jones applauded the Congressman for his support of independent colleges and their students across Ohio.
 
“Rep. Latta has always been a friend to independent higher education,” Jones said. “Throughout his entire public service career, Rep. Latta has always been a supporter of independent college students and values the importance higher education has on their lives.”
 
The Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), launched in February 2017, offers Members of Congress an opportunity to both celebrate and advance the diversity of the nation’s independent colleges and universities, and learn about the challenges and issues these institutions face.  The Caucus, led by co-chairs Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-6), has grown to 87 members.
 

	NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick presents a framed photo of a CICC Member Spotlight to Rep. Donna Shalala (D-FL).

U.S. Representative Donna Shalala (D-FL), a member of the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), was recognized today for her leadership and support of independent colleges and universities by Barbara K. Mistick, D.M., president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.
 
“As a distinguished former college president and higher education leader, Rep. Shalala understands the unique roles independent colleges and universities play in their communities,” Mistick said. “She has a deep commitment to ensuring students and families from all economic backgrounds have access to the financial aid necessary to enable students to achieve their goal of a college degree.”
 
Rep. Shalala, a freshman member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was presented with a framed replica of her CICC Member Spotlight by Mistick during a meeting on Capitol Hill. Rep. Shalala serves on the House Committees on Rules, and Education and Labor.
 
“In our rapidly evolving and globalized world, independent colleges produce critical thinkers who possess the confidence and flexibility to adapt and learn new skills,” Rep. Shalala said.  “I joined the Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus to help the group grow and serve as a vocal advocate for these institutions in Congress—it is both bipartisan and bicameral and it encourages members from all backgrounds to lead on issues impacting thousands of constituents in their districts.”
 
The granddaughter of immigrants from Lebanon, Rep. Shalala is a distinguished educator who has served as president of Hunter College of the City University of New York, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and president of the University of Miami. She also was the longest-serving Secretary of Health and Human Services in U.S. history.  A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, she has been elected to seven national academies, including the National Academy of Medicine, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Education.
 
“In October 2019, I was proud to co-introduce the College Affordability Act alongside Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and my fellow colleagues on the Education and Labor Committee,” Rep. Shalala said. “This landmark HEA reauthorization bill provides every single American citizen with the opportunity to receive a quality, affordable college education that will lead to a rewarding career and won’t burden them with debt.”
 
Rep. Shalala added: “I’m prioritizing protecting students from predatory institutions that only care about profits over academic success and student well-being. Too often, it is low-income and minority students who most need our help and yet are least supported and left in debt with no job prospects. My experience as a university president has taught me that student success ought to be the center of any academic institution’s goals.” 
 
Her district includes the City of Miami and surrounding municipalities in Miami-Dade County.  The district includes three independent colleges and universities: Talmudic College of Florida,
University of Miami, and Yeshiva Gedolah Rabbinical College. Florida is home to 30 independent colleges and universities that serve over 130,000 students.
 
University of Miami President Julio Frenk, Ph.D., praised Rep. Shalala for her ongoing support of students in South Florida.
 
“Donna Shalala has long been a passionate and credible voice for independent colleges and universities,” Frenk said. “As my predecessor, she has a deep understanding of our mission and the value our institution and health system add for students and patients in our local and global communities. We are grateful for her ongoing support of our students and her tireless advocacy for transformative education, research, and service in South Florida.”
 
Robert J. Boyd, Esq., president and CEO of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida, called Rep. Shalala an advocate for independent colleges and universities.
 
“I have worked with Rep. Donna Shalala for over a decade, going back to the time when she served as president of the University of Miami. At that time, she was the best college/university president in the state of Florida,” Boyd said.  “She understood the contribution the independent higher education sector made to the state and the students who attend these 30 nonprofit institutions in Florida.  She also understood how vital it is to have a strong and independent private sector to provide choice and access to students, many of whom are minority and first time in college in our sector.  And, she understood the economic impact of our schools on the local and state economy.”
 
Boyd added:  “I believe she will be a tireless advocate for continued access and adequate financial aid for the students who choose to attend our Florida institutions.”
 
The Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus (CICC), launched in February 2017, offers Members of Congress an opportunity to both celebrate and advance the diversity of the nation’s independent colleges and universities, and learn about the challenges and issues these institutions face.  The Caucus, led by co-chairs Rep. Martha Roby (AL-2) and Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-6), has grown to 87 members.
 

	McDaniel College (MD) President Roger Casey, NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, Hood College (MD) President Adrea Chapdelaine, and MICUA President Sara Fidler present the 2020 Paley Award to Tina Bjarekull.

Tina Bjarekull, retired president of the Maryland Independent College and University Association (MICUA), was presented with the 2020 Henry Paley Memorial Award during the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities’ 2020 Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day.

