University System News:
Douglas Now
USG Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley visits Douglas Rotary
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Dr. Steve Wrigley was the guest speaker at the Douglas Rotary Club on Thursday, May 2, 2019, sharing news and updates from the System Office. South Georgia State College (SGSC) is one of the 26 public institutions of the USG under his leadership. SGSC President Dr. Ingrid Thompson-Sellers, along with several faculty and staff representatives, members from the Rotary, Lions and Exchange Clubs, Chambers of Commerce and other community members were in attendance at the luncheon. Dr. Wrigley shared with the attendees that the System is in the knowledge business. They are focused on creating and transferring knowledge because knowledge is the key to innovation and innovation drives the economy. He stated, “There is a direct relationship between educational achievement and economic development.” This focus has led to the University System of Georgia’s main goals: to graduate more students, to make colleges and universities more affordable and to make them more efficient.
Valdosta Daily Times
VSU to offer new engineering degree
Valdosta State University will soon offer a bachelor of science in engineering technology, becoming one of only a handful of universities in Georgia to offer the degree. The establishment of the new degree program was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents at its May 14 meeting, university officials said. The program, which is slated to begin fall 2020, will be housed within the College of Science and Mathematics. The bachelor of science in engineering technology degree program is designed to provide students with a four-year degree built upon a strong foundation in physics, engineering technology, mathematics, computer sciences, humanities and social sciences, university officials said.
WRBL
Columbus State approved for degree in Robotics Engineering by Board of Regents
By: Samuel Sachs
Columbus State University was approved to offer new Bachelor’s of Science and Master of Science degrees in Robotics engineering by the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents. The program could begin as early as the fall semester in 2019, according to CSU. “This is a game changer for our university, our community, and our current and future students,” said CSU President Chris Markwood. “The job outlook in robotics engineering is extremely bright, with an increasingly high demand for talent right here in the Columbus. This is yet another opportunity for us to work with local employers to train tomorrow’s workforce with the exact skills needed within our region.” The program will be CSU’s first engineering degree. In the past, the university has offered an Associate’s degree of Science in engineering. Since 2011, CSU has also offered a 21 credit hour robotics certification.
Middle Georgia CEO
Master’s in Technical and Professional Writing Coming to Middle Georgia State University
A Master of Arts Degree in Technical and Professional Writing is coming to Middle Georgia State University (MGA). The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the degree at its May 14 meeting. MGA will launch the degree, which is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, in academic year 2019-2020.
Savannah CEO
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
The Georgia state budget for the 2020 fiscal year, signed this week by Gov. Brian P. Kemp, includes funding for three major Georgia Southern projects supporting student success and workforce development. “Each of these projects are critical to Georgia Southern University’s progress,” said President Kyle Marrero. “We are delighted the governor and especially our local legislative delegation support and recognize the important role these initiatives play in helping our students succeed, and in helping our region thrive.”
Fox 28media
GSU granted $14 million in state funding for multiple campuses
by Marah Brock
A portion of the Georgia state budget for the 2020 fiscal year will go to renovations for Georgia Southern University. The Armstrong campus will receive $5 million for the renovation of the Pirate Athletic Center. The campus will renovate the 32,465-square-foot center, which will provide students with all academic support functions in one location.
13WMAZ
New dorms coming to Middle Georgia State’s Macon campus
Lakeview Pointe will house over 300 freshmen and sophomores in the fall of 2020
Author: Pepper Baker
Construction crews began working on the 73,000 square foot residential hall that project leaders say should be finished by summer of 2020. Senior Jason Vadell wishes Middle Georgia State had dorms back when he was a freshman. …Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Brannon says students have the option of living at University Pointe, which is apartment-style housing that the University System of Georgia bought nine years ago. …The $18.5 million project will be the first residence hall built on campus. Brannon says it’s been in the plans since 2011 and believes it will attract more students.
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Average salary is up to $100K for graduates of new program coming to Columbus State
BY MARK RICE
As early as the fall 2019 semester, Columbus State University will start offering a new program to prepare students for a lucrative career field with a promising job outlook. The University System of Georgia Board of Regents has approved CSU’s plan to establish bachelor’s and master’s degrees in robotics engineering. CSU will be the state’s first institution to offer these degrees, USG vice chancellor for communications Jen Ryan told the Ledger-Enquirer. Georgia Tech’s robotics engineering program is for doctorates, she said.
