Association Of Independent Colleges & Universities Of Pennsylvania

THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSTITIES OF PENNSYLVANIA (AICUP) IS TO SERVE AND PROMOTE INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AS VITAL, DISTINCTIVE COMPONENTS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION COMMUNITY IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE NATION; TO PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE STRENGTHS AND DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-PROFIT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND TO INCREASE THE FINANCIAL MEANS AVAILABLE TO THESE INSTITUTIONS; TO FURTHER THE AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS OF PENNSYLVANIA AND OTHERS WHO SEEK EDUCATION OR TRAINING AT INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES IN PENNSYLVANIA; TO ENHANCE THE BUSINESS AND EDUCATIONAL PARTENERSHIP IN PA AND INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DONATIONS IN ADVANCING HIGHER EDUCATION; TO ENCOURAGE AND SOLICIT CORPORATE, BUSINESS, AND OTHER GIVING TO THE INDEPENDENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OF PENNSYLVANIA; TO FURTHER BY STUDY, RESEARCH, PUBLICATION, AND TEACHING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE AND NEEDS OF HIGHER EDUCATION;

DISTRIBUTED VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED FROM MEMBER COLLEGES, THE GENERAL PUBLIC, FOUNDATIONS AND CORPORATIONS FOR VARIOUS PROGRAMS OF THE ASSOCIATION.

THE ASSOCIATION SERVED AS A UNIFIED VOICE FOR INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION IN PENNSYLVANIA BEFORE STATE AND FEDERAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. ISSUES ADDRESSED BY THE ASSOCIATION INCLUDED INPUT INTO PUBLIC POLICIES WITH REGARD TO STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS, FUNDING FOR INSTITUTIONAL NEEDS, PRESERVATION OF STATE AND LOCAL TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES WHICH IMPACT INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION.

THE ASSOCIATION SERVES ITS MEMBERS IN MANY WAYS. IT DISSEMINATED INFORMATION AND PROVIDED VARIOUS SERVICES BOTH TO ITS MEMBERS AND TO THE PUBLIC. THE ASSOCIATION ALSO SPONSORED VARIOUS PROGRAMS THROUGH ROYALTY AGREEMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT VENDORS TO HELP COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES REALIZE SAVINGS THROUGH ECONOMIES OF SCALE. SUCH PROGRAMS INCLUDE A TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM, BOND FACILITIES PROGRAM, EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PROGRAM, ENERGY PROCUREMENT AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM, SOFTWARE PROCUREMENT PROGRAM, TUITION INSTALLMENT PROGRAM, PURCHASE CARD PROGRAM, ENVIONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE, CYBER SECURITY INITIATIVE, AND A MULTIPLE EMPLOYER RETIREMENT PLAN.

THE ASSOCIATION CONDUCTED VARIOUS RESEARCH STUDIES WHICH INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: FRESHMAN ADMISSION AND FINANCIAL AID, STUDENT FINANCIAL AID, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS AND TRENDS, TUITION AND FEE AND PATTERNS OF VOLUNTARY SUPPORT, BACCALAUREATE RESEARCH STUDY. THE ASSOCIATION HAS UNDERTAKEN AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT DESIGNED TO ALIGN STATE, LOCAL, AND COLLEGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES AND ASSIST INDIVIDUAL MEMBER SCHOOLS OR CONSORTIA OF SCHOOLS WITH SPECIFIC PROJECTS. THE ASSOCIATION PUBLISHES AN OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT OF PA'S INDEPENDENT HIGHER EDUCATION SECTOR.