Education played a key role in state and federal congressional races, and placed second among issues promoted in gubernatorial campaign ads. Twenty new governors took seats from incumbents, while Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives. Policy analysts said several gubernatorial candidates won on the promise of reforming higher ed systems to provide affordable […]
It turns out that a key factor in students finishing college is their experience during the very start of college, from the moment they send their deposit through freshman orientation. Institutions find that switching the focus of orientation to fostering campus connections boosts student engagement, and research links student connectedness to retention. So at many […]
Every election season, hopeful candidates pitch various plans to make college affordable for everyone. And in the past few years, dozens of states, localities and schools have proposed free college policies sometimes known as “promise programs.” However, these initiatives often set strict requirements that exclude many students who need the most assistance. Jennifer Mishory, a […]
Increasing public pressure and a growing union presence have driven higher ed institutions to improve the experience for part-time faculty and staff. Adjuncts, for example, are now more likely to get pay raises, have job stability and be welcome in faculty circles. On the health insurance front, however, the situation is not so rosy. Here […]
The Clery Act requires colleges and universities participating in Title IV programs to take many security-related action steps to ensure compliance. In addition to numerous statements of policy, the Annual Security Report must include statistics for certain crimes reported to have occurred on the institution’s “Clery geography” during the past three calendar years. The Department […]
Community college leaders who have launched campaigns to rebrand career and technical education say they face a generational challenge. Today, parents and even many high school guidance counselors cling to a perception that these vocational programs appeal only to less ambitious students or lead to low-paying careers. "For an entire generation, we had the idea […]
This is the second in a trilogy of commentaries on rising Early College Stars. Our focus this month highlights successful Early College best practice case studies that optimize Early College aspiration, preparedness, and achievement. School Superintendents tell us that Early College preparedness promotes high school academic success and self-confidence. Not surprisingly, the intellectual curiosity and […]
Darrin Hartness will lead Davidson County Community College in North Carolina after spending his entire career in the state’s K12 public school system. For the past seven years, Hartness has served as superintendent of Davie County Schools, where he spearheaded construction of a new high school. During his tenure there, the Center for American Progress […]
Computer use policies cover a range of regulatory demands while also protecting students, the college or university, and all generated data. In the face of security audits and digital vulnerabilities, today’s policies must be driven by risk management principles—yet remain flexible enough for updates when tech teams identify new threats. The language of these policies […]
Since 2000, the net price of college has increased while real family income has stagnated. As a result, most students and their families have fewer resources but face higher out-of-pocket costs to attend college, with some making difficult trade-offs between paying for college or meeting their basic needs. Recent estimates indicate that approximately half of […]
