José Ramos-Horta Audio File

Opening General Session

Global Forces—Shaping Higher Education
Higher education leaders in the United States are keenly aware that the lack of international focus in our institutions is a deficit that must be corrected. There is a growing interest in the impact of globalization on higher education and the responsibilities we must shoulder in adequately educating our students. This keynote address will pose key questions and stimulate thinking and dialogue to position U.S. institutions better to prepare our students.
Sponsored by ARAMARK Education

Welcome: Patricia P. Cormier, President, Longwood University and Chair, AASCU Board of Directors
Keynote: José Ramos-Horta, Senior Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Timor-Leste

HEA Reauthorization

AASCU is very concerned about the impending federal budget reconciliation process in the House and Senate. We are particularly concerned that the House budget reconciliation unfairly targets up to $15 billion in cuts from student loans over six years to meet arbitrary budget targets in pending reconciliation bills. These cuts will force students to work more or borrow more privately to reach their higher education goals--or forego them completely.

We believe that the share to be taken from the federal loan programs is grossly unfair and excessive. The budget must not be balanced on the backs of students. Similar budget cutting legislation is underway in the Senate but some of the funds cut from the loan programs are being plugged into new grant programs to assist needy students.