The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) discusses issues impacting the higher education space with insights from key figures in higher ed such as policymakers, campus leaders, students, advocates and more. New episodes released quarterly.
Publisher
Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities
The State of Federal Financial Aid Policy: Shortfalls, Loan Caps, and Cost Transparency
Melanie Storey, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) discusses the most pressing issues in federal financial aid policy, including the Pell Grant shortfall and proposals to address it, the elimination of Grad PLUS loans and loan caps under H.R. 1, the fight over the definition of professional degree student, and the push for transparency in financial aid offers through the College Cost Transparency Initiative. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU Vice President for Policy.
22 Apr 2026
Beyond the Degree: Student Voices on Affordability, Advocacy, and the Future of Higher Education
Two former students of AICCU's Independent California Colleges Advocate program, Katelyn Pohlman and Alexis Takagi, discuss the biggest challenges facing college students today, including housing, basic needs, and financial literacy. They also make a compelling, firsthand case for why higher education remains worth it, even as its value faces growing public scrutiny. Katelyn serves as a member of the California Student Aid Commission's Student Advisory Council and is set to graduate from Chapman University this spring. Alexis is a graduate of Santa Clara University and a research analyst at the Campaign for College Opportunity. This episode is hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and sponsored by First American Education Finance.
29 Jan 2026
Leading Through Uncertainty: A College President's View on Higher Education's Future
Tom Stritikus, president of Occidental College, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and shares how Occidental College is expanding college access through transfer partnerships, strengthening support for first generation and veteran students, and increasing transparency around tuition and financial aid. Drawing on his role as board chair of the American Council on Education, the nation's largest higher education association, President Stritikus also offers a perspective on the national landscape, including growing public scrutiny of higher education, federal policy pressures, and the critical importance of collaboration across the sector. Hosted by Alex Graves, AICCU Vice President for Government Relations, and is sponsored by First American Education Finance (https://www.faef.com/industries/higher-education).
23 Oct 2025
Partnerships that Power Access: AICCU and California’s Community Colleges
Dr. Larry Galizio, president and CEO of the Community College League of California, shares the critical role of partnerships in shaping California’s higher education landscape. He discusses the challenges facing colleges amid federal uncertainty, the importance of flexible funding and transfer pathways, and how collaboration between community colleges and AICCU institutions can expand opportunity for students across the state. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.
22 Jul 2025
Driving Innovation in Accreditation: A Conversation with WASC President Maria Toyoda
Maria Toyoda, president of the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), opens the “black box” of accreditation and discusses how WASC balances rigorous standards with institutional innovation to improve student outcomes, reduce costs, and adapt to a changing higher education student population. Maria also offers insight on how accreditors are responding to new federal policies. Hosted by AICCU Vice President for Policy Tom Vu. This episode is sponsored by First American Education Finance.
15 Jan 2025
Care About the Outcome and Not the Credit: A Lesson in Higher Ed Advocacy from Sarah Flanagan
AICCU President Kristen Soares talks with NAICU's Sarah Flanagan on elevating higher ed advocacy through effective relationships, misconceptions, and navigating polarized politics.
19 Nov 2024
Post-Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Breaking Down Polling and Voting Patterns
Paul Mitchell joins us again in this special episode following the 2024 Election to discuss polling and voter trends that defied expectations.
24 Oct 2024
Election Analysis with Paul Mitchell: Voter Data, Election Strategy, and College Student Engagement
Paul Mitchell, vice president of bipartisan voter data firm Political Data, works with campaigns, nonprofits and universities with a specialty in polling and survey data. He shares his insight ahead of the 2024 Election, and what predictions can be made on voter demographics, trends among college students, battleground states, and more. Hosted by Tom Vu, AICCU vice president for policy.
17 Jul 2024
Championing Equity: Jessie Ryan's Journey and Vision for College Opportunity
Jessie Ryan has been with the Campaign for College Opportunity for nearly 20 years and has shepherded the Campaign's major policy victories, including historic transfer reform, the creation of a community college scorecard, and a new funding formula that balances access with student success. She took office as president in July and shares with us her future plans for the Campaign.
Doug Lederman, co-founder of Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/), shares the early beginnings of the online publication. He examines the state of higher education and how it has changed through his perspective as a journalist covering the industry for nearly 40 years.
10 Jan 2024
Demystifying Demographics: Unraveling the Impact of Higher Education on California's Future with Dr. Hans Johnson
Dr. Hans Johnson is a demographer and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, whose research has covered college access and completion. He serves as a technical advisor to many organizations seeking to improve college graduation rates, address workforce needs, and engage in long term capacity planning. In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares research findings on several PPIC reports, including the value of higher education (https://www.ppic.org/publication/is-college-worth-it/), how college graduates contributed to California’s population decline, and strengthening California’s transfer pathway. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.
30 Oct 2023
Running Towards Crisis with Love, with President André Stephens
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) President André Stephens has been a leader in faith-based higher education for the last 30 years. As he enters his second year at FPU, he shares how he settled into his first presidential role and discusses the value of a faith-based education in California amidst ongoing challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.
26 Jun 2023
Major in Your Passion: Leadership Lessons Learned and Shared by President Devorah Lieberman
University of La Verne President, Devorah Lieberman, takes a look back at her 12 years on campus before she retires. She shares some unforgettable moments, such as her short-lived football career with the La Verne Leopards and how she connected with the students on campus. Hosted by AICCU President Kristen Soares. Access transcript, with hyperlinks to recources mentioned in the episode, here.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 16 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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