VIRTUAL EVENT 

Over the past year, the federal higher education landscape has undergone a seismic shift, with wide-ranging policy changes that threaten the comprehensive mission of California's community colleges. From the dismantling of the Department of Education to the restructuring of student financial aid and the assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, these developments pose significant challenges to access, equity, and institutional autonomy. Accreditation has emerged as a key battleground, with the federal government increasingly using the accreditation process to push ideological agendas, and the rise of state-level accreditation further complicating the compliance environment.

Join FACCC for an urgent conversation on the impact of these changes and strategies for preserving our core values and advancing student success.  Our guest panelists, Mac Powell, President of ACCJC, Dr. Albert Garcia, President of Sacramento City College, Dr. Keith Flamer, President of College of the Redwoods and David O'Brien, Vice Chancellor of External Affairs will: 

• Provide a clear overview of major federal higher education policy changes
• Examine how accreditation is being used as a policy and ideological lever
• Discuss the implications for equity, access, enrollment, and student success
• Explore state and local strategies to protect the comprehensive mission of CCCs

Key questions we will address:

• What are the most significant federal policy changes impacting CCCs, and how do they threaten our comprehensive mission and commitment to equity?
• How will the contraction of federal aid and the elimination of programs like Grad PLUS impact enrollment and completion, particularly in equity-focused fields?
• What are the risks and opportunities presented by the changing accreditation landscape, including the politicization of the federal recognition process and the rise of state-level accreditation?
• How can colleges navigate the competing pressures of state equity mandates, federal prohibitions on DEI efforts, and evolving accreditation standards?
• What state investments and policy supports are needed to sustain our core values and advance student success in this challenging environment?

Reserve your spot today to be part of this virtual discussion!