American Association of State Colleges and Universities AASCU

Overview

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based association representing over 430 public colleges, universities and higher education systems across the United States. Established in 1951, AASCU serves as the collective voice for these institutions, advocating for policies that promote access, affordability and student success in higher education. The association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of public higher education and supporting the unique missions of its member institutions, which are committed to teaching, research and community engagement.

History and Legal Framework

AASCU originated from the Association of Teacher Education Institutions, founded in 1951 to serve public comprehensive institutions. Over time, the organization expanded its scope to include a broader range of public higher education institutions. The association operates as a non-profit organization under U.S. federal law, with its headquarters located in Washington, D.C. AASCU's legal framework supports its advocacy efforts and enables it to provide services and resources to its member institutions.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

AASCU's mission is to advance the public purposes of higher education by advocating for policies that support access, affordability and student success. The association's vision is to be a transformative influence in American public higher education through advocacy, leadership and service. AASCU's objectives include:

• Advocating for public policies that enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education.
• Providing professional development opportunities for leaders in public higher education.
• Supporting initiatives that promote student success and institutional effectiveness.
• Facilitating collaboration among member institutions to address common challenges and opportunities.

Governance, Structure and Independence

AASCU is governed by a Board of Directors composed of presidents and chancellors from member institutions. The association's leadership is committed to maintaining its independence to effectively represent the interests of public higher education institutions. AASCU operates as a non-profit organization, ensuring that its activities and resources are dedicated to supporting its mission and objectives. The association's structure includes various committees and working groups that focus on specific areas such as policy advocacy, student success and institutional transformation.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While AASCU does not directly accredit institutions, it plays a significant role in supporting accreditation processes and promoting quality assurance in higher education. The association provides resources and guidance to member institutions to help them meet accreditation standards and improve institutional effectiveness. AASCU also advocates for policies that support the accreditation system and ensure that it remains a valuable tool for maintaining and enhancing the quality of higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

AASCU engages in international partnerships to promote global understanding and collaboration in higher education. The association is involved in initiatives such as the Sino-American Cooperation in Higher Education and Professional Development (CHEPD) 1+2+1 Program, which is jointly administered with the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE) and the China Education International Education Exchange Center (CEIEE). This program facilitates academic exchanges and collaborative degree programs between U.S. and Chinese institutions, fostering cross-cultural learning and academic cooperation.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

AASCU continues to have a significant impact on higher education by advocating for policies that support public institutions and promote student success. The association's efforts in areas such as affordability, access and quality assurance contribute to the ongoing transformation of public higher education in the United States. Looking forward, AASCU aims to further strengthen its role by expanding its advocacy efforts, enhancing professional development opportunities for institutional leaders and fostering collaboration among member institutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.

Summary

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities is a key organization in the landscape of U.S. higher education. Through its advocacy, leadership development and support for institutional effectiveness, AASCU plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and accessibility of public higher education. The association's commitment to its mission and vision ensures that it continues to be a transformative influence in American public higher education.

FAQs

• What is AASCU? AASCU is a Washington, D.C.-based association representing over 430 public colleges, universities and higher education systems across the United States.
• When was AASCU established? AASCU was established in 1951 as the Association of Teacher Education Institutions.
• What is AASCU's mission? AASCU's mission is to advance the public purposes of higher education by advocating for policies that support access, affordability and student success.
• How is AASCU governed? AASCU is governed by a Board of Directors composed of presidents and chancellors from member institutions.
• Does AASCU accredit institutions? No, AASCU does not directly accredit institutions but supports accreditation processes and promotes quality assurance in higher education.
• Does AASCU engage in international partnerships? Yes, AASCU engages in international partnerships, such as the Sino-American Cooperation in Higher Education and Professional Development (CHEPD) 1+2+1 Program.

Organization Name

American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Acronym

AASCU

Year of Establishment

1/01/1951

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

over 400

Address

5th Floor 1307 New York Avenue, N.W.
Washington
20005 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 293 7070

Fax

+1 (202) 296 5819

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

American Association of State Colleges and Universities's Facebook page

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American Association of State Colleges and Universities's X page

LinkedIn

American Association of State Colleges and Universities's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

American Association of State Colleges and Universities's Wikipedia article

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