Averting the transfer trap
After several years of pandemic-related declines, college transfer rates are once again on the rise. This is welcome news. College transfer has long been viewed as a crucial pathway to economic mobility. For millions of…
Commentary
Viewpoint: The power of women in community colleges
Women’s History Month is a time for reflection, celebration and action. In community colleges, where we serve as bridges to opportunity, it is our duty to honor the resilience of the women before us and…
Washington Watch: Easing concerns about ED programs after layoffs
U.S. Education Acting Under Secretary James Bergeron on Friday sent a letter to education stakeholders addressing concerns over the massive layoffs — officially called “Reductions in Force” (RIFs) — that occurred at the Education Department…
Washington Watch: FY25 funding is in the books
President Donald Trump on Friday night signed a year-long continuing resolution (CR) for fiscal year (FY) 2025, ensuring funding for federal agencies through September 30. The bill made it through the Senate with several key…
Wielding quiet leadership
I often talk to new community college presidents about the need to be nimble and dexterous when it comes to leadership. Indeed, being able to respond quickly and effectively is an important skill that will…
Washington Watch: Executive order targets PSLF
The ultimate effect of last Friday’s executive order (EO) — “Restoring Public Service Loan Forgiveness” — is unclear, but it could well affect both community college students and employees. Despite the president’s executive branch action,…
Washington Watch: Rocky road for House Republicans’ CR plan
House Republicans this weekend released a continuing resolution (CR) to extend fiscal year 2024 (FY 24) funding levels through September and avoid a partial government shutdown. In December, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved 12 bipartisan…
Why hidden delinquencies are a growing threat to your institution – and what you can do about it
If your Cohort Default Rate (CDR) looks low, you might assume your institution is in the clear. But the numbers tell a different story. Over 30% of borrowers are currently not making payments – and…
Advocacy quick hits: Federal funding extension to expire next Friday
Lawmakers in the House and Senate face a looming March 14 deadline to avoid a partial government shutdown. Congress in December passed a short-term funding bill – called a continuing resolution (CR) – to fund…
Keeping all social media posts on-brand
Managing social media for a college is a bit like throwing a house party where everyone wants to be the DJ. Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) in Massachusetts has figured out a way to keep…