Daily Report
Athens Law Firm Funds Scholarship Honoring UGA Law Professor
Kellie Casey joined the law school as director of advocacy in the fall of 2000. She teaches appellate advocacy and serves as director of the law school’s moot court and mock trial programs.
By Katheryn Tucker
An Athens law firm has funded a University of Georgia School of Law scholarship in the name of the advocacy professor who a firm partner said was the voice inside his head when he became a trial lawyer. Epps, Holloway, DeLoach & Hoipkemier has created the Kellie R. Casey Scholarship Fund, the law school announced Monday. The law school advancement office is accepting additional contributions to the fund. Starting this fall, a scholarship will be awarded to a law student with a demonstrated interest or achievement in advocacy.
Savannah EO
Georgia Southern and Haven Elementary Partner for Educator Program
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
Georgia Southern University is working with Haven Elementary School in Savannah on their Community Partnership Grant from the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement totaling $74,976. This project will offer teachers a Gratifying Problem-Solving (GPS) program, which will provide educators unique monthly professional development based on the school’s current need for improved mathematics instruction. The College of Education’s Jackie Kim, Ed.D., associate professor of elementary and special education, serves as a director for the project, and the College of Science and Mathematics’ Joshua Lambert, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics, provides assistance on workshop development and mathematics instruction. The GPS program uses a bottom-up approach, allowing the participants at Haven Elementary to help shape its development, workshop activities and directive.
Albany Herald
Dougherty Kiwanis awards $7,000 in scholarships
By David Shivers Special to The Herald
The Kiwanis Club of Dougherty County Foundation recently awarded six scholarships totaling $7,000 to deserving students from public and private high schools in Dougherty and Lee counties. All six recipients were present to accept their awards during the club’s May 13 luncheon meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn. According to Foundation Chairman Mike Bertram, the six were selected from a total of 17 applications received, and the final decisions were difficult to make because the entire pool of applicants were outstanding students. …Pendergrass said she will attend Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Fla., to major in biology and become a biochemist. Nguyen said she will go to Georgia Tech for a major in computational media with considerations to history and communication. Riddle has been accepted to Georgia Southern University to seek a degree in mechanical engineering. Dziedzic said he plans to attend the University of Georgia to specialize in musical performance for a career in music management, conducting, music education or music therapy.
Douglas Now
SOBU CONTINUES TO SUPPORT SGSC STUDENTS
On Saturday, April 27, members of the Student Organization for Black Unity, known as SOBU, returned to South Georgia State College’s campus for an alumni reunion. This group of attendees were students at the former South Georgia College between the years of 1971-1980. During the day on Saturday, the alumni enjoyed a tour of SGSC’s campus. Many of them had not seen the campus in decades, and were impressed by the residence halls, dining hall, and renovated Engram Hall, which served as their student union while they went to SGC. Saturday evening, the group gathered in the Alumni House for a dinner and guest speaker, Dr. Oscar Street. Dr. Street is the first African-American graduate of South Georgia State College, and is close friends with several members of the club. Dr. Street, now retired from the education field, led an extremely successful career in the Douglas area and is a very well-respected member of the local community. For the past ten years, SOBU members have funded a scholarship to sponsor a student at South Georgia State College.
Douglas Now
Second Annual Student Film Fest held on the Waycross Campus of South Georgia State College
By Mrs. Elaine Stephens
Sixteen original films highlighted the Second Annual Film Fest held on the Waycross campus of South Georgia State College (SGSC) Thursday, May 2, before an audience that filled the auditorium and watched as the formally dressed filmmakers entered on a red carpet, according to Mrs. Elaine Stephens, assistant professor of English and teacher for the two classes involved: World Literature 1 and 2. “For the assignment, students selected works of literature covered in their respective courses and then presented an analysis in film form,” said Mrs. Stephens. “None of this could have happened without the help of Ms. Sarah Braswell, STEM Center coordinator, who collected the films, gave advice, issued invitations and shared other forms of expertise. Also our theatre professor, Kathryn LeRoy, rolled up her sleeves and assisted with refreshments. Without the help of these colleagues, the fest would not have been such a success,” she added. …All participants received Oscar awards for their hard work and innovations. “I am grateful to these wonderful students and their application and synthesis of learning, plus their dedication and creativity. This activity is always a highlight of the term, and we keep thinking of ways to change it each semester so that the projects have a different twist,” concluded Mrs. Stephens.
