The center brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers for topical in-depth discussions concerning critical enrollment issues. Topics may include standardized testing, the enrollment of undocumented students, and the management and use of data to inform enrollment decisions.

The first symposium, "Aid in an Age of Uncertainty," aimed to enhance the capacity of aid practitioners and policymakers to provide students with financial aid within the context of today's challenging economic environment.

This symposium took place January 22-23, 2009 in Los Angeles and featured David Longanecker of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) as the keynote speaker. Participants:

1. Came away with a greater understanding of how colleges and universities have historically responded to periods defined by constrained budgets, slumping endowments, and restricted credit
2. Learned how institutions may more effectively structure their aid efforts during the economic crisis
3. Enhanced their capacity to develop aid strategies that are better insulated from external economic forces in hopes of ensuring that students have unencumbered access to student aid and will therefore be more apt to pursue and complete postsecondary degrees
4. Learned how federal and state government officials may assist with efforts to aid students during the economic crisis

Photos of the Keynote Dinner

Photos of the Symposium

Symposium Sessions:

Weathering the Economic Storm: A Historical Perspective on Aid in America

Defining the Role of Government in the Funding and Distribution of Student Aid

Remembering the Public Good: Analyzing Student Aid Through the Perspectives of Higher Education Policy and Professional Organizations

Funding Opportunity in Today’s Challenging Economic Environment: A Practitioner’s Viewpoint

Symposium Presenters/Panelists (click name for PowerPoint presentation):

Michael Dannenberg, New America Foundation

Georgette DeVeres, Associate Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, Claremont McKenna College

Sarah Ducich, Vice President of Public Policy, Sallie Mae

Tally Hart, Director of Student Financial Aid, The Ohio State University

Terry Hartle, Senior Vice President, American Council on Education (ACE)

Dean Kulju, Director of Financial Services, The California State University System

Carol Liu, California State Senate

David Longanecker, President, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)

Israel Rodriguez, Independent California Colleges & Universities Representative, California Student Aid Commission

Joseph Russo, Director of Student Financial Aid, University of Notre Dame

Joyce E. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC)

Larry Zaglaniczny, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)

Additional Symposium Materials:

Click here for a detailed symposium schedule

Click here for "Student Aid Experts Offer Advice to Colleagues on Weathering the Recession" from the Chronicle of Higher Education

Click here for a link to the Symposium Proceedings Summary (housed on the center's publications page)