EPISODE 15: New “NCHER in 30” Podcast Includes Updates on Advocacy Activities, Preview of the Second Session of the 116^th Congress

In Episode 15 of the “NCHER in 30” podcast, the NCHER staff provides a preview of the second session of the 116^th Congress and updates on several advocacy activities of importance to the membership that occurred since the last monthly call in mid-December. In particular, James and Shelly discuss what both House and Senate members are currently working on as they return to legislative business and what to expect from Congress, the Trump Administration, and state policymakers over the next few months.  This month’s podcast is essential listening, especially for those members attending the NCHER Legislative and Leadership Conference next month. If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions for future episodes, please send comments to info@ncher.us.

 EPISODE 13: Updates on Advocacy Activities, Focus on House Education and Labor Markup of the College Affordability Act

In Episode 13 of the “NCHER in 30” podcast, the NCHER staff provides updates on several advocacy activities of importance to the membership that occurred in the month of October. In particular, James and Shelly discuss the recent introduction and markup of H.R. 4674, the College Affordability Act, a comprehensive reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, by the House Education and Labor Committee and its prospects for passage later this year. Then, Pam Shepherd interviews Elise Nowikowski, Principal of Evidens Group, on implementing and complying with federal laws and regulations. If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions, please send comments to info@ncher.us.

EPISODE 11: A Review of Major Senate Bills Impacting Student Loans

July 12, 2019 – In this week’s podcast, James and Shelly review the major Senate bills which will have the greatest impact on student loans. New NCHER Board Chair Scott Giles then joins the conversation to discuss what goals he has for his tenure and what he would like to see in the future for NCHER and the industry. Meanwhile, Pam caps the first 2020 Democratic Presidential Debate which took place June 26-27. If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions, please send comments to info@ncher.us.

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

• Need-to-Read Headlines
• 12 years after starting college, white men have paid off 44% of their student loans, while black women owe 13% more (MarketWatch)
• If student loans were canceled? Great, but you may still owe taxes on that debt (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
• Student loan regrets: Don’t be a victim (Fox Business)
• Student debt scams flourish with rise in robocalls, advocates say (NBC News)
• Aspiring College Students Know ‘Shockingly’ Little About Financial Aid (Bloomberg)

EPISODE 9: An Insider’s Review of the 116^th Congress

June 7, 2019 – In this week’s podcast, recorded during NCHER’s Second Annual Conference James speaks with Vic Klatt, Principal at the Penn Hill Group, who gives listeners an insider’s review of the 116^th Congress. Their discussion provides grading the 116^th Congress up to this point on their successes, Congress’ interaction with the Trump Administration, the possibility of reauthorizing the Higher Education Act, other committees that impact higher education legislation, and the outlook for higher education policy at the national level over the next year. Meanwhile, Pam outlines Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s education plan and discusses President Trump’s recent comments on helping borrowers get out of student loan debt. If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions, please send comments to info@ncher.us.

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Need-to-Read Headlines

•  Cruz: Defund colleges that don't support free speech (Campus Reform)
• College admissions scandal can drive reform (The Hill)
• Universities that are recruiting older students often leave them floundering (The Hechinger Report)
• Double the Pell Grant for the best return on investment for students and taxpayers (The Hill)
• Democratic Primary Voters Back Student Loan Forgiveness in Poll (Inside Higher Ed)

EPISODE 7: House Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and Its Impact on Higher Education

May 3, 2019 – In this week’s podcast, James provides overview of the bill, funding levels for the Department of Education, how the bill is a high-water point and the Senate is likely to come in lower while Shelly hits on financial assistance provisions. Vicki covers the Temporary Expanded Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program provisions in the bill and highlights the income share agreement pilot that is expected to be announced shortly by the Department. Meanwhile, Pam goes over the five recent individual town hall meetings featuring five Democratic presidential candidates. Stef then highlights NCHER’s upcoming Annual Conference and announces our first trivia question winner.

If you have any feedback or have topic suggestions, please send comments to info@ncher.us.

SUPPLEMENTAL DOCUMENTS

Upcoming Meetings

•  NCHER’s 2019 Annual Conference (Clearwater, FL)

Need-to-Read Headlines

•  U.S. Employers Stepping Up Student Loan Assistance Programs (Financial Advisor)
• 9 Best Private Student Loans for 2019 (LendEDU)
•  Four Ways Congress Can Help a New Generation of Students (Real Clear Education)
• With Millennials Graduating, Gen Z May Face Lighter College Debt (Bloomberg)
•  2020 Candidates on Free College (The University Network)

CNN Individual Town Hall Meetings

•  Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
•  Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
•  Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
•  Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA)
•  Sound Bend, IN Mayor Pete Buttigieg

Trivia Question

• In 1985, which college was the first higher education institution in the country to require all students to have laptops?
• Email your answer to info@ncher.us