The Henry Paley Memorial Award recognizes an individual who embodies a spirit of unfailing service toward the students and faculty of independent colleges and universities. The recipient of this reward has set an example for all who would seek to advance educational opportunity in the United States. Henry Paley was president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities of New York from 1975 until his untimely death in 1984.  He possessed a larger than life personality and was an important force in support of private, nonprofit colleges and universities in New York. 

“Tina Bjarekull’s dedication, talent and perseverance in service to Maryland’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, faculty and students truly exemplify the attributes of the Paley Award,” said Barbara K. Mistick, president of NAICU.  “Beyond Maryland, Tina also has had leadership roles at the national level. The results she has achieved at the national and state level on behalf of her member institutions and the students they serve are truly remarkable and inspiring.”
 

	2020 Paley Award recipient Tina Bjarekull with U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) called Bjarekull the “voice of private, nonprofit higher education in Maryland.
“Tina was the name, the face and the voice of private, nonprofit higher education in Maryland for many years,” he said. “She has been a magnificent leader at the state and national level, a passionate advocate for quality private higher education.”

Congressman Raskin also presented Bjarekull with a Congressional proclamation citing her many accomplishments.

Andrea E. Chapdelaine, Ph.D., president of Hood College and chair of the MICUA, called Bjarekull a “master negotiator.”

“Day in day out, year after year, Tina effectively and tirelessly worked with Maryland elected officials, state secretaries, gubernatorial staff, and so many others on behalf of our students,” she said.  “Always prepared, always the diplomat, and with masterful negotiation skills, Tina rightfully earned the respect, admiration and trust of all she worked with.”

Roger N. Casey, Ph.D., president of McDaniel College (MD) and vice chair of the NAICU Board of Directors, called Bjarekull a “servant leader.”
 

	U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Maryland private college presidents, NAICU President Barbara K. Mistick, and MICUA staff honor 2020 Paley Award recipient Tina Bjarekull.

“Whether in Annapolis or Washington, Tina made friends, and it is not surprising why,” he said. “In a world of mounting irresponsibility, Tina kept her promises told the truth, and placed others first—she exemplified the concept of servant leadership.”

In accepting the award, Bjarekull praised the presidents and students of Maryland’s private colleges.

“What an honor it is to receive the Paley Award,” Bjarekull said.  “I know many of the previous recipients and I am humbled to be honored by NAICU with the award.  Serving the presidents and institutions of Maryland and, ultimately the students they serve was just such a rewarding opportunity.”

Bjarekull Background

Advocate, innovator and partner, Bjarekull distinguished herself, not only among her NAICU state executive colleagues, but also among federal, state and local officials.

During a time when advocates are increasingly partisan and combatant, Bjarekull conducted herself with a combination of poise and tenacity, based on both a deep conviction to the mission of independent colleges and through an ethic of hard work. She excelled at analyzing the details of legislation and promoting pragmatic solutions.

Over the past decade, Bjarekull has lead her state association colleagues in ensuring that any federal provisions that provide money to states for new higher education programs cannot be used by states to raid funds from state-based programs for private colleges or the students they serve. Even in the days before her retirement, Bjarekull was hard at work helping NAICU negotiate language to this effect in the current Higher Education Act bills under consideration in Congress. She was drafting new options and reaching out to colleagues in affected states to ensure any federal language worked for their states, institutions and students.

Under her leadership, MICUA established the Guaranteed Access Partnership Program to enable debt free college for economically disadvantaged Maryland students at MICUA member institutions. Bjarekull also established consortium programs and negotiated joint purchasing agreements to advance campus efficiencies and improve institutional effectiveness. Through her business acumen and smart fiscal management, MICUA accumulated enough reserves to purchase a building in Annapolis to house its operations.

Prior to joining MICUA, Bjarekull served as the deputy superintendent for finance at the Maryland State Department of Education and was responsible for the administration of fiscal policy, human resource management, procurement, school facilities, pupil transportation, and nutrition. Earlier in her career, Bjarekull served as assistant secretary of finance for the Maryland Higher Education Commission. She handled all fiscal issues related to state aid for public and private higher education institutions, including operating and capital budget requests and student financial aid.

Bjarekull earned an M.B.A. from Loyola University Maryland and an undergraduate degree from the University of Baltimore.

For her dedication, talent and perseverance in service to Maryland’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities, faculty and students, NAICU awards Tina Bjarekull the 2020 Henry Paley Memorial Award.

HENRY PALEY MEMORIAL AWARD RECIPIENTS
2019 David Liles Warren, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
2018 John B. Wilson, Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey
2017 William E. Troutt, Rhodes College (TN)
2016 John Bassett, Heritage University (WA), Clark University (MA)
2015 Christopher B. Nelson, St. John’s College (MD)