Short Takes

Hispanic student enrollment in higher education has doubled in the last decade. Where are these students going, what do they need, and how do Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs) fit into the equation? On Episode 03 of dotEDU, John Aguilar of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and our hosts explore those issues and more.

Listen to the inaugural episode of dotEDU, ACE’s new podcast. Co-hosts Jon Fansmith and Lorelle Espinosa talk with Jim McCorkell about College Possible’s flagship initiative—an intensive curriculum of coaching and support to help low-income students enroll in college—as well as the newer Catalyze Program, which supports student persistence and success directly on college campuses.

A recent brief by the National Conference of State Legislatures discusses how colleges and universities can help improve postsecondary access and completion for rural communities in the United States.

A recent article and accompanying interactive map by the Center for American Progress highlights the postsecondary attainment rates for racial and ethnic groups across the nation, as well as the gaps that exist for people of color.

A recent report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research identifies the realities of parents who are pursuing a postsecondary education. Findings reveal that about one in five, or 3.8 million students are raising children while enrolled in college.

The Lumina Foundation has released this year’s edition of their A Stronger Nation report, tracking progress toward their goal of 60 percent of adults holding a high-quality postsecondary credential.

During the ACE2019 closing plenary, a student panel moderated by John B. King Jr. discussed a “human-centered” approach to designing public policy and institutional practice from the bottom up to enhance student outcomes. Two of the students on that panel also received the 2018 ACE Students of the Year Award: Sophia Norcott and Brendyn Melugin.

In the ACE2019 session “The Three Cs: Creating, Calculating, and Communicating the Value of Higher Education,” panelists discussed how a commitment to instructional quality generates educational, financial, and reputational value. They asserted that we create value for our students every time they experience powerful teaching and learning and, upon graduation, send into the world champions of our value.

Representatives from Strada Education Network, the Career Leadership Collective, and the Association of College and University Educators joined forces to facilitate the session “From Impactful Classes to Rewarding Careers: The Unique Influence of Faculty on Students’ Career Readiness and Satisfaction” to a packed room of highly engaged attendees at ACE2019.

This panel explored the range of programs for students with intellectual disabilities and highlighted the institutional support necessary to make these programs a success.

With a growing number of veterans taking advantage of the GI Bill, it is critical for senior leaders on college and university campuses to continually stay abreast of the emerging opportunities and challenges of serving veterans in their successful higher education journey. An ACE2019 session on Monday discussed strategies for success and partnerships that are delivering value.

A recent NPR segment highlights the benefits of college borrowing for community college students based on a study by Lesley J. Turner and Benjamin M. Marx.