Steve Whitehead’s Post

While this announcement most certainly brings about reflections on the changing dynamics within higher education. #highereducationleadership continues to be challenged to navigate shifts in demographics, technology, and societal needs. The closure of the Waukesha campus reminds us of the importance of strategic planning and collaboration within the academic community. It underscores the necessity for institutions to remain agile and responsive to the needs of their students and the broader community. As we navigate these transitions, let's collectively champion a vision where higher education is not only accessible but also adaptive and responsive to the needs of our diverse student body. By fostering a culture of innovation, we can ensure that our institutions remain pillars of knowledge and empowerment. Academic Impressions is interested in assisting #higheredleaders design constructive conversations, share best practices, and collaborate to inspire positive change that leads institutions into the new era of #highereducation #Innovation #Leadership #EducationTransformation

Clearly, Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in public college closures. I also see Pennsylvania and New York as high risk states for public college closures. https://lnkd.in/gf949zVe Kelly Meyerhofer #collegeviability #collegeclosures #willmycollegeclose

This is an interesting article that highlights the struggles of two-year liberal arts colleges in Wisconsin; however, the devil is in the details. Despite recent campus closures, Wisconsin's funding for two-year programs is notably higher than in most states. According to the State Higher Education Finance (SHEF) Report, Wisconsin is one of only nine states that provide more state support for two-year programs per FTE enrollment ($9,662) compared to four-year programs ($7,732). Moreover, Wisconsin ranks in the top 10 for two-year sector program funding but falls in the bottom 10 for four-year sector programming. This disparity raises a compelling question: Is this contrasting approach to funding by the current Wisconsin legislature intentional, or is it the result of decisions made in the distant past? #HigherEducation #EdFinance #EducationPolicy #AcademicFinance #StateSystems

This is a huge shift in the funding model for community colleges. There are a myriad of pros and cons to this approach, but kudos to North Carolina Community College System for thinking outside the box to prepare students for the workforce! TLDR: North Carolina is looking at updating how community colleges are funded by paying a premium for students enrolled in high-growth programs that lead to well-paying jobs.

Illinois is home to 12 four-year public universities, with only 5 boasting graduation rates of 60% or higher (U of I Urbana-Champaign 86%, Illinois State - 68%, U of I Springfield 65%, U of I Chicago 63%, Northeastern Illinois - 61%). The disparity between acceptance rates and graduation rates, such as Western Illinois accepting 75% of applicants but achieving only a 46% graduation rate, raises concerns about the value provided to students. It may be time to strategically assess the state university system to ensure student outcomes and economic sustainability align, mirroring the accountability seen in the private sector.

It’s time to retire FTE (Full time equivalent student) funding models. These models create disincentives for the very things we need our community colleges to do well like: 1) Serve working adult learners attending part time (particularly in the current economy where employment rates are high). FTE models pay less for part time students than full time. 2) Supporting expansion of Registered Apprenticeship and other work based learning programs. Most FTE models only pay for academic courses and do not support the infrastructure needed for work based learning. 3) Award credit for prior learning. FTE funding disincentivizes giving students credit by reducing the credit hours they enroll. Rethinking how we fund our colleges based on the outcomes we want is the way forward. #workforcedevelopment #communitycollege #innovationineducation

Another state—North Carolina—looks to change how it funds community colleges to focus on labor market outcomes, rather than blanket enrollment. If approved, the change would follow on the heels of a similar move in Texas. Those two states are often at the vanguard of shifts in #highered policy. Something to watch. #communitycolleges #statepolicy #opportunity #goodjobs

A plan to save Wisconsin's 13 community colleges is failing. As more campus closures loom in the near future, outraged professors and residents are pointing fingers at university leaders and state lawmakers for the harm they’re causing in local communities. In 2017, the University of Wisconsin system announced a plan that was supposed to help the state's two-year institutions: Merge each of them with one of the system’s universities. The practical goal of the plan was to increase enrollment at community colleges and defy local demographic shifts — by enticing working adults with new programs at the colleges and a clear path to completing their degree at the linked university. It was considered a win-win: Wisconsin would be able to preserve the community colleges, which had been important entries to higher education, especially in remote, rural communities. And they could avoid closing colleges — a politically unpopular decision that may have harmed favor with Republican state lawmakers. The plan hasn't worked. Nearly half of the community colleges in Wisconsin have closed. Critics of the consolidation say they were left with little funds and even less guidance to make the plan succeed, particularly when four-year institutions in Wisconsin are also struggling to stay afloat financially.

A significant decrease in births during the 2007-08 financial collapse, caused by easy-lending policies pushed by the federal government, lead to a foreseeable reduction in high school graduates. The shutdown by our federal government during COVID lead to an unexpected reduction in the percentage of recent high school graduates looking to go right into degree-seeking higher education programs. The complete butchering of a rollout of a "simplified" FAFSA caused by our federal government is now leading to FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) about financial aid available for students entering higher education and an additional unforeseen reduction in HE enrollment. The pace of private college closure announcements has now hit one per week, according to the Tribune-Review (Pittsburgh), and I expect it to accelerate, rapidly, https://lnkd.in/ebtXFycu. Many of those not closing, completely, are reducing staff and eliminating or consolidating programs and campuses, including Pennsylvania's top fully public university, Penn State University ,https://lnkd.in/eMDFsMDR. The expansion of easy money always eventually leads to growth and then a rapid and dramatic pullback.

Very encouraging to see these two governors really going for it in terms of transforming postsecondary education in their states. First, Gov. Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania has ambitious plans to reshape the state's higher education system, which is important because it's one of the least affordable states in terms of getting a college education: https://lnkd.in/eMVruV-6. Second, Gov. Jared Polis pens this excellent piece in the The 74 Media about the concept of "blurring" high school, college, and career and shifting toward a focus on career advising and skills-based employment. https://lnkd.in/evEVgQhf When policymakers actually chisel away at calcified systems, students benefit. You love to see it.