NACAC Advocacy and Policy Updates

Federal and state policy decisions continue to shape college access, affordability, admission, and the work of education professionals. With the policy landscape constantly evolving, staying informed is an important part of understanding how these decisions may impact students, institutions, and the profession.

The Advocacy Update keeps NACAC members informed about the latest legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and provides context for what they mean for your work. From actions in Congress and federal agencies to emerging issues across the states, these updates highlight the policies and conversations NACAC is tracking on behalf of members.

Explore the latest updates to stay informed, understand what these developments mean for you and the students you serve, and identify opportunities to make your voice heard.

NACAC Advocacy and Policy Updates

Monthly Advocacy Checklist

  • Happy New Year! Check your Secretary of State’s website for important voting dates, including registration deadlines, and mark your calendar. Register to vote if you haven’t already done so, or double-check to ensure you are registered. Learn more about the student voting requirements in your state. 
  • Contact your affiliate government relations chair(s) to inquire about advocacy engagement opportunities planned in your state in the coming year. 
  • Meet with your members of Congress in their district office during Presidents’ Day district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Because most state legislatures are in full swing, many affiliates hold state-level advocacy days this time of year. Attend yours, if available. If your state does not host an advocacy day, consider setting up a meeting with your state elected officials to share more information about NACAC’s policy priorities.  
  • Check the Education Commission of the States’ State Education Policy Tracker for any relevant legislation in your state and contact your representative(s) to share your support or concerns. 
  • It’s the beginning of appropriations season on Capitol Hill. Call your members of Congress and encourage them to support increased education funding. 
  • Meet with your members of Congress in their district offices during the spring district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Happy summer!  Call your members of Congress and urge them to support or oppose these bills. 
  • Consider inviting elected officials—local and federal—to your school or campus for a visit in the new school year. Invite them to attend a college application night, host a financial aid night, or simply visit campus to speak to students. 
  • Most states’ legislative sessions have adjourned. Reach out to your state elected officials and offer to meet with them to discuss potential legislation for the next session. 
  • Visit your members of Congress while they are home for August district work period. Consider bringing a student along to share their personal story! 
  • Happy new school year! Encourage any students you work with who are eligible to vote to register if they have not already done so. 
  • Congress must pass all appropriations bills by Sept. 30 to fund the next fiscal year. Call your members of Congress and remind them to prioritize increased education funding. 
  • Consider attending the Government Relations Committee meeting and/or adding at least one advocacy-related session at the annual NACAC National Conference.  
  • VOTE! 
  • Before the semester ends, reach out to one of your NACAC or affiliate colleagues and encourage them to get engaged with advocacy opportunities in the new year. Show them this checklist to help illustrate how easy it is to get involved!  
  • Register for the NACAC’s Annual Advocacy Meeting. 
  • Get a jump on the new Congressional and state legislative sessions! Reach out to your newly elected or re-elected representatives and encourage them to support NACAC’s legislative priorities in the upcoming session.