Government Relations

The Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia supports Virginia Private Colleges by advocating public policy positions and monitoring legislation impacting the independent higher education community. CICV provides a voice for Virginia’s independent higher education community and advocates on behalf of our schools; students and their families at the Virginia General Assembly; in Congress; and before agencies, boards, and commissions.

 

CICV is proud to have played an instrumental role in starting the state's Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) program.  VTAG provides annual grants to Virginia residents who are full-time students at an eligible private college or university.  In 2011-2012, approximately 22,000 Virginia residents will receive non-need based tuition grants of $2,650 (undergraduate) and $1,150 (graduate students in health professions).

 

Governor McDonnell announced in December 2011 that he will be including an additional $5.8 million for VTAG in FY 13 and FY 14.  The Governor stated that this should provide a $2,750 undergraduate award. If VTAG is important to you, please send an email to Governor McDonnell to thank him and ask the General Assembly to protect the additional funding in the budget.  It is vital that your voice, and the voice of all Virginia private college supporters, is heard by the Governor and state legislators.  If you would like to take action to support the VTAG Award, please click the "Take Action" link on the side of this page.