commentary

Beyond access

Recent national events have created much conversation. With landmark decisions announced by the Supreme Court on affirmative action and the legalities of student loan forgiveness, higher education is in the national spotlight and there is…


Three ways to combat skepticism of higher ed’s value

Today’s strong job market, coupled with the rising cost of higher education and a multitude of online certificates, has intensified doubts about the value of – or need for – a higher education degree. Results…


Starting early and staying the course

The crucial first step in achieving student success in rural, low-income areas is to burst affordability and class access paradigms and get students in the door to start their education. Many low-income parents falsely assume…



Granting ourselves grace

When I first stood in a community college classroom as an English adjunct in rural North Carolina, I never planned to be a college president. Yet two and a half decades later, I reflect on…



Advocacy quick hits

Editor’s note: This weekly update from the government relations office at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) provides the latest on what’s happening in Washington and how AACC is advancing policies to support community…


Washington Watch: Diving into ED data

The U.S. Education Department’s periodic data dump through the National Postsecondary Student Assistance Survey, better known as NPSAS, contains essential information about the reach and impact of the federal student financial aid programs. Advocacy for…


The next decade of distance learning will be awesome!

Editor’s note: The Instructional Technology Council (ITC) concludes its series of articles focusing on the anticipated impact of distance learning over the next 10 years. For the past six months, the ITC has provided a…


Washington Watch: Not just the dog days

Congress this week began its annual August recess, leaving representatives and senators in their home districts and states until after Labor Day. As it is every year, the August recess is an excellent opportunity for…