Albany Herald
UGA professor turns love of statistics, genetics into career
By Merritt Melancon
As an undergraduate student in Brazil, Daniela Lourenco knew that she loved statistics and genetics, but she wasn’t sure where that passion would take her. Then an introductory course in animal breeding genetics — the same class she now teaches to undergraduates at the University of Georgia — set her on a path that has allowed her to collaborate with scientists around the world. “My husband (who is also an animal scientist) told me there was this very cool class called ‘Animal Breeding Genetics.’ He said, ‘It works a lot with both genetics and statistics. I think you’ll like it,’” Lourenco said. She took a plant genetics course, too, but found livestock genetics much more exciting. “I like statistics and math and genetics, and this field combines everything,” she said. Lourenco, who first came to UGA to finish her doctoral research, serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science. Her research focused on using big data analytics to improve livestock breeding, which is still her focus today.
AllOnGeorgia
How Much Will College Presidents in Georgia Make Next Year?
By Jessica Szilagyi
Serving as a president of a state college or university is big money in Georgia – and a handful of those who lead higher education institutions will once again see a raise over the previous fiscal year. So, how much will college presidents across Georgia make next year? The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported Friday that the latest university salaries have been released by the University System of Georgia. The top 10 highest paid are as follows: …These salaries take effect on July 1, 2019. The Board of Regents voted last month to increase tuition for students once again. Tuition is expected to rise for full-time undergraduate students this fall by a rate of 2.5%. The increase equates to a $35 to $125 per semester for a full-time student paying in-state tuition. Online tuition rates are expected to drop, though.
Savannah CEO
Georgia Southern Parker College of Business Logistics Department Moves up in World Ranking
Staff Report From Savannah CEO
The Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) in the Parker College of Business has moved up in its world ranking to No. 14 by SCM Journal List. The Department was ranked No. 15 in 2018. The SCM Journal List annual ranking of universities’ supply chain management research output is based on leading supply chain management journals. The research is primarily empirically focused and has been published in the last five years.
Inside Higher Ed
Plotting the Future of Your Online Program
Ray Schroeder offers tips on creating an online vision framework for your unit and university.
By Ray Schroeder
We are in the midst of a major shake-up in higher education. Dozens of colleges have closed in the past couple of years (hundreds if you include failed for-profit chains). The closure parade is growing so fast that Education Dive is maintaining a running list of closures. Meantime, mega-universities have emerged with large online initiatives that have impacted the entire field. Sub-$20,000 and even sub-$10,000 online master’s degrees at scale exist, led by the 10,000-student “largest in the world” online master’s of science in computer science degree at Georgia Tech. UMUC, SNHU, ASU, WGU and others are leading the scaling of online programs. That is not to mention the expansive master’s programs launched by edX and Coursera, with the UPenn baccalaureate to be launched this fall. These programs continue to expand, collectively adding 100,000 or more students each year.
Tifton CEO
Kelley Manufacturing Donates Equipment to ABAC
Staff Report From Tifton CEO
Thanks to the generosity of Kelley Manufacturing Company (KMC), students at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will utilize a new piece of equipment on the J.G. Woodroof Farm at ABAC. Dr. Mark Kistler, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at ABAC, said KMC has donated a new KMC 4R Rip Strip to ABAC. “It’s the latest that KMC has,” Kistler said. “When they develop something new, they’ll bring it out here and replace what we have. We are very appreciative of what Kelley Manufacturing Company does for ABAC.” KMC CEO Lanier Carson, a longtime supporter of the college, said the company is always willing to help ABAC.
