We’re nearly halfway through the Fall 2020 semester, and the holiday season is slowly approaching. Enrollment has had its ups and downs. Still, colleges have been finding creative ways to increase awareness about their flexible schedules and cost-effective courses for the Spring 2021 semester. Read more about what community colleges across the nation are doing to combat low enrollment and increase diversity on their campuses.
Pandemic Boosts Fundraising at Community Colleges
During the COVID-19 pandemic, charitable giving to community colleges has increased by 7.5% during the first half of 2020. Experts say that focusing on growing their emergency funds during a pandemic is smart, but how long will it last?
As COVID-19 Pandemic Persists, Colleges Upend Spring Plans for In-Person Learning, Graduation
With a rough start to the fall semester, many colleges are deciding how to address the spring semester. Some schools have opted to adjust academic schedules, while others have canceled holiday breaks altogether.
Supreme Court Allows Trump Administration to End Census Counting on Oct.15
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court approved the Trump Administration’s request to end the 2020 census early. Some believed that the administration made this choice to alter the count and exclude unauthorized immigrants.
Strategies Colleges Used to Increase Enrollment This Fall
For the Fall 2020 semester, two-years colleges have seen a drop in enrollment, with an average of 7.5%. Some colleges have been fortunate to see their numbers increase in the fall term and attribute their success to retaining current students and reaching out to those who left during the spring semester.
The Pandemic’s Effect on Community College Enrollment
In April 2020, California community college students reported increased anxiety from the pandemic that has negatively impacted degree completion. Student enrollment has fallen by 17%, with African-American and Native American students showing the most significant declines.
Children From Immigrant Families Are Increasingly the Face of Higher Education
A new study has reported that about 5.3 million students enrolled in colleges and universities in 2018 came from immigrant families. Although many immigrants who are students are U.S. citizens or legal residents, they are more likely to face challenges and a lack of resources that many other learners do not have.
ACT scores have dropped to their lowest numbers in the past decade. These declines have been particularly noticeable in minority groups. Many of these downturns are attributed to rCOVID-19 test cancellations and a lack of resources in underserved communities.
How 2- and 4-Year Colleges Can Boost Spring Enrollment
College experts say there are many measures community colleges can take now to boost spring enrollment. One suggestion is to use advertising tactics to promote flexible class times and low cost.
Institutions Still Working To Achieve Faculty Diversity Goals Despite COVID-19-Related Challenges
Although the number of new employees in higher education has decreased during the pandemic, the goal to provide a more diverse and inclusive faculty has stayed the same. Colleges are still striving to find creative ways to ensure diversity .
What Happens Before College Matters
Higher education can lessen many equity gaps that have been largely based on students’ race, ethnicity, and income. The first step to take is recognizing where these gaps emerge and why.
