AIR Joins Washington Higher Education Secretariat

In November, AIR was accepted into the Washington Higher Education Secretariat (WHES), a group of more than 50 national associations and organizations that represent a broad spectrum of higher education interests in the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., it serves as a forum for member organizations to discuss common interests and collaborate on issues affecting higher education policies, legislation, and public perception.

Members of WHES include organizations focused on areas such as university administration, accreditation, research, student affairs, and faculty matters. By fostering collaboration and communication, WHES aims to strengthen higher education's voice in policy and advocacy efforts. 

“Joining the Washington Higher Education Secretariat is part of AIR’s efforts to be more visibly and actively engaged in advocacy for improved data access, infrastructure, and use within higher education,” said Christine M. Keller, Ph.D., AIR Executive Director & CEO. “Partnering with the other leaders in the WHES who represent a diverse range of constituencies, expertise, and perspectives will make such advocacy more robust, influential, and sustainable.”

As part of the WHES, AIR will contribute five plus decades of experience in providing education, resources, and services to support and sustain strong data-informed decision cultures within higher education institutions. In addition to the knowledge of the staff, its network of over 6,700 AIR members provides access to the perspective and expertise of IR/IE and other data professionals who collect, analyze, report, and interpret data at institutions.

The perspective and expertise of the AIR community will inform the work of the WHES and allow a more comprehensive response to opportunities, challenges, and trends within higher education.