Advocacy and Policy
State:
Our current focus is on the upcoming November elections. Community Colleges for Iowa is involved in this process through our Iowans For A Skilled Workforce political action committee. The ISW PAC is a bipartisan PAC created by supporters of Iowa’s community colleges to help support legislators dedicated to Iowa’s community colleges and to educating legislators about the issues impacting those training the next generation of Iowa’s skilled workers. For those who are interested in donating to Iowans For A Skilled Workforce, or to learn more, please check out our ISW PAC webpage. The funds donated will help ensure that the voice of community colleges is heard.
Make sure you are signed up for Quorum to stay up to date on all things government relations and legislative session. This is our grassroots advocacy platform that helps you keep up to date with what we’re tracking during session, send messages to your legislators on important issues, and get involved with advocating for your college and community! We will be launching another “sign-up drive” asking you to have your friends and colleagues register as everyone returns to campus from summer, so keep an eye out for that. Thank you to all who have already signed up. Your strong support and engagement throughout this past legislative session ensured that the voice of community colleges was heard.
The Iowa Department of Education has released a “letter to the field” in which they summarize legislation that passed during the 2026 legislative session. The legislation is broken up by the state’s education system priorities: supporting the teacher pipeline, strengthening early literacy and numeracy, narrowing gaps, empowering multiple pathways to success, and promoting safe and healthy work environments. This provides an easy way to find what legislation passed, and its impact, depending on your area of interest. In addition to the legislation summaries, the “letter” also includes summaries of the appropriations, related but not education specific legislation, vetoed legislation, and resources for implementing the more significant legislation that was passed. Future rounds of implementation resources for other bills may be released, and the document will be updated to reflect these additional resources.
Federal:
DE Federal Grant Rulemaking: On August 24, the Department of Education proposed new rules that will make sweeping changes to the Education Department Federal Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), which govern most federal education grants. The proposal would impact how colleges find/receive federal funding opportunities, document eligibility, and develop applications.
Like the previously released Office of Management and Budgets proposal to overhaul the federal government’s procedures for awarding federal grants, the changes proposed in these rules would allow the ED to terminate grant “for convenience”, an ambiguous and concerning term. Meaning the administration could terminate a grant if it determines the award no longer aligns with the agency’s priorities or program goals. Put another way, they could eliminate existing multi-year grants if they disagree with a community college’s priorities.
Also included is the prioritization of grants with zero administrative costs, reflecting the administration’s goals related to lowering indirect cost rates to increase funding for program activities. Which raises concerns for rural community colleges that do not have as much non-federal funding that can go towards facility and staff needs.
Community colleges can comment on the proposed regulations here. The comment period will close on September 23, 2026.
Accreditation Negotiated Rulemaking: On August 19, the U.S. Department of Education issued their final notice of proposed rulemaking on Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization. The proposed rules, if adopted as they are, could have significant impacts on higher education; since institutions of higher education are required to be accredited to participate in the federal student aid program. The proposal is still open for public comment through September 21, 2026, and would likely take effect on July 1, 2027, if finalized.
Of particular interest and potential benefit, to community colleges, are the proposed changes related to the transfer of credits. Institutions would be required to publicly disclose their transfer credit policies, provide written explanation to a student when their transfer credit is denied and provide a cost estimate for retaking the denied courses, and allow the student 15 days to appeal the transfer credit denial. Meaning community college students could face fewer barriers to transferring to a four-year institution.
The proposed rules also aim to address several other issues, including:
Requiring a neutral viewpoint in the decision-making process for “reviewing achievement and faculty-related policies, including academic freedom and intellectual diversity”. e DOJ and special education to HHS. We are unlikely to see approval from the Senate on these changes.
Increasing competition among accrediting agencies by eliminating the two-year rule for accrediting bodies, along with certain approval and geographic restrictions that the ED deems unnecessary.
Greater emphasis on student outcomes as accreditors are expected to implement measures of performance like, completion and graduation rates, employment, economic return/value for students, and institutional effectiveness.