Middle Georgia CEO
Fort Valley State University and Georgia Power Announce Solar Initiative
Staff Report From Middle Georgia CEO
Fort Valley State University (FVSU) announced that Georgia Power will develop and construct an 11 megawatts (MWac), fixed-tilt solar generation facility located on the FVSU campus. It will serve as a living laboratory for FVSU professors and students who will help to build Georgia’s energy future. The solar farm will cover approximately 107 acres of land owned by the university, controlled by the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and leased by Georgia Power. A demonstration facility will be modeled after the larger scale solar generation facility, comprised of photovoltaic solar panels that convert light into energy. The project will benefit the public by enhancing education, training, research, economic development and stewardship of community sustainability. FVSU will also leverage its expertise in energy education programs to partner with Georgia Power to provide students with a hands-on experience during project development and operation.
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education
New Report Offers Strategies for Preserving the Future of HBCUs
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in conjunction with the Millennium Leadership Institute and the American Association for State Colleges and Universities, recently released a new report entitled Preserving the Legacy and Securing the Future for HBCUs: Solutions from Thought Leaders. The report describes the challenges facing HBCUs today and offers possible solutions to these challenges. First and foremost, sustaining and growing student enrollment is the key to a brighter future for HBCUs, according to educational leaders who participated in discussions that led to the report. To do so, the authors of the report encourage HBCUs to seek out nontraditional students, including those currently in the workforce who seek to enhance their educational credentials. The report also notes that HBCUs are predominantly Black, not exclusively Black. They recommend efforts to further diversity the student body by reaching out to non-Black ethnic groups.
Albany Herald
ABAC summer institute focuses on musical skills
From Staff Reports
A new Summer Music Institute at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College will assist students in grades 8 through 12 in improving their musical skills. The Summer Music Institute offers instruction on July 8-12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the campus of ABAC at a cost of $150 per student. Lunch will be provided each day, and all students in attendance will receive individual lessons.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
How to win at negotiating college financial aid
By Eric Stirgus
Everything is negotiable, the saying goes. That can be said of getting the best financial aid package for college, but many students and parents are afraid to ask or don’t know where to start, some experts say.May is an important time for such discussions because this is the month for students to determine where they will attend school. It’s also an anxious time for many parents when they review the cost for their child to go to school. …Many colleges and universities are offering more aid in response to concerns from parents and students about rising tuition. The state’s Board of Regents voted in April to raise tuition by 2.5% for the 2019-20 school year .Emory University, Georgia Tech and Spelman College are members in the American Talent Initiative, an effort to expand college access by schools with six-year graduation rates exceeding 70% for students from low- and moderate-income families. The University of Georgia, which has a graduation rate of about 83%, began a fundraising campaign in 2017 for needs-based scholarship aid.
13wmaz
How the national student debt crisis is affecting Georgia students
Georgia Military College graduate Jada Bembry never thought pursuing her nursing dreams would come with a hefty price tag
Author: Pepper Baker
22-year-old Jada Bembry is pursuing her nursing dreams at all costs. “I’m taking plenty of loans — it’s kind of impossible not to,” she said. She didn’t think her dream career of becoming a nurse practitioner would come with a hefty price tag. “Currently, I’m in debt about $50,000 for a nursing degree. I’ve kind of calculated it. If I pay on track of what they want me to pay, monthly payments, I would pay back about $85,000,” she said. …Middle Georgia State University’s Gloria Wonnum has worked in Financial Aid for over 20 years, and sees young people start their adult life in debt all too often. “Up until the time you get your student loan bill and saying that it’s time for repayment, you’re just busy getting your education. You’re not thinking about that,” Wonnum said. Wonnum advises students to pay attention to the interest rates and to be cautious about how much money to take out. “There needs to be more education, more counseling more things in the initiatives or proposals that will assist students to better manage it,” she said.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia moves up 15 spots in new ranking of best states
By Nancy Clanton
There is good news and bad news for Georgia in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 ranking of best states. The good news: The state moved up 15 spots from 2018, improved in every category and finished in the top 10 in two categories. The bad news: Georgia still ranks low in two very important areas — health care and education. Health care and education were weighted most heavily of the eight categories U.S. News used. The other six categories were: economy, infrastructure, opportunity, fiscal stability, crime and corrections and natural environment. The state was No. 25 in the higher education subcategory. “Bolstered by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, like many metropolitan areas, has a growing startup scene. Atlanta also is home to Morehouse College, Spelman College and Emory University,” U.S. News wrote. In the pre-K through 12 subcategory, however, Georgia finished in 31st place.
