Higher Ed Presidents Write to the Presidential Candidates

A recent letter (PDF) to Barack Obama and John McCain from the presidents of the AACC, AAU, AASCU, NAICU, ACE, and NASULGC:

Dear Senator McCain and Senator Obama:

America is a nation of unparalleled opportunity. The richness and diversity of our national fabric - by faith, by national origin, and by cultural traditions - are woven into a single national character. We are a people unified by a belief in collective ideals of economic opportunity, freedom of thought, protection of individual liberties, and commitment to advancing America's security and prosperity.

America's higher education system is a reflection of that same national character. We have the most diverse system in the world - from open-access community colleges that are the envy of other countries to the world's most highly regarded research universities. From trade schools that specialize in job training to colleges whose entire curriculum focuses on the Great Books. Unlike other nations, our system of higher education is open to all with the desire to grow and succeed - from students straight out of high school to older working adults looking to learn new skills.

As representatives of our higher education institutions, we wish to suggest several areas of consideration for strengthening higher education, preserving America's economic and national security, and ensuring that our citizens have full opportunity to succeed in a world undergoing vast and rapid change.

Main points:

1. Solving the Access Problem, Together
2. Maintaining the Public Trust through Greater Transparency
3. Maintaining Our Competitive Edge - From Research to Job Training
4. Advancing International Education – Our Best Diplomatic Tool
5. Success Through a Proactive Partnership