Connecting effectively with Gen Z
Comprised of consumers born between 1995 and 2010, Generation Z — aka Gen Z — is the most connected group ever. Almost half — 45% — admit to being online almost constantly, while another 44% say they are online multiple times a day. While they’re online researching brands, they scrutinize company values and mission statements and want to find the information presented in easy-to-read, conversational tones. They have little patience with slow-moving websites or digging for information that isn’t readily available or customized to their interests. As a result, they may skip over a college or university website that doesn’t have the type of information they desire. It’s also worth noting that they engage with chatbots and live chat options because they want answers right away.
Source: Marketing Tech News
Early decision admissions in the spotlight
The University of Virginia (UVA) will soon become the only “flagship” public state college to require students who participate in its “early decision” program to enroll if accepted. That type of admissions system has historically been more prevalent at private schools and may favor higher-income students who don’t need to worry about comparing financial aid packages and scholarships. UVA had an early decision program in years past but dropped it in 2007. Other Virginia public schools that currently have similar early admissions options include William & Mary, Virginia Tech and Christopher Newport.
Source: The Washington Post
Underrepresented faculty members and diversity initiatives
Faculty members and professors who identify as non-white, non-male and first generation are more likely to engage in diversity and inclusion activities than their counterparts, according to one recent study. The authors of the study, published in Nature: Ecology and Evolution, surveyed 469 faculty members in the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology. Almost all respondents – 92% — reported that they participate in diversity activities and that their schools value that work. However, half feel that they value such initiatives more than their peers.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
A bigger role for micro-internships?
Instead of focusing exclusively on long-term internship programs, employers and students should also consider micro-internships as a way to create a more realistic work experience. The short, project-based internships last anywhere from days to weeks and finish with a tangible result. Students can do several of these in one semester, and most can be done remotely, giving geographically disadvantaged students the same opportunities to advance their careers. Employers also see benefits, including getting access to high-quality talent to complete small tasks that often get pushed to the back burner as well as having a chance to evaluate a candidate’s work ethic before hiring.
Source: Education Dive