The Express Tribune
Opposites not only attract but make good decisions together: Study
Two people with divergent attitudes can make satisfactory decisions together, in spite of their differences, a recent study suggests. People routinely make joint decisions with others – which restaurant to eat in, what movie to watch or where to go on vacation. Researchers from Boston College, Georgia Tech, and Washington State University wanted to see if those with opposite attitudes could come to satisfactory decisions together. The studies found that when paired with a selfish partner, it is better to behave altruistically, reported Hindustan Times. Similarly, when paired with an altruistic partner, it is better to behave selfishly to achieve the desired outcome, according to the findings reported recently in the Journal of Consumer Psychology.
WALB
Fillies are headed to first NJCAA national tournament since 2002
After clinching the 2019 GCAA Region XVII title, the ABAC punched their ticket to Utah
By John Barron
For the first time since 2002, the ABAC Softball team is headed to the NJCAA national championship tournament. After winning the G-C-A-A region 17 title, the Fillies are headed to St. George Utah. In just a year, the Fillies were able to change their 11-17 record to a 24-4 conference record. Now, ABAC is getting ready to embark on the journey, of a lifetime.
Gwinnett Daily Post
Dynastic GGC men’s tennis wins sixth straight national championship
From Staff Reports
The names may change, but winning remains a constant for the Georgia Gwinnett College men’s tennis team. The Grizzlies put an exclamation point on their sixth straight NAIA national championship with a dominant 5-0 victory against No. 7-seeded Xavier University (La.) in Saturday’s title match at the Mobile Tennis Center. GGC didn’t lose a point in four matches at this year’s nationals, winning by identical 5-0 scores. The team has now won all 24 of its matches throughout the years at the national tournament. The championship victory also capped the Grizzlies’ fourth straight undefeated season (27-0) and extended the program’s winning streak to 109 straight matches.
Gwinnett Daily Post
GGC women win NAIA title for fifth time in six seasons
From Staff Reports
Senior leadership paved the way for the Georgia Gwinnett College women’s tennis team to affirm its stature atop the NAIA with another national championship performance. For the second straight year, the Grizzlies defeated Keiser University (Fla.) 5-2 in Saturday’s title match at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala. GGC, the tournament’s top-seeded team, completed the season with a 20-1 record. This was the fourth straight NAIA national championship and fifth in the program’s six-year history of postseason eligibility, bringing home title banners in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The Brunswick News
CCGA’s Wheeler finishes top-50 at nationals
Coastal Georgia’s Kylee Wheeler finished tied for 49th in the NAIA Women’s Golf National Championships with a 77 score on the West Course at Lincoln Park Golf Club on Friday. The week started with Coastal Georgia participating as a team, but the Mariners missed the cut to the low 17 teams by six strokes. They finished 24th after the first two rounds. Wheeler, though, was inside the top 40 individually, thus she was eligible to continue on playing as an individual.
WSAV
Fore! Georgia Southern Golf Advances to NCAA Finals
By: Greg Talbott
For the first time since 2010, the Georgia Southern Men’s Golf Team is headed to the NCAA Finals. The Eagles were led once again by Steven Fisk in the final round in the Stanford Regional where the senior shot a 68.
Douglas Now
HAWKS FINISH SECOND IN GCAA TOURNAMENT
When the dust had settled and all was said and done on the Albany State University-West Campus on Friday, May 10, 2019, the South Georgia State College (SGSC) Hawks baseball team walked away with the title of National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region XVII Division I region runner-up. SGSC is a member school of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) and the NJCAA, both with the mission to promote and foster the education and development of college students, especially junior college students, through intercollegiate athletic competition. As shown by the social media posts of many of the Hawks with the hashtag #JUCOPRODUCT, being a part of a NJCAA member school has played an important role in their athletic journey.
