Leaders of the Arkansas Career Pathways Initiative strive to provide students with more than just college access and employment. Graduation and a well-paying career—in fields such as health care, education and industrial maintenance—top the list of goals for the low-income parents who participate. "We don't just want to put people in minimum-wage jobs or in […]
Colleges and universities are witnessing a growing number of transgender students—and faculty—struggling to find their way. The term describes any gender identity that does not fit the male and female binary. While some institutions promote trans-inclusive policies and practices, others have not kept pace. For example, students who transition while in college may face a […]
What do you see as the biggest revenue-related challenge facing campus stores today? "Declining textbook sales have affected most campus stores, but online competition isn't the only reason. Other factors are decreasing enrollments, open resources, rentals and use of social media by students to swap or sell materials. Stores have responded with expanded services, more […]
A recent study of 515 award letters from different institutions finds missing information and wording problems. Source: "Decoding the Cost of College: The Case for Transparent Financial Aid Award Letters"; New America and uAspire, June 2018; UBmag.me/decoding
There are times when we could all use a fresh start. Scott Cowen was given that opportunity in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, as the then-president of Tulane University in New Orleans. The tragedy led to an institutional soul-searching that would result in a "rebirth" of the university with a new focus on […]
In its report "Navigating The New Normal: Financial Imperatives For MSI Effectiveness and Avoiding Financial Exigency," the Southern Education Foundation suggests that trustees could better understand their institutions' financial health with answers to these questions. 1. What is the discount rate for entering freshmen versus for continuing students? 2. What is the blended discount rate? Link […]
Sometimes a simple math solution is all it takes to reverse a complex enrollment dilemma. Like most community colleges, Rowan College at Burlington County in New Jersey was experiencing a series of challenges—most notably declining enrollment and resources—that threatened our ability to fulfill our mission and transform lives. With the benefit of an innovative partnership […]
When Susan Stuebner became president of Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire in 2016, she faced a $4 million operating loss and a projected $2.6 million deficit for the following year. Stuebner made significant changes: She cut five majors, laid off employees and, in one of her first moves, initiated financial training for the board of […]
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 […]
Latino students complete degrees at lower rates than other ethnic groups—and are more likely to still be enrolled after six years. These factors are prompting higher ed institutions to develop supports to help accelerate Latino student success. Six years after initial enrollment, only 46 percent of Latino students have completed a two- or four-year degree, […]
