RedShelf’s Post

Interesting data showing that guided pathways increases academic outcomes (but important to note I don’t see labor market or transfer graduation outcomes reported) but did not close race equity gaps. The structural reforms needed go beyond the course sequencing or degree requirements. Three of these reforms include: 1) Killing the FTE funding model so that colleges can better support adult learners, provide meaningful career exploration, incentivize credit for prior learning, and offer more seats in high demand programs like nursing. 2) Put the community back in the colleges by engaging community based organizations as trusted messengers to support career exploration, advising, and addressing basic needs for students. Give these communities a voice to tell colleges what changes need to be made to improve success. 3) Shift to earn and learn models including Registered Apprenticeship, Coop learning models, work colleges, or college in the workplace to couple academic learning with building work experience. Guided pathway reforms make these changes easier by laying out clear pathways, supporting capacity for advising, and identifying KPIs for success. However without rethinking how community colleges are funded and function as part of the greater community eco-system we will not see the changes we all want.

Equitable access programs like Barnes & Noble College’s First Day® Complete have been proven to positively impact affordability, academic outcomes and access, but there can be some questions about how it works. We can dispel the common misconceptions about equitable access and help your campus lower costs and improve course material access. #EquitableAccess #InclusiveAccess #StudentSuccess

Did you know Indiana ranks 17th in the nation for education? 😱 That might sound impressive, but with the overall decline in national education standards, it’s a concerning trend. Read our critical analysis to learn more about the state of Indiana's student academics and what can be done to improve our future. #IndianaEducation #EducationCrisis #CriticalAnalysis

Faculty and students fear that CSU management is missing the point of the People’s University — quality education for whomever wants it is the actual goal of public higher education and attempts to increase graduation rates at the expense of that quality education are misguided at best. Skills courses help recruit and retain students from diverse and rural communities, where many K-12 schools have experienced decades of disinvestment and under-resourcing due to systems of racism, colonialism, racial capitalism, and environmental injustice. It’s why many who identify as Native and Indigenous students or Black students struggle at CSU campuses without the support provided by skills courses, mentoring, tutoring, resource centers, and mental health counseling. Making the Cal-GETC switch for all students means larger class sizes for upper division courses, which will result in increased workload for many faculty while other faculty will lose work, primarily our lowest-paid lecturer faculty. Changes to curriculum and courses come months after CSU trustees passed a 34-percent tuition increase by the 2028-29 school year. Unconscionably, CSU students will be paying more for less. Extending Cal-GETC to all incoming students is a misguided and cynical attempt by CSU management to increase graduation rates. Such a move ultimately results in the exploitation of students and faculty and compromises the CSU’s education mission. #NoCourseCuts https://lnkd.in/eyJvyTtV

University of Northern Colorado recognizes that faculty play a pivotal role. Through their work in American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Student Success Equity Intensive, UNC is addressing disparities faced by students of color and those from low-income backgrounds. Here are key points about UNC’s approach: 1. Front-Line Engagement: Faculty members spend significant time with students. They’re on the front line, interacting regularly and identifying challenges. Their unique position allows them to recognize when students are struggling and offer timely support. 2. Expertise and Challenges: While faculty excel in their fields of expertise, they may not always be versed in student support services. Balancing research demands and student needs can be challenging. UNC aims to bridge this gap by providing resources and training to enhance faculty effectiveness. 3. First-Generation Students: UNC enrolls a substantial number of first-generation college students. Faculty can make a profound impact by guiding these students through the complexities of higher education, connecting them to resources, and fostering a sense of belonging. 4. Holistic Support: While peer mentoring and administrative assistance are valuable, faculty hold a unique position. They witness students’ growth, struggles, and triumphs firsthand. By actively engaging with students, faculty contribute significantly to their overall success. 5. Closing Gaps: UNC’s commitment to closing racial and economic disparities aligns with the Student Success Equity Intensive. By empowering faculty, we create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Congratulations to the faculty at UNC, led by Provost Kirsten Fleming! Source: The Denver Post #HigherEducation #StudentSuccess #FacultySupport #UNC #EducationMatters https://lnkd.in/eeA_sNTR

Check out these five tips that will help college and university presidents remain committed to supporting DEI on their campuses. https://ow.ly/zqOp50R7Sa7

Interesting read

Does equitable access really save students money? YES. Is it more convenient? YES. Can students opt-out if they choose? YES.   Three university leaders from Norfolk State University, Lehigh University, and University of Southern Indiana dispelled equitable access myths during a recent conversation on the positive impact First Day® Complete has had on their campuses. Find out why the program has become such an important part of their institutions' cultures. #FirstDayComplete #EquitableAccess #StudentSuccess

The college admissions landscape has undergone significant changes recently, with some major institutions reintroducing ACT and SAT scores as part of their requirements. However, many overlook how these scores can disadvantage students, particularly those from marginalized communities. That's why I found the National Education Equity Lab's approach intriguing. By offering credit-bearing college courses to low-income high schoolers, they're addressing the issue of educational access head-on. Programs like these are important for leveling the playing field and increasing equal opportunities for all students in the college application process. As enrollment in such initiatives grows, I believe they'll play an increasingly important role in supporting students from diverse backgrounds. #EducationEquity #CollegeAccess #HigherEducation

No matter what, colleges and universities should engage in civil discourse. Unfortunately many students or higher ed institutions don't travel that path, but there are many that do. Hopefully prospective students and families learn the reality of colleges and universities and what they really do. #highered #higheredleadership #collegesanduniversities #InsideHigherEd