CCforIowa Bulletin
CCforIowa’s New Website Coming Soon
CCforIowa New Website Going LIVE Next Week
When we come back from the long weekend for Labor Day, CCforIowa will be launching our new website on September 8! Instructions will be provided by email throughout the transition. Please double-check that the email is from info@ccforiowa.org, marketing@ccforiowa.org, or a staff email to be sure it is safe and can be trusted.
Member Portal Users: You will receive an email to create a new password! All of the current information in the member portal, including which Leadership & Affinity Groups you belong to, will be carried over. This may be a good time to review that your information is up to date.
Leadership & Affinity Group Chairs/Members: Once you’re in the new member portal, each group now has a collaborative space for discussion and shared files. Guides with step-by-step instructions. These are tools to look forward to using as you get more comfortable with the new system and meet throughout the fall!
Office Hours: In addition to providing step-by-step guides on the new website layout and features, our team is hosting office hours to be sure everyone has access and feels confident. Mark your calendar from 11 am-1 pm on September 9 (video link), September 16 (video link), and October 7 (video link).
Trustees & Presidents Meet at CCforIowa’s Offices
August marked the start of back-to-school and brought community college leaders to our boardroom! In back-to-back days of meetings, we looked back on successful shared messaging and public perception while also looking ahead to gaining new data and gain greater awareness for the role community colleges hold in our state. Statewide collaboration is at its finest when we’re working shoulder to shoulder!
Convention and Tradeshow: Early Bird + Group Discounts Available Now
Only one month left for early bird and group rates, ending Oct. 4! The statewide conversations at our Convention and Tradeshow engage community college employees in a wide range of positions, from marketing to faculty to leadership. December will come fast: decide who is attending from your campus and register here!
2026 Tickets & Prices
| Ticket Type | Start Date | End Date | Price |
| Group 10+ Discount Rate | Jul. 1 | Oct. 4 | $300 |
| Convention + Awards (Early Bird) | Jul. 1 | Oct. 4 | $350 |
| Convention + Awards (Regular Rate) | Oct. 5 | Nov. 22 | $450 |
| Awards Dinner Only | Sep. 1 | Nov. 22 | $100 |
| Pre-Convention Leadership Meeting (Lunch) | Sep. 1 | Nov. 22 | $15 |
| Additional Sponsor Registration | Jul. 1 | Nov. 22 | $450 |
With any questions about tickets and registration, please contact our Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Monique Ellefson at mellefson@ccforiowa.org.
Outstanding Community College Awards: Nominations Open
It’s time to recognize the amazing people who keep Iowa’s community colleges accessible, affordable, and agile! Awardees will be honored at our Convention and Tradeshow in December. Nominate your outstanding faculty, staff, business and industry partners, alumni, and advocates now through September 25.
Response Requested: A Question for You
We want to hear from you! While this newsletter primarily focuses on sharing information, our connection with our readers is vital to the advocacy work we do for Iowa’s community colleges. Help us answer:
What is one thing you noticed or learned recently that surprised you or changed your thinking?
Job Opportunities: What better place to work than at an Iowa community college?
No one knows better than our own network how great it is to work in a supportive, innovative, and collaborative place like an Iowa community college. Positions searching for candidates span faculty to operations to administration and beyond. If you know a talented and passionate Iowans who may be interested in a new chapter of their career at a community college, have them check out these job boards/listings:
- Northeast Iowa Community College (Dubuque/Calmar/Peosta/Cresco/Oelwein/Manchester/Waukon)
- North Iowa Area Community College (Mason City)
- Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville/ Emmetsburg/Spirit Lake)
- Northwest Iowa Community College (Sioux Center/Sheldon)
- Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge)
- Iowa Valley Community College District (Marshalltown/Iowa Falls/Grinnell)
- Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo)
- Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Muscatine/Clinton/Bettendorf)
- Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids)
- Des Moines Area Community College (Central Iowa)
- Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City/Denison)
- Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs/ Clarinda/ Harlan/ Atlantic/ Missouri Valley)
- Southwestern Community College (Creston)
- Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa)
- Southeastern Iowa Community College (West Burlington/ Keokuk)
Does your campus want specific job opportunities highlighted? Email marketing@ccforiowa.org to be featured.
