The Higher Ed Equity Network’s Post

As I walked through the TCU campus yesterday, awaiting a dinner reservation, I was struck by a series of signs dotting the landscape. These weren't ordinary campus directions or event promotions; they were bold acknowledgments of the university's intricate past, particularly its ties to the Confederate soldiers who played a role in its inception. In a world where the instinct might be to gloss over less palatable aspects of history, TCU is taking a different route. By openly addressing and educating about its historical context, the university is not only fostering an environment of transparency but also showcasing the evolution of its values and community. This initiative is a poignant reminder that understanding and growth stem from a willingness to confront and reflect upon our history, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. It's about recognizing that progress is built on the foundation of truth, however complex it may be. Seeing such a forthright approach to historical context and reconciliation from TCU, I can't help but commend this effort. It's a testament to the fact that institutions can honor their history while still striving for a more inclusive and enlightened future. It's a journey of continuous improvement, and TCU's initiative serves as a beacon for others to follow. #TCU #HistoryAcknowledgment #EducationalProgress #InclusivityInEducation

#K12 #superintendents take a multifaceted approach to addressing anti-Semitism and other types of discrimination on their campuses. Doug Roberts, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Education Innovation, spoke with WICC radio’s Melissa in the Morning this week to give listeners a better understanding of superintendents’ role in preventing such attacks. https://lnkd.in/eYh5e-Mn   The first approach #education #leaders take is prevention. “These are things we fight hard against as leaders, and we do so by building cultures in our districts where people feel included and welcomed and supported,” he says.   The second is more social-emotional #SEL awareness and funding thanks to initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. “We were able to build up stronger networks for mental health supports,” Doug says. “If a student feels that they are subject to any sort of anti-Semitic attack, we have to make sure we are checking in with kids."   Third, Doug emphasized that when incidents happen, they need to be teachable moments for the children responsible. Schools can have strong policies against hatred but at the same time attempt to understand why the students acted as they did and address the root causes through education and building better understanding.     In early May, the leaders of some of the largest U.S. public school districts testified before Congress about steps they are taking to address anti-Semitism, and Doug urged Congress to take action too, such as re-upping mental health funding for schools. “Superintendents who went to D.C. made a strong showing for our profession,” he says. “We literally stay up at night thinking about how we can make sure every student in our schools feels safe.”   #ThoughtLeadership #Schools #Inclusion #Respect #TeachableMoments #MentalHealth #Wellbeing

In a one-on-one with Dartmouth College's Lee Coffin, #NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez offers context, perspective, and analysis of the major forces currently upending the process of applying to college and paying for it, as well as tips for navigating that landscape. https://ow.ly/Sm6U50Qcunf This is an insightful discussion you won't want to miss. #collegeadmission #applyingtocollege

Hot off the press: Big Impacts of Dual Credit at Gateway Technical College in 2022-23. Key takeaways: --Gateway is Wisconsin’s leader in dual credit headcount, credits accrued and credentials awarded --Student Headcount: 7,322 --$5.9 million saved through dual credit programs --615 credentials were earned in 2022-23 by students before high school graduation --21.3% of dual credit credit students are Hispanic/Latino (this is up from 19.2% in 2021-22). Dual credit students count for HSI status at Gateway!

Harold L. Martin Sr., Ph.D.'s impact on North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is immeasurable. During his tenure, the University has achieved remarkable milestones, navigated challenges, and grown in ways we could have only dreamt of. Chancellor Martin's tireless commitment to N.C. A&T and its mission has set a high standard for us all. It's never easy to see such a remarkable chapter come to a close. However, in times of transition, it's essential to remember that change is a part of growth. Our institution is embarking on a new journey. Chancellor Martin's successor will step into incredibly big shoes, and the expectations are undoubtedly high. Change can be challenging; it can stir up uncertainties and fears. But it's also an opportunity for fresh perspectives, new ideas, and continued progress. I believe the spirit of innovation and resilience that has defined us under Chancellor Martin's leadership will continue to guide us through this transition. #LeadershipTransition #ThankYou #NewBeginnings #InstitutionalGrowth

No question, these are fascinating times for most colleges and universities. And while the month of March often brings a mood of uncertainty and madness during a normal March season, this year things are even more exacerbated by the FAFSA delay and the impact it is having not only on prospective students and families along with current students and families, but also on the personnel in financial aid and admission offices. Adding the continuous concern and consternation that is lingering in the minds of higher education leaders who already know about the decline in the number of prospective students, questions about affordability, and the need to convey the inherent value of attending college, it means March is full of unsolicited mental and emotional madness. As we have noted previously about the changing landscape facing private higher education (and public, too), these are definitely changing times. Movement is a necessity today for all colleges and universities. Continuous change and improvement while also consistently retaining your core identity should foster future success and diffuse the March madness that is permeating so much of higher education today. Best wishes to spring forward in more ways than one! #highereducationleadership #highered #collegesanduniversities #enrollmentmanagement #admissions #financialaid #FAFSA https://lnkd.in/g-6ZtH98

This detailed report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice discusses the significant costs and challenges students face in transferring college credits between institutions. Transfer students often take around 10 excess credits, which leads to additional tuition costs, longer completion times, and reduced earning potential and imposes personal costs such as missed opportunities, stress, and delays in completing degrees. Here's the CHEPP report: https://lnkd.in/eTeE3YhB Some states collaborate in ways to create statewide transfer centers like that found in Pennsylvania's PA-TRAC https://lnkd.in/eiKW7eyg But as Melanie Booth, Ed.D. reminds us #AllLearningCounts. Here's a leading example of workflow automation for Credit for Prior Learning from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' MyCPL solution. https://lnkd.in/emmStCyA

Higher education practice chair Aaron Drew Lacey shares insights on the potential consolidation of the University of Arizona Global Campus (#UAGC) into the University of Arizona (#UA) in a recent Inside Higher Ed article. Learn more about how this move could improve governance practices and operational efficiencies, potentially enhancing the prestige of UAGC degrees: https://bit.ly/49G86Wk #highered #highereducation #higheredlaw

I wonder when reading through headlines (and I doubt I’m alone in this response) - “How would this decision impact me?” Let’s be clear that “accredited colleges and universities” are the majority of schools that college-bound seniors are considering. It’s not some small and highly curated list of super liberal institutions. As a high school teacher, I would have seen many more mental health crises because we added accreditation to the list of application considerations as students wondered how to attend their “dream school” — oh, and still feel safe and welcomed. As an administrator, I would have heard a lot of families struggle with the tension of following their beliefs or supporting their student’s passion. How could they support a school knowing that their child would be surrounded by people who did not care to learn about others or grow into their own identities? As a facilitator for #DEI work in schools and universities, I would have no audience. No one interested in breaking the law to do equity and justice work. As a white woman, it is easy (too easy) to step out of work around race and ethnicity (for example). One more hurdle means even fewer people pushing the boulder up the hill with Sisyphus. As a higher ed professional….well, I would not have become one. I was drawn to #highered and #washu because of the vision of Andrew Martin. I was coming to fulfill the dream of #needblindadmissions and a #noloanpolicy so that our campus could be diverse in every aspect. It’s not just about identity, whether #race or #gender or #ablebodiedness. If you support DEI work, you are committed to a belief that every human deserves a chance to succeed - AND - you are committed to creating systems that offer the support needed. If we do not pay attention, participate, and #vote, then we can’t be shocked when our country looks like a season of #TheHandmaidsTale.

Gap year programs have a lasting impact on students as they learn more about themselves, others and God, before making the decision to further pursue higher education or not. Read more from two current LBC students who transferred to the college from gap year programs!