Practitioners possess something policymakers frequently lack: knowledge of how policy actually works when implemented. That knowledge has policy value. The Public Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) offers AACRAO members the opportunity to put their knowledge to use and help influence public policy. PPAG members provide an essential practitioner perspective on emerging legislation and public policy matters that ultimately serves as a practical resource to AACRAO’s Executive Director and Government Relations staff.
Participation in PPAG offers AACRAO members an opportunity to influence higher education policy while advancing their professional development. Members gain insight into emerging legislative and regulatory issues, strengthen their policy analysis and advocacy skills, and build relationships with colleagues across the country. Through PPAG, participants can bring their institutional expertise to national policy discussions, help shape AACRAO’s advocacy priorities, and gain valuable knowledge to support their institutions and the students they serve.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcRoA3oMi4I
Details
PPAG is composed of 12 members. Each member of PPAG serves a 3-year term; appointments are staggered so that 4 individuals complete their term and 4 new members are added. After their term, individuals will be removed from the group and must wait at least one year before re-applying to PPAG. A single chair will be selected from members of the group who will serve a 3-year term, independent from the 3-year term for regular group members. An individual may serve more than one term as chair, but those terms cannot be back-to-back.
AACRAO members are selected based on their areas of expertise and type of institution with consideration for how the group reflects the diversity of the association’s membership. Areas of expertise may include:
- Admissions,
- Enrollment services,
- Financial aid,
- Access and equity,
- Serving veterans and service members,
- Community colleges,
- Graduate and professional education,
- Competency-based education,
- Credit for prior learning, and others.
Expectations
Participating in PPAG should involve no more than 1-3 hours a month. All PPAG members are expected to:
- Actively prepare for meetings by reading all materials shared and assisting with setting agendas
- Attend quarterly meetings
- Actively contribute to the group through synchronous and asynchronous discussion
- Foster community and a collegial environment where group members feel comfortable sharing
- Promote participation in Hill Day and the Annual Meeting, including attending as able
In addition to the duties above, the Chair of PPAG is also expected to:
- Support the onboarding of new members and succession planning
- Facilitate the scheduling of quarterly meetings
- Help select new members to ensure the group reflects the breadth of AACRAO professions
- Lead the development and presentation of a session at Annual Meeting focused on federal advocacy (ei; why it matters, AACRAO advocacy resources, ways to get involved)
2026 – 2027 Members:
- Alana Davis (Chair)
Associate Provost and University Registrar
William & Mary University - Candace Boeninger
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Ohio University – Main Campus - Catharine Punchello
Vice Provost and University Registrar
Thomas Edison State University - Elias DuBose
Admissions Officer
Anne Arundel Community College - Isaiah Vance
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Advising and Transfer Initiatives
Texas A&M University - Jonathan Breaker
Program Officer
American Indian College Fund - Joseph Redington
University Registrar
University of Scranton - Josh Hibbard
Vice President for Enrollment Management and Dean of Graduate Enrollment Services
Whitworth University - Luis Alarcon
Director of Recruitment & Admissions
Lincoln Land Community College - Tara Kent
Director, Enrollment Registrar
CUNY – Brooklyn College - Tonaya Shaffer
Director of Institutional Research and Assessment
York College of Pennsylvania - Vanessa Jackson
Associate Registrar
Campbell University School of Law
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