The theme for NAICU’s 2022 Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day is Coming Together With Purpose, which is appropriate as this will be the association’s first in-person annual meeting in two years and will include speakers, topics, and sessions focused on the critical issues facing private, nonprofit higher education.  As the annual meeting approaches next February, the program, issues being covered, and speakers are coming together.

Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Election with Nathan L. Gonzales and an analyst for CQ Roll Call, will be one of the plenary speakers and offer his detailed electoral forecasting and his view of the political landscape in Washington. Gonzales has been an on-air election night analyst for Newshour on PBS after working as an off-air consultant for ABC News on their Election Night Decision Desk for 14 years. Previously, he was an editor, analyst, and writer for The Rothenberg Political Report for more than 13 years before taking over the company in 2015. Additionally, he worked for CNN as a political analyst and as an associate producer for Capital Gang.

In addition to the political landscape, the meeting will cover many social, political, and health issues that will impact your students, faculty, staff, and campus community, including sessions focused on: 

• Restorative Justice and the Role of Faith
• The Arc of Progress: Title IX at 50
• Effects of the Pandemic on College Student Mental Health.

Given NAICU’s emphasis on doubling the maximum Pell Grant award, the annual meeting will also include several opportunities to discuss and celebrate the importance of this vital federal student aid program and its 50 years of providing support to low- and middle-income students and families.  The centerpiece will be a special dinner celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Pell Grant, which was introduced in June of 1972. 

NAICU’s traditional Advocacy Day, held on Tuesday, Feb. 8, will provide opportunities for campus leaders to meet with their elected officials to discuss the most pressing policy issues affecting their campus communities and concludes with the 6th Annual Congressional Independent Colleges Caucus Reception. 

Join presidents and other leaders of the private, nonprofit higher education sector by registering today for NAICU’s 2022 Annual Meeting & Advocacy Day.  NAICU will continue to provide program updates throughout the coming weeks.