Is that Legal? Navigating Program Compliance for Student and Alumni Communities-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In the workshop "Is That Legal? Navigating Program Compliance for Student and Alumni Communities," Jessica Elmore facilitated a session aimed at educating participants on navigating legal compliance in program offerings. Elmore introduced the concept of "identity slides" as a way to present and share personal backgrounds that influence work perspectives. With over 12 years of experience in alumni relations, Elmore emphasized the importance of understanding diverse identities and geographic experiences in creating compliant and inclusive programs.<br /><br />The workshop included insights from legal expert Erica Turret, an associate at Jenner & Block Law Firm, who discussed the implications of the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) Supreme Court decision from June 2023. This decision reversed decades of precedent by declaring race-conscious college admissions programs unlawful, a ruling that has since led to challenges in various education-related aspects, including scholarships and financial aid. Turret elaborated on the legal complexities, especially for admissions-adjacent decisions like recruitment and yield programs, noting that these have become more vulnerable to scrutiny post-SFFA.<br /><br />The workshop also covered strategic programming discussions, emphasizing the need for compliance and inclusive practices beyond just admissions, touching on other campus life aspects such as financial aid and alumni events. Participants engaged in activities to practice auditing fictitious programs using a three-part framework focusing on preference, protected groups, and palpable benefits. This provided attendees with practical tools to assess programs' legal compliance while maintaining their institution's values and mission. The session highlighted the importance of proactively addressing legal challenges and ensuring program inclusivity amidst evolving legal landscapes.

Keywords

legal compliance

identity slides

alumni relations

SFFA Supreme Court decision

race-conscious admissions

legal complexities

inclusive programs

financial aid

alumni events

program auditing

legal challenges

institutional values