National Stalking Awareness Month - Mandatory VAWA Training
January is National Stalking Awareness Month. As part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order that allows victims to use sick leave for absences related to stalking and that protects victims' privacy in the workplace. To build on these efforts, President Obama’s Administration has implemented measures requiring institutions of higher education to collect and report information on stalking and other crimes as outlined in VAWA. Under the new regulations, institutions are required to make their disciplinary processes more transparent and to provide ongoing prevention and awareness campaigns for students and employees stating, "Our classrooms should be safe havens where everyone can pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential free from the fear of being stalked or harassed." VAWA training is required by law, for a personalized, in-depth approach, visit the AACS Online Training Center to access the Title IX and VAWA Training: Building Safer Campuses course. Use the AACS member VIP aa7698.

AACS Nominee Selected for 2016 Borrower Defenses Negotiated Rulemaking
AACS and our nominee Chris DeLuca were selected by the Secretary and the U.S. Department of Education to serve as the alternate negotiator representing the private, for-profit institutions of higher education community in the upcoming 2016 Borrower Defenses Federal Negotiated Rulemaking scheduled to begin next week. AACS is pleased to have Mr. DeLuca accepted as one of two negotiators from the for-profit sector involved in these vitally important and highly-technical negotiations. The GRC is in the process of calling together a group of technical experts to assist Mr. DeLuca in preparing for the three meetings to take place Jan. 12-14, Feb. 17-19, and March 16-18 and will be working with the primary negotiator – Dennis Cariello – on a coordinated strategy to ensure that the new process, procedures and determinations apply equally to all institutions of higher education and are fair and balanced.

MUD to Fund 10 BCL | MUD Scholarships in 2016
Beauty Changes Lives is pleased to announce a new, first-of-its kind scholarship for students who desire to expand their knowledge of make-up artistry. The BCL| MUD Make-up Scholarship will award 10 $2,500 scholarships to students enrolled in cosmetology or esthetics programs. Five spring and five fall scholarships will be offered. The spring 2016 application window for spring scholarships opens February 22, 2016.

The 7 Keys for Purposeful Public Relations in 2016
In a new book entitled Living a Life That Matters: 7 Keys for Purposeful Living, author Val Hale, (Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development in Utah) addresses ideal goals in life and business for emerging entrepreneurs. His principles seamlessly apply to the field of PR. Find out more about the seven keys for purposeful public relations in 2016.

Change Your 5 Common Career Resolutions to Optimize Successful
For many, a new year on the calendar means that it’s time for personal and professional goal-setting and resolutions. But, before you start mapping out your game plan for landing that new job or promotion, it might be time to think about whether the same old ways of getting ahead are actually holding you back. Sometimes, in making our career resolutions, we think we’re being more effective by being incredibly busy. Instead, you need to manage your time and your energy. Tweaking old-school resolutions to give them a more meaningful update can help you be more successful in the long run. Find out how to change your five common career resolutions to optimize success.