Inside Higher Ed
August 20, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success, Value and Affordability
Withholding college credits from students because of outstanding balances has long-lasting negative effects on students, especially low-income students and students of color. Authors of a study argue that withheld transcripts are a racial and socioeconomic equity problem that delays or prevents students from graduating. It also hinders career opportunities that would help them earn enough money to pay their institutional debts. Universities are exploring alternatives to tackle this problem.
Inside Higher Ed
August 17, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
While many students are optimistic about a new beginning, they are struggling with mental health and academic challenges created by the pandemic. Fifty-three percent of first-year students reported a substantial increase in mental and emotional exhaustion. Students also reported increased depression, loneliness, and hopelessness. Institutions have expanded their mental health services as students have had difficulty accessing these services throughout the pandemic.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 06, 2021 Pre-College Outreach, Admissions
Over two-thirds of four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. won’t require prospective students to submit an SAT or ACT score for the fall 2022 admission process. K-12 schools are looking at alternative ways to support high-schoolers’ applications, such as helping with writing skills or building online portfolios. Some high schools are also considering opening up schedules so students can enroll in college-level classes early in an effort to gain experience and save money.
Higher Ed. Dive
August 04, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
The COVID health crisis forced colleges to abruptly close campuses to in-person services last year and return key auxiliary dollars such as rent from student housing. Institutions also had to build digital infrastructure for online coursework, often with a high price tag. Compared to last year, federal relief funding has cushioned some budgetary concerns this year; however, many institutions are planning to increase tuition to make up for financial stresses brought about by the pandemic.
Inside Higher Ed
August 03, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
A new statement decries state-level restrictions barring colleges from requiring vaccination against COVID-19 or other public health measures such as mask wearing or surveillance testing, as many of the restrictions directly contradict current guidance from the CDC. More than 600 colleges nationwide have mandated COVID-19 vaccination for students and employees, but many are facing legislation that will not allow a vaccine requirement or other public health measures on campus.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
August 02, 2021 Enrollment Management Trends, Value and Affordability
Last year, the U.S. government reported an 18% drop in overall student-visa holders and a 72% decrease in new enrollments in 2020. Students and families worry about cost of tuition, safety, and immigration policies, and are questioning the value of an American degree. If America ultimately cedes its place as the world leader in international education, that will affect diplomacy, the economy, and the health of colleges and universities nationwide.
Inside Higher Ed
July 27, 2021 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends, Research
One in seven community college students in a four-year program earns a degree in six years. The typical student who tries to transfer between institutions loses 43% of their credits. Lack of coordination and communication between institutions and a superiority complex among 4-year institutions are contributing to these issues that directly impact student achievement. The Tackling Transfer Policy Advisory Board is working to ensure equitable post-secondary outcomes for Americans irrespective of their background.
Inside Higher Ed
July 26, 2021 Pre-College Outreach, Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
Campus tours are back, but most of them differ from how they were before. They are smaller and more personalized. Tours frequently require preregistration and sometimes a health assessment. Virtual events still largely remain in place, and Admissions leaders worry about the Delta variant of coronavirus affecting future campus tours.
The Chronicle of Higher Education
July 23, 2021 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
Student-visa issuance is returning to pre-pandemic levels. American consulates approved almost 117,000 F-1 student visas in May and June. More than 143,000 F-1 visas were authorized between January and June of this year. Globally, about 20% of U.S. consulates are offering interviews within 2 weeks and 30% within the month. With consular services restarting and the national-interest exemption in place, F-1 issuance has begun to pick up speed around the globe.
Higher Ed. Dive
July 23, 2021 Student Success
Policy and higher education experts say that schools should support unauthorized immigrant students by providing legal and mental health services on campus. Though DACA was ruled unlawful, students already covered will not face immediate ramifications. Prospective students who do not yet have protected status but were counting on it will no longer have access to in-state tuition prices or be eligible for some scholarship programs.