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Member News: February 2024

2024 ACCT National Legislative Summit (NLS) Brief

Dr. Seth Carter, president of Colby College and Board Chair of RCCA, attended the National Legislative Summit (NLS). During the trip, Carter had the privilege of engaging with federal representatives, including Senator Moran, Representative Mann, and a delegate from Senator Marshall's office.


These officials shared insights into various legislative initiatives pertinent to higher education, shedding light on potential impacts on institutions like Colby Community College.


The NLS served as a platform for Carter and his counterparts to connect with fellow professionals dedicated to student-centric service. Amidst the collaborative discussions, the group delved into the evolving landscape of higher education, recognizing the significance of ongoing changes and their implications for educational institutions.

Key Takeaways from the 2024 ACCT NLS Summit

Gainful Employment:

Significant changes have been made to Gainful Employment and the requirements an institution must abide by, effective July 1, 2024.

Read about Gainful Employment

Pell Grant:

The current max Pell Grant for 24-25 is $7,395 annually; this number is still being determined and is anticipated to have an inflationary adjustment (if appropriations allow).

Read about the Pell Grant 

Saving on Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan:

Loans under $12k can be forgiven after ten years of repayment. Effective July 1, 2024, qualifying individuals' payments will be reduced from 10% to 5%. 

State Requirements and Clock-Hour to Credit-Hour Conversions: 

It can only be 100% of what the state requires for credentialing; this was decreased from 150%, effective July 1, 2024.

Read about State Requirements and Clock-Hour to Credit-Hour Conversations  

Transcript Withholding Changes:

The final rule says that an institution is prohibited from withholding transcripts and taking any other adverse action against a student related to a balance owed by the student resulting from the institution’s own error. This language has been updated.

Read about Transcript Withholding Changes

RCCA Board Seat Announcements

Ron Slinger


President

Miles Community College

Susan Snelick


President

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College

J. Kyle Dalpe, Ph.D.


President

Western Nevada College

Spotlight: Registration open for Appalachian Farm School

The Appalachian Farm School offers a chance for those interested in agriculture to turn their passion into a business.


Organized by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center, the Appalachian Farm School is scheduled to meet on Mondays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. between Jan. 15 and March 4. The first class will be held on Southwestern’s Jackson Campus in the Burrell Building, Room 102A. The class will function as a hybrid course after the first meeting.


Students will be introduced to the needed resources and contacts to run an agriculture-based business. Topics will include business planning, farm evaluation and goal setting, marketing and pricing, understanding the numbers, rules and regulations, and resources and funding options.


Like all services and classes provided by Southwestern’s Small Business Center, the Appalachian Farm School is free of charge.


If you are interested in registering, please contact the Director of Southwestern’s Small Business Center, Marne Harris, at m_harris@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4211.

USDOT announces $1M in funding for Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program


Eligible applicant: Higher Education Institutions. Applications are due March 15, 2024.


Opportunity: Administration of the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) Local Competition at Designated Institutions of Higher Education


Overview and Eligible Uses: The purpose of the DDETFP Local Competition is to stimulate interest among students attending an institution of higher education of minority-serving institutions and community colleges to conduct transportation-related research, pursue transportation-related degrees for entering the transportation workforce, and enhance the breadth, scope, and diversity of knowledge of the entire transportation community in the U.S.


The DDETFP Local Competition provides funding for students to pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in transportation-related disciplines in all modes of transportation.


Amount: USDOT expects to make 50 awards between $1,500 and $50,000.


Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education designated as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Asian and Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions, and Community Colleges. The institution of higher education must be accredited by a federally recognized accrediting agency and be located within the United States or its territories.

View Grant Oppourtunity
Just Transition Fund’s Federal Access Center Resources

Are you interested in help from the Just Transition Fund's Federal Access Center?


Our Federal Access Center can support your community's federal funding needs in a variety of ways.


Please fill out this form so that we can understand your needs and how our services might support them. Our team will follow up with you as soon as possible.

Federal Funding Interest Form

 Checking Membership Renewal Status


Please take a moment to verify your membership renewal status to ensure uninterrupted access to our resources and benefits. Your continued support is essential to sustaining our collaborative efforts in advancing rural education.


Thank you!

Do you know someone that would be interested in joining RCCA?


We're always looking to welcome new members who share our passion for community involvement and growth.

Visit the RCCA Website

Save The Date!


RCCA 2024 Annual Conference


September 18-20, 2024


SUNY-Adirondack Community College

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