Membership and Advocacy Organizations

American Association of Community Colleges (AACC)

The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges. The association represents more than 1,000 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions and nearly 12 million students.

Connection to governance:

Helps boards understand policy trends and advocacy priorities affecting two-year colleges.

Provides research and leadership resources to guide trustee decisions on student access and workforce development.

American Association of Colleges & Universities (AAC&U)

AAC&U is a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the democratic purposes of higher education by promoting equity, innovation, and excellence in liberal education.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards guidance on advancing equity, liberal education, and student success initiatives.

Provides evidence and case studies to support governance decisions on curriculum, quality, and institutional strategy.

American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)

AASCU represents the sector of over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems united by a shared commitment to make affordable, high-quality education available to all students.

Connection to governance:

Supports trustees in navigating public policy, funding, and state-level governance issues.

Offers best practices for boards to strengthen oversight of teaching, research, and regional impact.

American Council on Education (ACE)

​​​​​The American Council on Education (ACE) is a membership organization of 1,600 colleges and universities, related associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. A​​​​​​CE is the only major higher education association to represent all types of U.S. accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities. ACE members educate two out of every three students in all accredited, degree-granting U.S. institutions.

Connection to governance:

Serves as a resource for boards on cross-sector higher education trends and policy advocacy.

Provides frameworks for strategic planning, institutional assessment, and trustee professional development.

American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA)

ACTA is the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.

Connection to governance:

Equips boards with tools to uphold academic quality, fiduciary responsibility, and free expression.

Provides case studies and policy guidance for trustees to enhance oversight and institutional accountability.

Association of American Universities (AAU)

Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 71 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation. Member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards on research-intensive university governance, federal funding, and policy advocacy.

Offers insights for trustees on science, innovation, and undergraduate/graduate education best practices.

Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)

ACCT is a non-profit educational organization of governing boards, representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees who serve on over 500 governing boards of community, technical, and junior colleges in the United States and beyond. ACCT is a national organization that brings community college leaders together to address real-world challenges and help students succeed through advocacy and education.

Connection to governance:

Provides governance training and advocacy tools tailored to community college boards.

Offers frameworks for decision-making on student success, finances, and institutional strategy.

Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB)

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) is a membership organization dedicated to empowering the boards of colleges, universities, and foundations. AGB provides leadership and counsel to member boards, chief executives, organizational staff, policymakers, and other key industry leaders to help them navigate the changing education landscape.

Connection to governance:

Resource for board best practices, governance frameworks, and trustee development.

Supports boards in strategic oversight, fiduciary responsibility, and institutional mission alignment.

Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU)

APLU is a membership organization that fosters a community of university leaders collectively working to advance the mission of public research universities. The association’s membership consists of 253 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations spanning across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, Canada, and Mexico.

Connection to governance:

Provides trustees with data and advocacy resources on public research university missions.

Supports boards in overseeing community engagement, workforce development, and research initiatives.

BoardSource

BoardSource is the recognized leader in nonprofit board leadership research, leadership, and support. BoardSource provides nonprofit board resources to increase board effectiveness and strengthen organizational impact, and serve as the national voice for inspired and effective board leadership.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards frameworks, training, and research to strengthen governance and fiduciary oversight.

Helps trustees implement policies and practices for mission alignment, accountability, and strategic leadership.

Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)

Founded in 1956, the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) is an association of nonprofit independent colleges and universities, state-based councils, and higher education affiliates that works to support college and university leadership, advance institutional excellence, and enhance public understanding of independent higher education’s contributions to society. CIC offers conferences, seminars, publications, and other programs and services that help institutions improve educational quality, administrative and financial performance, student outcomes, and institutional visibility.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with governance training and leadership resources specific to independent colleges.

Offers networks and benchmarking tools for trustees to enhance oversight and institutional effectiveness.

National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)

NAICU is the only national organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, D.C. As one of the six major presidential higher education associations, NAICU’s institutional membership is comprised of presidents from accredited private, nonprofit colleges and universities. NAICU’s relationships, expertise, and credibility allow it to be an effective messenger for the diverse voices of its membership.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards on financial oversight, risk management, and institutional sustainability.

Provides benchmarking, research, and professional development for trustee decision-making on business operations

National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)

Since 1962, NACUBO has been an indispensable source of clear, trusted knowledge for campus leaders. NACUBO provides a bold voice, collaboration, and resources to tackle higher education’s evolving challenges. NACUBO’s mission is to advance the economic vitality, business practices, and support of higher education institutions in pursuit of their missions.

Connection to governance:

Supports boards in advocacy for private higher education at the federal level.

Provides research and policy updates to inform trustee decisions on strategic priorities and institutional sustainability.

National Education Association (NEA)

NEA is more than 3 million people—educators, students, activists, workers, parents, neighbors, friends—who believe in opportunity for all students and in the power of public education to transform lives and create a more just and inclusive society. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States. NEA’s mission is to advocate for education professionals and to unite members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.

