Inside Higher Ed
September 24, 2018 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends, Research
A new study that garnered responses from almost 500 admissions leaders found that many institutions are having trouble meeting their enrollment goals on time. Decisions around whether to include the ACT/SAT in the admissions process may influence other schools and their decisions to use the test as a measure of ability. Several admissions leaders also indicated they are concerned about their ability to enroll international students at the same levels as in the past.
U.S. News and World Report
September 10, 2018 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends, Research, Value and Affordability
U.S. News provides nearly 50 different types of numerical rankings and lists to help prospective students narrow their college search. The four overall rankings – National Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Regional Universities, and Regional Colleges are based on factors that indicate academic quality, such as graduation rates and faculty resources.
NPR
September 04, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends, Research
The demographics and experiences of today’s college students continue to change from the image of a traditional, on-campus, full-time student to a non-traditional student with several external responsibilities. A non-traditional student is defined as having one or more of the following characteristics: financial independence, having dependent(s), being a single caregiver, lacking a traditional HS diploma, delaying postsecondary enrollment, attending part time, and being employed full time. This shift in demographics will require institutions to be more strategic in supporting students onto graduation.
The Pew Charitable Trust
August 27, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends
Several institutions are feeling the impact of declining enrollment by international students. During the 2016-2017 school year, the national enrollment of international student increased to over 900,000 students, but over the last year, preliminary figures suggest institutions have seen a decrease of close to 7 percent. Three major factors contribute to the decline in enrollment by international students; a) countries offering fewer scholarships for their students to study abroad, b) other countries making it easier for international students to attend their colleges and universities in addition to providing them an easier path to work after graduation and c) immigration policies by the current administration are deterring students from enrolling in U.S. colleges and universities.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
August 23, 2018 Student Success
Rutgers University–New Brunswick has taken steps to make its campus a more inclusive one for students from marginalized backgrounds. As one of the most ethnically and racially diverse universities in the U.S., Rutgers University–New Brunswick strives to provide services that cater to the needs of students. Some of their most impactful programs are the Rutgers Future Scholars (RFS) program and the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), programs that advance access and excellence for the university. Additionally, the Scarlet and Black project is one that has pushed Rutgers to uncover its oppressive history while simultaneously acknowledging the work needed to continue to value diversity and inclusion at the university.
Education Dive
August 13, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends
Providing personalized interaction, information and accountability, and recognizing the value in flexibility are three key aspects to serving incoming college students for the 2018-2019 school year. Gen Z students are technology savvy, entrepreneurial and socially aware—by definition—which is different than the previous generation of millennials. Institutions must continue to be aware of the characteristics of incoming students to best serve their needs and provide support that is reflective of their experience.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
August 03, 2018 Research, Student Success
A recent study reports that graduates lack soft skills such as emotional intelligence, complex reasoning and negotiation, and persuasion upon college graduation. As these skills are emphasized for successful applicants and employees in the work force, some universities are releasing extracurricular transcripts that demonstrate these skills to supplement a student’s academic performance.
Inside Higher Ed
August 01, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
Conversations regarding increasing 4-year student completion rates has sparked debate on the effectiveness of incentivizing students to take more credits each semester. California currently provides one of the largest incentive programs in the country, offering a variety of grants to students who take 12-15 credits per semester. There is general consensus to focus efforts to move students through to graduation, and research of financial incentive programs has more often shown positive impacts; however, the debate is around how to best implement.
Hart Research Associates, conducted on behalf of AAC&U
July 31, 2018 Research, Student Success
A recent report conducted by Hart Research Associated on behalf of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) found executives and hiring managers have more confidence in higher education than the American public. Company executives and hiring managers expressed that they are satisfied with skills that recent college graduates are obtaining but that there are barriers that hinder college graduates from advancement in the company. Hiring managers place an emphasis on demonstrated proficiency in multiple skill areas across majors, including oral communication, critical thinking, ethical judgment, working effectively in teams, and real-world application of skills and knowledge.
Education Dive
July 31, 2018 Admissions, Enrollment Management Trends
In an effort to provide greater transparency regarding higher education outcomes, Google is working to provide students with more information about colleges via their search engine. Using data from the College Scorecard and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Google will provide more information on colleges and universities that reflect the information students are searching for when making their college decision.