Board of Directors

President Reports to the Members, WESTOP Board, and National Board

Saturday, January 10, 2009
Phoenix, AZ

1. Higher Education Opportunity Act Update:
1. The Department of Education has published a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to create committees for the negotiated rule-making process to write new regulations including changes due to the passage of HEOA. One of the committees will focus solely on TRiO, GEAR UP and special education programs for migrant students. Meetings are expected to begin in February and they hope to publish final regulations by November 1, 2009.
2. Members of the TRiO community were asked by COE to provide feedback on the changes to Talent Search due to HEOA, so that they can get information on how these changes will impact programs and the services they provide. Please encourage members in your Chapters to voice their opinions and concerns.

1. Appropriations: 
1. No new information has been provided regarding appropriations, but it doesn’t look good. We are still under the Continuing Resolution until March 2009, which means we will continue to be level funded.

1. SSS Competition:
1. The Department held a meeting with SSS Directors from two and four year institutions (Regional Presidents were asked to recommend two people from their region). WESTOP was represented by Rita Escher (University of Nevada, Reno) and Gustavo Oceguera (Riverside Community College). Overall, the feeling was that the meeting went well and they felt the Department was receptive to the community. I asked Rita (who actually covered her own travel to Washington DC to attend the meeting) and Gustavo to send me their views on how the meeting went. Please see attached document for their insights.

1. President-Elect Obama’s Cabinet Selections:
1. Secretary of Education- Mr. Obama has selected Arne Duncan as his choice to lead the Department of Education. Mr. Duncan serves as the Superintendent of Chicago Public Schools. COE is praising the appointment as Mr. Duncan has demonstrated his commitment to college access during his tenure with Chicago schools. Mr. Duncan was a keynote speaker at COE’s 2007 Annual Conference.
2. Secretary of Labor- Mr. Obama has also chosen Hilda Solis as his candidate as the Labor Secretary of Labor. Ms. Solis served as Secretary for the WESTOP Board of Directors and was a Cal-SOAP Director.

1. COE Leadership Summit/ Policy Seminar, Washington DC
1. Leadership Summit- March 21- 22, 2009. There will be two strands, one for association officers and one for others who are interested in leadership positions in the future or who would like to get involved in associations in general. Important for Chapter Presidents and/or President-Elects to attend.
2. Policy Seminar- March 22- 24, 2009. This is an extremely important year as the new Administration takes over. Would like to make sure all Chapters have a strong group to cover all congressional representatives. Important for Chapter Presidents and/or President-Elects to attend.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tomasa Mauricio

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