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Speaker Sessions

We have an exciting agenda featuring a series of engaging panels and sessions led by highly-experienced professionals in their fields. Learn more about the featured speakers at our speakers page. Times and dates TBD.

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Turning the Tide: Charting a New Course for Higher Education and Public Perception

Higher education is at a pivotal moment, facing threats from policymakers and doubts from the public at large. This year alone, colleges and universities have seen political attacks that resulted in recission of federal funding, grilling of campus leaders before Congressional committees, resignations of presidents under pressure, an expansion of the endowment tax, and dramatic cuts to aid programs that support college access and workforce education.

This panel of esteemed national political thinkers will discuss how the higher education community can begin to turn the tide against the negative rhetoric and political pressure, and to once again place colleges and universities in a positive partnership with lawmakers and the best path toward economic and social mobility for Americans.

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Featured Speakers:

Heidi Tseu, American Council on Education 
Tim Powers, NAICU

Rachel Fishman, New America

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The Community Solution: The Power of Radical Cooperation in Higher Education

In today’s turbulent political climate and rapidly evolving higher education landscape, independent colleges and universities face mounting financial pressures and uncertainty—all while striving to fulfill their missions and serve their students and communities. Campus leaders are exploring bold strategies, from mergers and acquisitions to expanding programs for nontraditional learners. But is there a different path forward? This panel explores the transformative potential of collaboration in higher education. Learn how innovative partnerships across institutions can strengthen resilience, expand opportunity, and help campuses navigate the storms ahead. 

 

Featured Speakers:

Michael Horowitz, TCS Education System

Breeda McGrath, Pacific Oaks College

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Research to Reform: Trends in Public Policy and The Future of California

The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to independent, nonpartisan research and polling on key statewide issues. Through its Higher Education Center, PPIC provides accessible, data-driven insights to inform policy decisions affecting California’s colleges and universities. At this session, PPIC President and CEO Tani Cantil-Sakauye will join AICCU President Kristen Soares for a moderated fireside chat to explore the institute’s current work, emerging trends in California’s political landscape, and the critical intersections between public policy and higher education.

 

Featured Speakers:

Tani Cantil-Sakauye, PPIC
Kristen Soares, AICCU

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ABOUT AICCU

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) is comprised of 85+ independent, nonprofit colleges and universities, which make up the Independent California Colleges and Universities (ICCU) sector. The ICCU sector plays a pivotal role in the development of the state’s model higher education offerings and in making California a symbol of innovation across the globe. Within California, ICCU institutions award nearly 20% of all undergraduate degrees and over 50% of graduate degrees, making them the largest preparers of California’s advanced workforce.

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