When Cathy Stickney first arrived in Northbridge as the superintendent of Public Schools, she was that candidate whose eyes were wide open. After all, Stickney knew going in that the Northbridge Public Schools had a low college-bound aspiration and admission rate; and importantly, a low four-year graduation rate than the statewide average. Worse yet, 25 percent […]
Insurance carriers working in the higher education space are taking a keen interest in understanding and evaluating how colleges and universities manage brain injury risk in collegiate sports. Almost all markets now require more detailed underwriting information about the risk of traumatic brain injury and verification that insureds are following NCAA guidelines. Additionally, insurance carriers […]
Morgan Neville's documentary Won't you be my Neighbor? chronicles the first and most famous attempt to adapt video technology to educate. In an early scene shot in 1968, Fred Rogers, seated before a piano, explains the basis of his signature academic video-presentation style—the importance of establishing a dialogue to teach. Due to the limitations of […]
Although "intrusive advising" is rising on the list of higher ed buzzwords, this approach is likely more than a passing trend. As colleges strive for greater levels of student success, some are finding this strategy can bring higher retention rates and, in turn, help the bottom line. Intrusive advising isn't just a rebranding of traditional […]
Washington State University's step-by-step process for marijuana violations: 1. Attend cannabis workshop. Link to main story: College campuses cope with increased marijuana legalization 2. Complete marijuana eCheckup To Go online assessment. Once finished, results direct students to either: – Attend a second, more intensive cannabis workshop OR – Schedule a one-on-one educational meeting with counseling services
What is the biggest challenge administrators have fostering trusting relationships between students and faculty? What's the most innovative way you've seen a college tackle this challenge? "Engaging in communication is the foundation of any trusting relationship, yet this is often difficult for students and faculty to do. There are generational gaps and technology changes constantly. […]
A two-year institution in Ohio has flipped the concept of a college scholarship. Marion Technical College President Ryan McCall says it makes as much sense to help students graduate after they have proved themselves in higher ed. That idea drives the college's Buy-One, Get-One tuition model, which will fund all sophomore-year tuition costs (not covered […]
Beyond food pantries, higher education needs more substantial changes in the structure of food service to accommodate new student populations—many more low-income students, part-time "post-traditional" students attending in new patterns, and traditional students facing increasing financial challenges with rising costs of attendance.
Imagine a college classroom buzzing with activity: Students conduct research and build presentations using a customized, interactive tool on their laptops. Through the learning management system, the instructor can peek at their work and provide feedback—even to those taking the course online or at a satellite campus. Suddenly, in the middle of class, the research […]
Annual performance reviews are shunned for good reason. Your boss tells you everything you did right—but mostly wrong—over the past year, subjectively rates your performance, and then identifies areas you need to improve. Many higher education institutions question the wisdom of this antiquated approach and are exploring alternatives. Some are abandoning ratings while others are […]
