Why Join?

1. WHY SHOULD AN INSTITUTION CONSIDER JOINING HECSE?

• Membership in the premier organization representing leadership preparation in special education
• Sharing of current special education information
• Networking with IHE’s engaged in doctoral level preparation and research

2. WHAT ARE SOME SPECIFIC BENEFITS OF HECSE MEMBERSHIP

• Provide access to up-to-date information on legislation
• Provide current information on policy and policy development
• Assist with access to decision-makers
• Provide technical assistance regarding communications with special education decision-makers at all levels
• Provide opportunities for professional development
• Provide opportunities to analyze, clarify and provide input on legislative and regulatory language and issues
• Join with colleagues in expressing positions on legislation and policy
• Current information on funding opportunities
• Assist with faculty searches

3. HOW CAN AN INSTITUTION APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN HECSE?

• Contact Membership Director: (See Below)
• Formal written membership application is required and will be provided quickly by the membership chair
• Membership application is reviewed by the board (Click Here to Learn How to Apply)

4. WHAT IS THE CURRENT ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE?

• $ 1,400 per year, due July of each year

5. WHAT IS THE MEMBERSHIP FEE USED FOR?

• Operating expenses
• Meeting costs
• HECSE Consultant

6. WHEN AND WHERE ARE THE ANNUAL MEETINGS HELD?

• January
• Washington, DC
• Thursday-Saturday schedule will include individual visits with legislators as well as meetings on Capitol Hill and at the conference hotel
• Members are responsible for all travel costs

7. WHO TYPICALLY ATTENDS THE ANNUAL MEETING?

• Institutional representative or alternate
• Consultant(s)
• Invited guests/presenters

8. WHAT IS A TYPICAL MEETING AGENDA?

• Update on legislative issues
• Presentations and Q & A with Congressional staffers
• Presentations by OSEP personnel with Q & A
• HECSE Leadership Award presentation
• Business meeting
• Presentation of issues by Consultant and/or HECSE Board with Q & A plus discussion
• Sharing of personnel needs by the institution
• Planning for the future with assigned tasks/ responsibilities

9. ARE THERE OTHER MEETINGS DURING THE YEAR?

• TED Conference in November
• CEC Convention in March/April
• OSEP Project Directors Meeting in July

10. WHAT ABOUT SUMMER RETREATS?

• Occasional opportunities as needs arise
• Focus on topics of special interest
• White paper development