College graduates make more money on average and are happier, healthier, and more civically engaged than those who never completed a degree. Nevertheless, public skepticism about the value of a college education is on the rise.
Concern about rising college costs, student debt loads, and workplace readiness has reignited long-standing debates about the role of higher education in the 21st century.
To address this issue, ACE is gathering top thought leaders and experienced campus leadership teams to discuss how to communicate the long-term benefits of higher education to individuals and our wider society at "Demonstrating Value: Economic Trends and the Changing Needs of Students," the ACE West Summer Summit, June 6-7 in Portland, Oregon. Registration is open until May 29. The summit is supported by a generous contribution from the TIAA Institute.
This summit will provide an opportunity for attendees, including campus leadership teams, to unpack the public’s perception of higher education, assess how those views apply to their own institutions, and explore ways to meet the needs of all students in a manner that truly demonstrates the value of higher education. Agenda items include:
- Who are Our Students and What do They Need?
- Student Perspectives on the Value of Higher Education
- Understanding Economic, Workforce, and Labor Market Trends
- Leadership Insights: Demonstrating Value on Your Campus
- Table Discussions: Taking Action at Your Institution
The full agenda can be found here.
Presidents, provosts, and other senior leaders can register now to attend. While individuals may attend, institutions are encouraged to send leadership teams consisting of at least three individuals.
Click here for full details of suggested team composition and additional information on the summit. Email questions to ACELeadership@acenet.edu.
Hear From Experts in the Field
Among the higher education leaders speaking at the event will be:
- Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
- Soraya Coley, president of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
- Demarée Michelau, president of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education
- Eloy Oakley, chancellor of the California Community Colleges System
- David Richardson, senior economist at the TIAA Institute
To learn more about ACE Regional Summits, please click here.