Summer might look a little bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be gearing up for a great fall semester. With the spike in COVID-19 cases, most colleges have decided to conduct fall semester courses almost entirely online. What does this mean for students? Read more about the changes occurring in the world of higher education and ways to engage your student.
1. On the Offensive and In the Lead
College athletes are taking the initiative to recognize racial injustice on their college campuses. A college football player for Mississippi State University made a difference in his state for contributing to the fight to change the state flag, which contained a confederate battle symbol. He is just one of many college athletes around the country who are using their platforms to promote positive change for racial injustice.
2. International Students Banned From Online-Only Instruction
A new Department of Homeland Security rule was established that would prohibit any international student from remaining or returning to the United States if their college were to transition to or continue online-only instruction for the fall semester.
3. Reopening Campuses, Racial Disparities
With the Trump administration pushing for colleges and schools to reopen, many are worried the reopening could worsen the current racial impacts. As Congress is considering another coronavirus relief package, people are calling on the House to provide money for colleges to protect front-line campus workers that come from the Black and Latino communities.
4. Schools, Businesses, Cities Push Back On Rule Blocking Some International Students
After the Trump administration’s announcement about banning international students from attending U.S. colleges if they are only online, many colleges and businesses are pushing back on this rule. According to the Institute of International Education, over one million international students take classes in the United States, and that makes up 5% of the student population.
5. A Bad Fit?
A new study by The Journal of Higher Education is reporting that faculty search committees often pick candidates based on fit, but this could be opening the door to racial and other biases. The research doesn’t necessarily go against fit altogether, but discusses ways to promote diversity and having a more standardized fit.
6. Survey: College leaders fear students won’t follow social distancing guidelines
In a survey conducted by EAB, three-quarters of college leaders are concerned that students will not follow social distancing guidelines. With these fears at the forefront of their minds, colleges have reported different tactics they will be using, such as floor markers, social media, and student leaders to promote social distancing.
7. Four-year college students benefit from taking some community college courses
According to a new report from the Community College Research Center, earning some community college course credits can benefit four-year college students’ academics. Four-year college students who took one to 10 credits at a two-year college had a 4.5% higher bachelor’s degree completion rate.
8. The Pandemic Has Accelerated Demands for a More Skilled Work Force
The coronavirus pandemic has transformed the way people look at the need for more skilled workforce individuals. The rapid change in working from home life has led to a growing demand for training programs for millions of workers.
In efforts to keep students on track to graduate and engaged in their education, colleges have been offering free summer courses. The fear of low fall enrollment amid the coronavirus pandemic has influenced colleges to get creative in the ways they are trying to reach their students.
10. Four Digital Marketing Areas To Focus On During Crisis Recovery
Forbes believes that the four areas that businesses should focus on during their COVID-19 recovery efforts are boosting your SEO, keeping up to date on your local marketing and reviews, addressing your business restarting in your marketing efforts, and keeping your email marketing relevant.
