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Amanda Barron, the first ASPSU Federal Affairs Director hired in three years, aims to increase student action with federal education issues. "Students have very little exposure to education legislation at the federal level", said the sophomore, "It is that very legislation that has a very important impact on their college experience". Amanda refers to legislation regarding the Higher Education Act (HEA), and its policies on federal financial aid, voter registration, and campus safety.

One of Amanda's top priorities is the federal mandate to 'institutionalize' voter registration. "PSU is required to make a good-faith effort to register all students," said Amanda, "I don't see that happening today. Until recently, there was only one box tucked away in the Neuburger lobby for students to turn in registration forms.” To make voter registration an integrated process around campus, Amanda has met with several departments to create enthusiasm among professors to provide voter registration cards to their students at the start of every term. “Part of the mission of the university is help students become responsible citizens, this project provides a great way to do this,” says Amanda.

Amanda is also focused on the future of federal financial aid. "The Pell Grant is the most common form of financial aid for low-income students", she said, "Most students don't know that the HEA is facing an amendment that would make the Pell Grant an entitlement, enabling universal access to its funds.”

The Higher Education Act of 1965 was proposed by the Johnson administration “to strengthen the educational resources of our colleges and universities and to provide financial assistance for students in postsecondary and higher education” (Pub. L. No. 89-329). The legislation provides for federal aid programs, such as the Pell Grant and Stafford/Perkins Loans, required 'good faith' efforts to register students to vote, and set requirements for campus safety reports. 

The amendments to the HEA must pass before the 108th Congress adjourns in October. The Act is very important to all college students and it is Amanda’s goal to make sure that students understand the impact that such legislation has on their everyday lives.