Devorah Lieberman Joins AICCU for Governor’s Office Roundtable Discussion

University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman, presidents of five other private universities and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities gathered with senior staff from Gov. Jerry Brown’s office at the state Capitol April 21 to discuss the future of higher education.

The two-hour roundtable discussion covered a wide range of topics including ways to better serve students, the sustainability of the private education model and partnering with other sectors. Members of Brown’s administration and Department of Finance attended.

“They gained a better understanding of the private, nonprofit sector as an asset to the state,” said Veronica Villalobos Cruz, Vice President of External Relations for AICCU.

Cruz said Lieberman discussed successful La Verne programs such as the Freshman La Verne Experience, which gives students a greater connection to the institution and, ultimately, helps increase retention between a student’s freshman and sophomore years. She shared details on recent partnerships with other colleges, including the agreement with Mt. San Antonio College to offer a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“They were impressed by that effort too,” Cruz said.

Presidents raised concerns about the proposed cuts to Cal Grants by the Governor, and Lieberman emphasized the importance of the aid for private institutions, given the rising low-income student population.

Tying in with that topic was the issue of peripheral forces affecting private higher education. Cruz said drastic changes to financial aid programs such as Pell or Cal Grants have a larger impact now than in years’ past.

The Governor’s senior staff heard about how faculty at private universities are adapting teaching practices with changing technology. Lieberman stressed the importance of faculty flexibility to continue meeting student needs.

“That has been the key to student success,” Cruz said.