Advocacy & Government Relations

Policy Priorities

Working with the Association of Community College Trustees, Imperial Valley College aligns advocacy efforts to support the policy priorities most pressing to community colleges across the nation. 

Imperial Valley College focuses advocacy efforts on: 

• Equitable and stable community college funding 
• Student affordability and financial aid access 
• Workforce and economic development 
• Transfer pathways and student mobility 
• Dual enrollment and K–12 partnerships 
• Student basic needs, housing, and support services 
• Campus safety, technology, and facilities 

Legislative Priorities & Issue Areas

Federal Priorities:

• Legislative Priorities
  
• Appropriations Priorities
  

Statewide Advocacy Alignment 

Working with the Community College League of California (CCLC), which represents all 73 California community college districts, Imperial Valley College aligns advocacy efforts to support the policy priorities must pressing to community colleges in California. 

Through CCLC, the college participates in: 

• Coordinated state and federal advocacy 
• Legislative and budget analysis 
• Trustee and leadership training 
• Shared district services that reduce costs 

This ensures local priorities are elevated through a unified statewide voice. 

View: 2026 Key Talking Points: Governor’s Budget Proposal  

Regional Advocacy Partnership 

Imperial Valley College is an active member of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association (SDICCCA), a regional consortium of community college districts serving San Diego and Imperial Counties. SDICCCA strengthens Imperial Valley College’s advocacy by amplifying regional perspectives and fostering coordinated engagement with state and federal policymakers.  

Through SDICCCA, member colleges collaborate to: 

• Advocate collectively on regional and statewide policy issues 
• Coordinate legislative meetings and briefings 
• Share common advocacy messaging and priorities 
• Elevate regional workforce, economic, and student success needs 

View: SDICCCA Brochure  

2026 Annual Legislative Conference 
January 25–26, 2026 | Sacramento 

Imperial Valley College leadership, trustees, and student trustees join regional partners through the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association (SDICCCA) for the 2026 Annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento. 

During Advocacy Day on January 26, participants met with representatives from Gavin Newsom’s Office, Assemblymembers serving on the Higher Education and Higher Education Finance Committees, leaders from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, the Department of Finance, and Senate Budget Committee staff. Discussions focused on state budget priorities, policy proposals, and issues impacting community college students and institutions.

(Imperial Community College District leadership along with IVC's student trustee, attend the 2026 Annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento.)

2026 National Legislative Summit 
February 8–11, 2026 | Washington, D.C. 

Imperial Valley College leadership and trustees join SDICCCA partners at the 2026 National Legislative Summit, the premier community college advocacy event in Washington, D.C., bringing together more than 1,000 community college leaders from across the country. 

The summit highlights the national importance of community colleges and provides opportunities to engage with members of Congress, administration officials, policy experts, and national leaders. Sessions focus on the federal policy landscape, recent elections, and legislative issues shaping the future of community colleges and student success. 

(Imperial Community College District leadership attend the 2026 National Legislative Summit forum held at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.)

Protected Information 

Do not release or discuss: 

• Immigration or citizenship status 
• National origin 
• Social Security numbers 
• Grades, transcripts, or schedules 
• Disciplinary or financial aid records 
• Health or counseling information 

Learn more: Student Records / FERPA Requests

If We Receive a Request for Student Information 

1. We do NOT release information 
2. We direct the request immediately to the President’s Office 
3. We document the request (date, time, agency requesting, nature) 
4. Contact Campus Safety immediately at 760-483-7411 and they'll escort the requester to the President's Office

If Immigration Enforcement Appears on Campus 

If you see immigration enforcement or law enforcement officers conducting activities on campus:

• Immediately contact the President’s Office at (760) 355‑6219.
• Do not engage with the officers.
• Do not attempt to intervene or accompany them.
• Contact Campus Safety immediately at 760-483-7411 and they'll escort them to the President's Office
• If you are unsure if immigration enforcement or law enforcement officers are conducting activitty on campus, contact Campus Safety at (760) 483‑7411. Campus Safety will respond and determine if officers should be escorted to the President’s Office, accordingly.

If the Superintendent/ President is unavailable, escalate request to: 

1. VP of Administrative Services 
2. Associate VP of Human Resources 
3. VP of Student Services 
4. VP of Academic Services

Policies and Procedures:

• AP 5017 - Responding to Inquiries of Immigration Status, Citizenship Status, and National Origin Information
• AP 5040 / BP 5040 - Student Records, Directory Information and Privacy
• AP 3415: Immigration Enforcement Activities

Stay informed and engaged 
Available resources include: 

• California Community College Fast Facts 2026 
• State Advocacy & Budget Analysis 
• Federal Advocacy 
• Baccalaureate Degree Programs 
• CCLC Advocacy  
• Know Your Rights: Immigrant Rights
• Discover Resources for IVC Dreamers

Student Advocacy 

Get involved through ASG 

IVC students interested in advocacy and shared governance are encouraged to participate through the Associated Student Government (ASG). 

Get involved: Learn About IVC's Associated Student Government  

(Imperial Community College District student trustee smiles beside fellow student representatives on Advocacy Day held during 2026 Annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento.)

Stay Informed. Get Registered. Make a Difference.

Being informed and engaged in the democratic process is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of your community. Whether you're voting on local measures or statewide initiatives, every vote matters.

All eligible students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to register to vote, stay informed about upcoming elections, and exercise their right to vote.

• You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a California resident to vote.
• Registering is quick and easy—online, by phone, or in person.
• Make sure your voter registration is current, especially if you’ve moved or changed your name.

Learn how to register, vote-by-mail, find your polling place, and check important deadlines by visiting the Imperial County Registrar of Voters website: Click here for Voting Information in Imperial County

For elected officials and legislative staff 

Legislative representatives may submit a request to: 

• Learn more about Imperial Valley College 
• Request advocacy or policy information 
• Request a campus visit or briefing 
• Share initiatives impacting student success 

Submit a request: Legislative & Advocacy Engagement Form  

Advocacy & Government Relations 

How we support engagement 

The college serves as the official liaison to elected officials and government partners by: 

• Monitoring legislation and policy 
• Coordinating advocacy and briefings 
• Supporting trustees and leadership 
• Elevating student and program impact 

Contact: 

• Celeste Alvarez, Public Information Officer 
• Celeste.alvarez@imperial.edu 
• 760-355-6551