Student Success Story: Meet Christi
Meet Christi: a writer who decided it was time to hit the books and go back to school.
As a published author, with four books already completed, her degree in liberal arts with an emphasis in creative writing is her way of adding credentials to her life’s work. Now that she’s started the coursework, new ideas will likely lead her to re-vamp and re-release her previous work. We’ve all heard a writer’s job is never done, and she takes that to heart.
It’s been a lifetime of telling stories as a parent of seven children and grandparent to two. Returning to school is Christi’s way of showing her family that it’s never too late to reach for their goals. And she does all of this while being an avid volunteer, in the community and in her church.
Christi was recognized for her educational achievements as well as her leadership and worth ethic when named to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s 2026 All-Iowa Academic Team. What an inspiration!
Follow along with and share this student series through CCforIowa’s social media channels!
News
Iowa Capital Dispatch: Northeast Iowa Community College to launch sterile processing technician program
With the demand for healthcare workers rising, Northeast Iowa Community College has announced the launch of a new sterile processing technician program based in their Calmar campus. The program welcomes new students as well as professionals continuing their education. Students can also translate their experience in this program toward a surgical technician certification, thanks to a partnership with Kirkwood Community College. Read more here.
KCRG News: Northeast Iowa Community College expands Manchester offerings with new Healthcare Academy
Northeast Iowa Community College has expanded their capacity for healthcare training by moving their Manchester campus across town. The new facility, leased from the West Delaware County School District will offer more classrooms as well as hands-on training areas. The expansion also offers high school students new chances to pursue nursing degrees before they have graduated, keeping vital learning and experience close to communities short on healthcare workers. More information here.
KQWC Radio: New 8-Week Courses Give Iowa Central Students More Flexibility
Nontraditional students have a new opportunity to complete general education courses at Iowa Central Community College, thanks to a new 8-week program. The courses are designed to be flexible, allowing students to take one or two classes at a time. The classes are built on a Monday-Thursday schedule and allow the students to be out of the classroom by noon, ensuring they have time to attend to other necessities such as childcare and work. Read the full story here.
Quad-City Times: Deep roots, bold future with NICC instructor Keith Lesmeister
Northeast Iowa Community College faculty member Keith Lesmeister shares his perspective and experiences teaching students over the years. From encouraging shy students in public speaking to sharing the joys of reading, Lesmeister talks about shifting trains of thought by implementing creative thinking, team-oriented writing, and a foundation of practical lifelong skills that span across career paths and disciplines. Read the full story here.
Decorah News: Northeast Iowa Community College to Host 2026 Tri-State Emergency Responders Conference in Dubuque
The 16th annual Tri-State Emergency Responders Conference will be held at Northeast Iowa Community College Octover 15-16 at the Diamond Joe Casino in Dubuque. Attendees include EMTs, paramedics, advanced emergency medical technicians, and nursing professionals in emergency and critical care departments, and they can earn up to 16 continuing education hours. More details here.
Iowa News Now: Iowa voters to decide $88 million Kirkwood bond across 18 counties on Nov. 3
Across 18 of Iowa’s counties, the ballot this November will include approval for an $88 million bond referendum to fund renovations, expansions, and continued maintenance at Kirkwood Community College. Kirkwood representatives cite increasing demand, advancing technology, and the overall lack of vital workers in areas such as healthcare in arguing for the bond referendum, which would affect the average household’s taxes by less than $10 each year. More details here.
Resources
Bellwether Award: Applications Open
Applications are open for the 2027 Bellwether Awards, in which 30 community colleges from across the country are considered based on exemplary programs in instructional programs and service; planning, governance, and finance; or workforce development. The finalists have a chance to win one of three awards showcasing the strongest and more comprehensive explanation of their program and their response to a critical issue. The application deadline is September 15, 2026. Learn more and apply here!