Higher Education News:
Tallahassee Democrat
U.S. News and World Reports ranks Florida’s higher education system No. 1 in the country
Byron Dobson, Tallahassee Democrat
Students attending public universities in Florida are enrolled in the No. 1 university system in the country, U.S. News & World Report announced Tuesday. This marks the third year in a row Florida has earned the distinction. “It is no surprise that U.S. News & World Report has again named Florida the top state in the nation for higher education,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said. “Our state colleges and universities have prioritized affordability and pathways for career and life and, as a result, they are transforming our state. I look forward to celebrating continued success as we build on this positive momentum.” DeSantis said he touted the state’s ranking when meeting with businesses in New York City Monday along with Enterprise Florida’s chief, Jamal Sowell. He said Florida has a pro-business environment with low taxes and a business-friendly regulatory environment that will only get better with recent insurance reforms and his appointment of conservative Supreme Court justices.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
NEW: Georgia governor seeks way to ‘dismantle’ Common Core
From AJC Politics: Common Core Debate 5 hours ago
By Greg Bluestein
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is crafting a plan to “dismantle” the Common Core education standards that have long infuriated conservatives and put school administrators on the defensive. The governor said Monday he’s meeting with schools Superintendent Richard Woods to discuss ways to do away with Common Core – the voluntary set of reading, writing and math standards – and “letting our teachers teach.” It’s not clear what action Kemp will take, and he was vague on specifics. But his aides said he likely does not have the authority to act unilaterally, as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did when he signed an executive order to end his state’s use of the standards.
Inside Higher Ed
College Board says tool will provide more context for admissions officers. Many are skeptical of the plan. Critics and defenders of affirmative action see different problems with the index.
By Scott Jaschik
The College Board has for several years been testing an “adversity index” designed to place students’ SAT scores in the context of their socioeconomic advantages or disadvantages. The system has been used by about 50 colleges and universities. On Thursday, the College Board said it would be expanded to about 150 colleges later this year and be made available to all colleges in 2020. The SAT has been criticized for years because wealthy students earn higher scores, on average, than do those who are middle class, who in turn earn higher scores, on average, than do those who are from low-income families. In the United States, a disproportionate share of low-income families — generally without access to the best public schools — are black or Latinx. These patterns have been cited by the growing number of colleges that have dropped requirements that all applicants submit SAT or ACT scores. And many admissions experts expect that number to grow if the current lawsuit against Harvard University’s affirmative action policies leads to new legal limits on the right of colleges to consider race in admissions.
The New York Times
SAT’s New ‘Adversity Score’ Will Take Students’ Hardships Into Account
By Anemona Hartocollis
The College Board, the company that administers the SAT exam taken by about two million students a year, will for the first time assess students not just on their math and verbal skills, but also on their educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, entering a fraught battle over the fairness of high-stakes testing. The company announced on Thursday that it will include a new rating, which is widely being referred to as an “adversity score,” of between 1 and 100 on students’ test results. An average score is 50, and higher numbers mean more disadvantage. The score will be calculated using 15 factors, including the relative quality of the student’s high school and the crime rate and poverty level of the student’s neighborhood. The rating will not affect students’ test scores, and will be reported only to college admissions officials as part of a larger package of data on each test taker.
Inside Higher Ed
Student Aid Verification Process Falls Short
Inspector general’s report backs up complaints from student aid administrators about income-verification process. But Education Department says it is already carrying out several recommendations.
By Andrew Kreighbaum
The U.S. Education Department’s process for verifying the accuracy of student aid applications has no reasonable assurance of identifying errors, a Thursday report from the department’s inspector general found. The report is the inspector general’s first look in several years at the process, which requires students to confirm the accuracy of their family’s financial information. But it backs up what financial aid administrators have reported recently about verification, which is widely seen as an obstacle for low-income students to get the assistance they need to attend college. Colleges are supposed to use the verification process to make sure students are receiving the correct amount of federal aid. But additional bureaucratic hurdles can mean many students never complete the application process.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Bill Aims to Cut Need for College Remedial Courses
by LaMont Jones
The Promoting Readiness in Education to Prevent Additional Remediation and Expense (PREPARE) Act, introduced by Democrat presidential hopeful Amy Klobuchar and two of her Senate colleagues, is aimed at helping to reduce the need for students to take remedial courses when pursuing post-secondary education and improving degree-completion rates. The bill, sponsored by the Minnesota senator, Alabama Democrat Doug Jones and New Hampshire Democrat Maggie Hassan, is intended to better align high school graduation requirements with entrance requirements for credit-bearing post-secondary coursework and provide resources to schools to strengthen their remedial programs and improve outcomes. The PREPARE Act would provide competitive five-year grants to states to align high school and post-secondary education. Recipient states would be required to align high school graduation requirements with entrance requirements for credit-bearing coursework in state institutions of higher education; develop statewide standards for placement in remedial coursework based on multiple indicators; and develop statewide articulation agreements between high schools and public institutions of higher education and among public institutions of higher education in the state.
