Results for: Higher Education

Argentina’s libertarian president, Javier Milei, faces mounting pressure amidst worsening budget cuts at public universities, drawing widespread protests and a heated ideological battle. The cuts, which Milei claims are necessary to reach zero deficit, have sparked outrage among students and faculty, who fear for the future of quality education. With the University of Buenos Aires, one of Latin America’s top institutions, facing a shutdown, the crisis highlights the broader ideological divide and the precarious state of Argentina’s economy.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned against illegitimate online programs that utilize abbreviations resembling recognized degree nomenclatures. One particular program, a “10-day MBA,” has drawn the attention of the commission. The UGC emphasizes that only authorized institutions, such as established universities or those specifically empowered by Parliament, possess the authority to confer degrees.

Australian student loan debts are poised to rise by a substantial 4.8% in 2023, translating to an average increase of $1,272 for those holding Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts. This annual increase is driven by indexation, which adjusts debts based on inflation. The latest calculation, conducted by the Parliamentary Library for the Greens, projects that HELP debts will rise significantly as the March quarter inflation data indicates.

The recently approved New York state budget eliminates aid to private colleges and universities with endowments of at least $750 million, including Columbia University and NYU. The $18 million cut in aid affects 16 schools throughout the state. Opponents of the cuts argue that it will increase costs for hardworking students and their families who rely on the financial support provided by Bundy Aid to help them achieve their dream of a college degree. Supporters of the cuts say the aid to the “wealthy” private universities was hard to defend given competing priority to boost funding to the public colleges part of the SUNY and CUNY network.

Dr. Terry A. Martinez Zarate, a renowned higher education leader and scholar with a deep commitment to student success, anti-racism, equity, and civic engagement, has been appointed as the next dean of Loyola Marymount University’s (LMU) School of Education. Dr. Zarate brings nearly two decades of experience in academic leadership and scholarship to LMU, where she will lead the strategic direction of the School of Education and its commitment to preparing exceptional educators and mental health professionals.

A bill that would allocate funding for a new medical school in Colorado and various capital improvements at higher education institutions has advanced in the state legislature. The legislation, designated as House Bill 24-1231, was approved by the Colorado House of Representatives with a 42-17 vote, with opposition solely from Republican legislators. The measure allows Colorado to issue certificates of participation to finance four projects at four distinct institutions. Each of these projects aims to increase the number of healthcare professionals educated in the state and address the ongoing workforce shortage in the field. Notably, the bill includes funding for a new osteopathic medical college at the University of Northern Colorado in Weld County.

New York state has significantly increased the minimum award students can receive through the state’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), making higher education more accessible for thousands of state residents. TAP provides grants to eligible students attending approved schools in New York, easing the financial burden of tuition costs. The recent state budget increase will benefit approximately 93,000 students, with 48,000 newly qualifying for TAP. The minimum award amount has been raised from $500 to $1,000, and income eligibility limits have been expanded, making it easier for students from diverse backgrounds to access TAP funding.

Campus, an online alternative to traditional community colleges, aims to increase the number of students who receive bachelor’s degrees within six years. The company has hired adjunct professors from top universities and pays them $8,000 a course, much higher than the national average. The cost of attending Campus is $7,200 a year, but it’s fully covered for students who qualify for federal Pell Grants. The company has hired coaches to help students stay on track, and enrollment has been growing fast. Most of the capital from Campus’s first Series A installment went toward purchasing a physical college in Sacramento. The capital from Founders Fund-led Series A extension will be used to fuel growth. The company is very mindful of for-profit colleges’ dark past, and it’s not going to saddle students with tons of debt.

Despite their vital role in higher education, community colleges often face misconceptions and unfair criticism. They are frequently dismissed as inferior alternatives to four-year universities, leading to misconceptions about their educational quality and student experience. However, a closer examination reveals that community colleges offer a dynamic and diverse educational environment, providing a high-quality education at an affordable price. They cater to a wide range of student needs and aspirations, offering a variety of academic programs, including liberal arts, STEM fields, health care, and business. Community colleges provide an invaluable pathway to success, enabling students to achieve their goals and make significant contributions to society. It is time to challenge the misconceptions surrounding community colleges and recognize their true value as hubs of learning, innovation, and opportunity.

Enrollment at Lakeland Community College has declined since peaking at about 9,400 students in 2012, two years after U.S. college enrollment peaked.