Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council Holds 10th Meeting
May 5, 2016
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Academic Engagement (OAE) supports the DHS mission by building, improving and leveraging relationships with the academic community.
Through this ongoing series, read how OAE actively engages with the academic community in the United States and leads initiatives related to international students, among other key focus areas.
On April 20, 2016, the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC) gathered in Washington, DC for its 10th biannual meeting.
During the meeting, HSAAC members heard from Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson about the important role the academic community plays in supporting DHS priorities.
Members spent time discussing Countering Violent Extremism, the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review and new resources available to colleges and universities through the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign.
Since its formation in 2012, the HSAAC has delivered more than 120 recommendations to DHS through its six subcommittees. Some of these recommendations directly relate to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s work with the academic community. Specifically, the HSAAC’s recommendations on international students focus on:
- Increasing engagement with the academic community.
- Supporting work to modernize the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
- Allowing public participation in developing international student policies.
The HSAAC is a federal advisory committee comprised of college and university presidents, academic association leaders and interagency partners that provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Homeland Security and DHS senior leadership on matters related to homeland security and the academic community.
OAE manages the HSAAC on behalf of the department, and Secretary Johnson recently approved the renewal of the HSAAC charter through the spring of 2018, showing DHS’s commitment to working with the academic community on important issues, including international education.
To learn more about OAE, visit its website. You can also sign up to receive monthly updates from OAE at: http://www.dhs.gov/topic/academic-engagement.