Education was on the agenda this week at the legislature, but most of the conversation was focused on K-12. Very little moved that directly impacts community colleges and we still don’t know much about the budget. We had great conversations with the Presidents and Trustees at this week’s meetings and continue to engage everyone in speaking with ONE VOICE! We also had great turnout for our first virtual Student Legislative Seminar. We had over 100 registrants and great presentations from Speaker Grassley, four legislators, and business owner Mike Draper. While we hope to get back to in person events soon, it was a great way to connect with our students. We have also decided to hold our Community College Day on the Hill virtually, which is how most groups are doing business this year. It will still be held on March 11 and we will share details soon.
While the legislature may have been quiet for us, some new reports came out that are of interest. The 2020 Condition of Community Colleges in now available here. Additional Iowa DE reports can be found on our resources page. Iowa College Aid also came out with a new report on the summer “melt” phenomenon where students who graduate in the Spring intending to enroll in college in the Fall change their minds. Mark Wiederspan and Meghan Oster will join us in February for a webinar on their findings (see below for more).