With less than four weeks to go until the presidential election, our campuses are full of activity including voter registration drives, lectures and panels. As most of today’s college students are voting for the very first time, it is vitally important that they understand the issues at stake and how they, as “Millennials,” can make an impact on the election.
In this issue of Connections, you will learn how John Carroll University and Santa Clara University are engaging Millennial voters, and read about a recent Georgetown University panel examining the impact of fear on politics and the Marquette Law School Poll, both of which have been in the news this Fall. You will also learn about the recent AJCU Federal Relations Conference, which was held at the U.S. Capitol on September 22nd. Government relations and financial aid administrators from Jesuit colleges and universities came to Washington, D.C. to hear from several members of Congress and Professional Staff from the House and Senate on topics including regulations and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.
Finally, our friends at the Ignatian Solidarity Network have produced a new publication inviting reflection and prayer on the many issues at stake during this election. The Ignatian Examen for Civic Life, now available for purchase online, is also featured in this issue of Connections.
In the weeks to come, we invite you to share your election-related events for publication in our weekly e-newsletter, AJCU Higher Ed News. Please send any stories to me by writing to dhowes@ajcunet.edu.
All the best,
Deanna I. Howes