When preparing for a new job, college is only a part of the equation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is slowly creeping into everyday lives and the impact on American jobs is a regular topic of discussion. A recent survey of American adults showed that less than a quarter (22%) of them agree that colleges are preparing students “for future jobs involving technology.” These adults shared that on-the-job training, as well as in-person programs, were their preferred method of education if they have to retrain due to AI taking over their jobs. Of those surveyed, lack of time and cost of education were the top barriers to education. Purdue University and Arizona State University both have programs to partner with corporations to offer training to their employees.
Source: Education Dive
Help for food-insecure students is coming
The Government Accountability Office found about 2 million students who may be eligible for food aid from the federal government have not received any benefits, specifically 11% of households with a four-year college student and 17% of households with a community college student. In 2018, the California State University system conducted their own survey and discovered that almost half (42%) of the students were food insecure and 11% were homeless. California’s budget proposal includes money to help the CSU system help students with their basic needs to the tune of $15 million. Community colleges are not included in this proposal, though a separate bill required each campus to make their parking lots safe enough for homeless students to sleep in their cars. New Jersey also passed a law in May to give $1 million in support of college students who are food insecure.
Source: Inside Higher Ed
Where are the women in leadership?
Even though women now earn the majority of Ph.Ds., they are still in the minority of higher education leadership. As far as college presidents, only 30% are women, and with the inclusion of the 36% of women leading two-year colleges, the first statistic is slightly inflated. Some surveys show a better representation of women in the C-suite, but it’s still less than half of chief advisors and an even lower percentage of deans. Female leadership helps make a stronger connection with women on campus. The California State University system has made great strides in bringing more women to leadership roles. Just seven years ago, three of the 23 presidents were women; today there are 12.
Source: The Chronicle of Higher Education
Private colleges struggle to prove ROI
Colleges are on a mission to justify the cost of tuition, and private colleges are finding this even more difficult. The high cost of private colleges, though often offset by tuition discounts, is posing challenges and several are closing. But what smaller, private colleges can offer are lower student-teacher ratios and often more picturesque campuses, though the higher tuition and low enrollments are causing internal strife. Even the free-college proposals leave out private colleges, drawing students to public colleges and leaving private colleges with a seemingly uphill battle to prove their place and return on investment.
Source: The Atlantic