The Latest
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This week in numbers: Budget cuts loom over public colleges
We’re rounding up some of our top recent stories, from program reductions at SUNY Potsdam to loan cancellations by the Education Department.
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Wheaton to change library name following review into its history of racism
The Christian institution will take other steps to redress its past, including by assessing its support for students of color.
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WVU to reduce library budget by up to $800K
The recommendations come less than a week after the flagship university's board cut 28 degree programs and about 140 faculty positions.
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The image by GastelEtzwane is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
SUNY Potsdam looks to eliminate 14 more programs to close $9M deficit
President of the New York public college said it will need to significantly reduce faculty positions alongside academic cuts.
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Retrieved from Northwestern Michigan College on September 18, 2023
Why one community college outsourced its adjunct faculty
Northwestern Michigan College’s adjuncts will be employees of Edustaff, an unusual higher ed staffing model meant to cut costs.
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Anti-affirmative action group SFFA sues over military academy admissions
Students for Fair Admissions, which won Supreme Court challenges against race-conscious college admissions this summer, is now targeting West Point.
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The image by Jared C. Benedict is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Vermont State Colleges System chancellor to resign in December
Sophie Zdatny, who took the helm in 2020, oversaw the merger of three financially struggling colleges to create Vermont State University.
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16 states underfunded land-grant HBCUs by over $12B, Biden admin says
The education and agriculture secretaries called on each state’s governor to remedy the historical funding gaps.
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The image by Oldag07 is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Texas A&M system offers DEI ban guidance
A Q&A for faculty and staff provides a look at how public colleges are carrying out a state law barring diversity, equity and inclusion programming.
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U.S. News shakes up rankings methodology — but top colleges held their spots
The publication's rankings now further emphasize social mobility after some institutions abandoned them.
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Retrieved from West Virginia University Board of Governors on September 15, 2023
WVU board approves dramatic academic cuts to address $45M deficit
West Virginia University will cut 28 degrees and lay off 140 faculty over the objections of students, faculty and alumni.
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The image by Ted Eytan is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Federal watchdog flags risks of tuition payment plans
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau highlighted pitfalls of these plans, including confusing repayment terms and a high cost for credit.
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Federal judge rules DACA unlawful — again
Although the ruling does not call for an immediate end to the program, it leaves tens of thousands of college students covered by its protections in limbo.
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Gen Z values college, but affordability concerns remain
Only about half of K-12 students who want to pursue higher education believe they can pay for it, a Gallup and Walton Family Foundation poll found.
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UNC system officials suggest more robust post-tenure reviews are needed
Less than 3% of roughly 8,300 tenured faculty evaluated over the last decade were underperforming.
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"Prairie View A&M University-Panther Stadium" by Maureen.allen is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Historically Black college initiative secures $124M investment
The HBCU Transformation Project started last year to improve student outcomes and reverse historic funding inequities.
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Retrieved from The California State University Board of Trustees on September 13, 2023
Cal State approves 6% annual tuition increases for five years
The multi-year plan will bring in a total of $840 million in additional revenue, but won’t cover the system’s $1.5 billion deficit.
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At least 3 more states mull FAFSA mandates for high school students
Michigan, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts are considering making completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid a graduation requirement.
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Deep Dive
Ohio Republicans to push revised bill limiting college DEI and faculty strikes
The author of the far-reaching proposal is optimistic it will pass the House, despite strong pushback from faculty groups and unions.
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Union Institute & University’s accreditor flags financial issues
The Ohio private institution has twice delayed the start of its fall term over funding problems, but insists it’s not on the path to closure.
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Overtime rule comment period opens; employers can weigh in through Nov. 7
The American Council on Education recently advised college officials to analyze how the rule would impact their institutions.
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What 2U’s new flat fee model could mean for the online degree sector
Higher education experts say appetite could be growing for alternatives to tuition-share agreements, which have been under fire.
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Opinion
Colleges are ditching the SAT. The high school transcript should be next.
Next generation credentials are a compentency-based alternative to transcripts that allow colleges to make better admissions decisions.
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Top Republicans question Education Department over $39B in loan forgiveness
The cancellation stems from adjustments the Biden administration made on income-driven repayment plans.
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Florida university system approves classical admissions test, an SAT and ACT alternative
The Classic Learning Test emphasizes Christian thought, prompting questions about whether the religion-infused exam fits in public higher education.