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
TICAS Calls on Congress to Address Disparities in College Funding
by Tiffany Pennamon
A new brief from The Institute for College Access and Success (TICAS) adds to growing research about disparities in college funding and the consequential impact on student outcomes. Titled “Inequitable Funding, Inequitable Results: Racial Disparities at Public Colleges,” the issue brief notes that community colleges and regional universities – schools that disproportionately enroll low-income students and students of color – receive less state funding, driving “persistent gaps” in educational attainment by race and income. “Students of color disproportionately attend underfunded colleges where they are less likely to graduate,” said TICAS president James Kvaal in a statement. “These days, there are too many free college plans to count. Presidential candidates and members of Congress need to make sure that their plans address the inequalities in college finance that drive the inequalities in college completion.” TICAS’ brief calls for Congress to promote equity in higher education by providing a list of policy recommendations:
Inside Higher Ed
Connecting Federal Work-Study to Careers
DeVos plans a pilot program that will allow colleges to use Federal Work-Study funds for private-sector employment. Department also seeks to expand experiment providing Pell Grants to incarcerated students.
By Andrew Kreighbaum
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said Monday she will launch a pilot program allowing some colleges to use Federal Work-Study benefits for off-campus employment, including apprenticeships and clinical rotations. The experiment delivers, if on a limited scale, on repeated proposals by the Trump administration to reform the work-study program and connect student aid more directly to careers. It also marks DeVos’s first use of the department’s experimental sites authority, which allows the secretary to offer waivers to rules governing student aid programs in order to evaluate new policy ideas. Her announcement Monday also noted that she would look to expand the number of colleges participating in the Second-Chance Pell experiment, which allows a limited number of incarcerated students to receive Pell Grants to attend college courses. A congressional ban on Pell Grants in prisons has been in place since 1994.
CNBC
Students and their families need support systems before they’re saddled with college debt
Nick Ducoff, CEO and founder of Edmit
Student loans aren’t the reason there’s a student debt crisis in this country. The real problem is that there’s not adequate education, information or support systems in place to help students (and their families) make smarter college choices while they are still in high school. Nationwide, college student loan debt was $517 billion in 2006. There are more than 44 million borrowers who now collectively owe $1.5 trillion in student loans, according to the latest statistics for 2019. The government spends a great deal of money on regulation and education on teen alcohol abuse, tobacco, and drug use and prevention. We, as a society, have decided that teens shouldn’t be able to legally use these substances, and we provide education and extremely clear warnings about the danger of their use. Yet we are all somehow enablers of teen student loan use.
Sadly, 90% of private student loans now have an adult co-signer. I don’t blame parents, because as a parent of two myself, I know we just want what is best for our children. A college education is part of the American dream and parents want their children to have access to higher education, which, in most cases, leads to considerably higher lifetime earnings.
Inside Higher Ed
Colleges Face Growing Cybersecurity Threat
By Lindsay McKenzie
Cyberattacks on higher education institutions are on the rise, Moody’s Investors Service reports. The credit rating agency characterized cyberrisks for the sector as “medium.” While colleges’ vulnerability to cyberattacks is high, the “financial and reputational impacts” of these attacks are low, the report said. A high-profile loss of personal information could, however, “affect a student’s decision to enroll or a donor to donate.” Universities with medical centers and substantial research profiles were identified as the most vulnerable to cyberattack, but they also are most likely to be prepared. Federally funded research, particularly relating to defense, also is at risk from cyberespionage.