On any given day, higher education is represented in Washington, by not only lobbyists, but also students, administrators, experts on a variety of related issues, and professors turned legislators. A typical day finds these groups in varied activities directed at influencing policy. The American Council on Education is at the center of higher…

Suggestions for college presidents when they visit Congress include get to know congressmen before asking them for something; be considerate of a representative's time; know the legislative interests of those visited; be prepared to assist congressional member needs; get to know the staff; work with education associations; etc. (MLW)

Suggestions to college administrators include realize that the essential lubricant of politics on Capitol Hill is relations of trust, confidence, and familiarity; bring solutions as well as problems to legislators; talk to members on the committee handling the issue of concern; help friends get reelected. (MLW)

Rep. Pat Williams, the new chairman of the House Postsecondary Education Subcommittee, visits college campuses and observes what the problems are. A recent visit to Pennsylvania State is described in which he listened to students in the financial aid office, inspected research facilities, and talked with university administrators. (MLW)

According to members of Congress, college chief executive officers possess an enormous amount of prestige and clout they could utilize to get what they need from lawmakers--be it dollars, new programs, or legislative support. This year's concerns include access, college costs, and research funding. (MLW)