Connection to governance:

Informs boards on labor, equity, and justice issues affecting faculty and staff governance.

Provides research and advocacy tools to support boards in ensuring fair policies and inclusive practices.

National Rural Education Association (NREA)

NREA was originally founded as the Department of Rural Education in 1907. It is the oldest established national organization in the United States. Through the years, it has evolved as a strong and respected organization of rural school administrators, teachers, board members, regional service agency personnel, researchers, business and industry representatives, and others interested in maintaining the vitality of rural school systems across the country.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with research and insights on rural education trends, challenges, and equity issues.

Supports trustees in making policy and strategic decisions that affect rural institutions and communities.

Professional and Scholarly Associations

American Association of University Professors (AAUP)

Founded in 1915, the AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in this country’s colleges and universities. AAUP chapters at campuses across the country work to advance the mission of the AAUP through advocacy, organizing and, where possible, collective bargaining. In some states, state conferences support chapters and work on state level issues.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards on principles of academic freedom and shared governance.

Offers tools and standards for trustees to ensure faculty rights and institutional accountability.

American College Personnel Association (ACPA)

The American College Personnel Association (ACPA) – headquartered in Washington, D.C. at the National Center for Higher Education, is the leading comprehensive student affairs association that advances student affairs and engages students for a lifetime of learning and discovery. ACPA transforms higher education by creating and sharing influential scholarship, shaping critically reflective practice, and advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with insights on student affairs, equity, social justice, and inclusion for governance oversight.

Offers resources to support trustee decisions on student engagement and campus climate initiatives.

American Educational Research Association (AERA)

AERA, a national research society, strives to advance knowledge about education, to encourage scholarly inquiry related to education, and to promote the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with research-based evidence to guide policy and governance decisions.

Supports trustees in evaluating student outcomes, program effectiveness, and institutional impact.

American Student Government Association (ASGA)

ASGA provides all Student Government leaders and advisors nationwide with networking, research, and information resources and teaches them how to become more effective, ethical, and influential leaders on their campuses. ASGA also promotes the advancement of SGs, conducts research as the nation’s only “SG Think Tank,” and advocates the importance of having a vibrant, autonomous Student Government organization at every institution in America.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards insight into student governance structures and leadership development.

Provides frameworks for trustees to enhance student representation and shared decision-making.

Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE)

The Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) is a scholarly association based in the United States, dedicated to higher education as a field of study. It emerged from another association, the now-defunct American Association for Higher Education (AAHE). ASHE is managed by a full-time executive director and governed by a board of directors elected by the membership.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards access to research on governance, policy, and equity in higher education.

Helps trustees make informed decisions based on scholarly evidence and emerging trends.

Association of Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)

AHEAD is the leading professional membership association for individuals committed to equity for persons with disabilities in higher education. Since 1977, AHEAD has offered an unparalleled member experience to disability resource professionals, student affairs personnel, ADA coordinators, diversity officers, AT/IT staff, faculty and other instructional personnel, and colleagues who are invested in creating welcoming higher education experiences for disabled individuals.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards in ensuring compliance and equity for students with disabilities.

Offers resources for trustees to oversee accessibility policies, services, and campus inclusion.

Campus Compact

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities Committed to the public purposes of higher education. Campus Compact takes a comprehensive approach to support the whole institution. Their events, programs, opportunities, and resources are created to support senior leaders, faculty, staff, and students as they build the knowledge, skills, and capacity needed for effective community and civic engagement.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with insights on civic engagement and institutional mission alignment.

Offers guidance for trustees on supporting community partnerships and socially responsible programs.

Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS)

CAS, a consortium of professional associations in higher education, promotes the use of its professional standards for the development, assessment, and improvement of quality student learning, programs, and services. CAS exists to accomplish complementary tasks. A primary purpose is to provide a forum in which representatives from higher education organizations meet and interact for purposes of seeking consensus on the fundamental principles of “best practices” that can lead to enhanced professional standards.

Connection to governance:

Equips boards with professional standards for student services and programs.

Helps trustees evaluate institutional effectiveness and compliance with best practices.

International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)

INQAAHE is a world-wide association of organizations that is active in the theory and practice of quality assurance (QA) in higher education (HE). The central purpose and role of INQAAHE is to promote and advance excellence in tertiary education through the support of an active international community of quality assurance providers. In order to achieve this goal, the network focuses on the development of the theory and practice of quality assurance, the exchange and understanding of the policies and actions of its members, and the promotion of quality assurance for the benefit of tertiary education, institutions, students and society at large.

Connection to governance:

Equips boards with global perspectives on quality assurance and institutional accountability.

Offers frameworks to inform trustee oversight of academic standards and institutional quality.

NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

NASPA is the professional home for the field of student affairs. NASPA is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of our institutional members, a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education. Resources include exceptional professional development opportunities, research to take on our biggest challenges, advocacy for equitable practices, and nurturing intentional networks and pathways to mentor, rejuvenate, and support all student affairs professionals and students.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with research and best practices on student experience and support.

Helps trustees understand equity, inclusion, and leadership development priorities.

Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)

SCUP is a worldwide community of professionals dedicated to working together to improve higher education planning through community, learning, and impact. SCUP is a community of higher education professionals who, through integrated planning strategies, are building a sustainable future for higher education. It is a learning-centric association that fosters an inclusive community of practice in integrated planning to advance colleges and universities.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards guidance on strategic, integrated institutional planning.

Provides resources for trustees to oversee long-term institutional sustainability and mission fulfillment.

Regulatory, Accreditation & Policy Bodies

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

CHEA serves its members, students, and society through advocacy for the value and independence of accreditation, recognition of accrediting organizations, and commitment to quality in higher education. CHEA supports and works to advance the role of accreditation in maintaining the core academic values of higher education—commitments to institutional autonomy, academic freedom, and institutional mission.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards on accreditation standards and institutional quality oversight.

Provides tools for trustees to ensure compliance and maintain academic excellence.

Educause

EDUCAUSE is a nonprofit association whose mission is to lead the way, advancing the strategic use of technology and data to further the promise of higher education. EDUCAUSE connects and empowers the member community through insights, advocacy, resources, and learning opportunities to anticipate trends and strengthen professional practice. EDUCAUSE helps those who lead, manage, deploy, and use information technology address and innovate on common issues and opportunities in higher ed IT.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards insights into technology governance, cybersecurity, and digital strategy.

Supports trustees in overseeing IT investments and innovation aligned with institutional mission.

Education Commission of the States (ECS)

Education Commission of the States is an organization that connects state policymakers and supports education policymaking. ECS provides personalized support and services to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories to help education leaders gain the insight and experience needed to create effective education policy for their constituents. ECS’ expertise spans across the spectrum from early care and education to workforce development.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with state policy analysis affecting funding, governance, and institutional priorities.

Offers resources for trustees to make informed policy and strategic decisions at the state level.

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

HLC is an independent agency, founded in 1895 that accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States. HLC is an institutional accreditor, accrediting the institution as a whole. As an accreditor, HLC is one member of the program integrity Triad, which consists of three areas of oversight for higher education in the United States. The Federal government and the state in which the institution is located are the other two areas. The components of the Triad operate independently to focus on issues within their specific scope.

Connection to governance:

Guides boards on accreditation requirements and institutional compliance.

Provides frameworks for trustees to oversee quality assurance and strategic alignment.

Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL)

IEL builds the capacity of individuals and teams to strengthen their communities and education systems. IEL designs tools and leadership development programs that empower people to become catalysts for transformation. IEL partners with communities, working with local entities to fill service needs and support them in the long-term on their transformational leadership journey.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with leadership development tools for strategic governance.

Offers resources to help trustees engage in cross-sector collaboration and policy advocacy.

Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP)

IHEP is a leading and trusted source for policymakers and postsecondary leaders seeking strategies to achieve equity and address the nation’s most pressing education challenges. It is a nonpartisan, nonprofit group united in a vision in which all people, regardless of background, race, or circumstance, have the opportunity to reach their full potential by participating in and succeeding in higher education.

Connection to governance:

Equips boards with research on access, equity, and postsecondary outcomes.

Supports trustees in making policy-informed governance decisions to improve institutional equity.

National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS)

NCHEMS is a nonprofit, nonpartisan postsecondary education consulting organization specializing in research, development, and technical assistance that helps states, systems, and institutions adopt forward-looking/future-oriented policies and practices. Since 1969, NCHEMS has been engaging higher education leaders and state and system-level policy makers, providing the insights and intelligence they need to forge a pathway to more successful higher education.

Connection to governance:

Offers boards data-driven insights for planning, policy, and resource allocation.

Provides strategic tools to support trustees in institutional decision-making and state coordination.

State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)

SHEEO serves the chief executives of statewide governing, policy, and coordinating boards of postsecondary education and their staff. Founded in 1954, SHEEO promotes an environment that values higher education and its role in ensuring the equitable education of all Americans, regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic factors. SHEEO equips state higher education executive officers and their staff with the tools to effectively advance the value of higher education, promoting public policies and academic practices that enable all Americans to achieve success in the 21st century, and serving as an advocate for state higher education leadership.

Connection to governance:

Supports boards in understanding statewide governance, accountability, and policy frameworks.

Provides tools for trustees to align institutional strategy with state higher education goals.

U.S. Department of Education (ED)

The mission of ED is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access for students of all ages.

Connection to governance:

Provides boards with federal policy guidance, funding programs, and compliance requirements.

Supports trustees in strategic oversight to ensure equitable access and institutional accountability.