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.
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.
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.
Forbes
July 25, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends, Student Success
Community colleges are often seen as a gateway to achieve a bachelor’s degree for many first-generation, low-income students. However, new research from the American Talent Initiative highlights that more than 50,000 high-achieving, low-and moderate-income community college students do not transfer to four-year institutions each year. The Kaplan Educational Foundation provides insight from institutions dedicated to community college student success: transfer-friendly strategies, policies, and programs.
Chronicle of Higher Education
June 14, 2018 Research, Student Success
Two new reports by the Education Trust finds that states have a lot of work to do with regard to degree attainment for Black and Latino students. New Jersey was one six states with extreme gaps in degree attainment for Black students compared to their White peers. The Education Trust provides recommendations for states to close the attainment gap, including strategies that would assist adults who are well beyond high-school age. (Subscription required)
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.
Inside Higher Ed
June 26, 2018 Research, Student Success
A new study by Campus Labs finds that first-generation college students are more engaged and committed to their education than their peers. The study challenges perceptions of first-generation college students including that they are unprepared or unsupported in their pursuit for a college education. First-generation college students scored higher than their peers in educational commitment, self-efficacy, and academic and campus engagement. They scored lower with respect to resiliency and social comfort, which are areas that institutions can potentially focus on to better support first-generation college students.
Fast Company
July 25, 2018 Student Success, Value and Affordability
New data from the University of California system shows that quality public education may still be one of the country’s most important economic equalizers. The study, which examined the UC system’s 2 million alumni and their trajectories after college, found that within 5 years of graduating, the majority of low-income students were out-earning their parents.
NPR
July 10, 2018 Student Success
When international students graduate from U.S colleges and wish to stay in the country to work, they have a few different visa options to explore. However, often the process begins – or ends – with a lottery system, and to enter the lottery, students have to first find a company that is willing to sponsor their visa.
Inside Higher Ed
June 20, 2018 Enrollment Management Trends, Research, Student Success
According to federal data on online enrollment, prices and completions, as well as state-by-state data from the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, it appears online education has successfully increased access to higher education for adult students, but those students graduate at sharply lower rates than their peers who study in-person or with blended learning modalities.