Friday 5: Things To Ponder This Week In Higher Ed 11/19/21

1

As we continue the month-long celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, at Innovative Educators we want to ensure we honor November as a time for reflection, learning and celebration of Indigenous knowledge, traditions, language, and culture.
Broadband Internet Reaching Native American Students

Native American Journalist Share Stories of Native American Student Experiences

Native American Thanksgiving Resources for Younger Students
2

International Student Enrollment Continues to Drop

The number of international students at U.S. colleges fell 15% in the 2020-21 academic year, plummeting to around 914,000. Many U.S. colleges depend on international students for tuition revenue. International students learning in the U.S. also contribute significantly to the economy. According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, last year international students provided $28.4 billion to the nation’s economy, a drop of 27% from the year before. There are positive signs that international student enrollment is on the upswing. New international enrollment increased 68% this fall semester from the previous year.
- 7 million college students have been supported through HEERF emergency grant aid

3

Update Regarding Higher Ed COVID-19 Funds

This week Inside Higher Ed reported on recent updates provided by the Department of Education regarding the three rounds of COVID-19 relief funds for higher education. According to the Department of Education under secretary James Kvaal, the relief funds have made a “significant impact on students and institutions.” A survey by the American Council on Education found that HEERF funds allowed 93 percent of colleges to provide emergency scholarships to students, 88 percent of colleges to purchase COVID-19 tests and meet other public health needs, and 80 percent of colleges to provide students with electronic devices and internet access to keep them enrolled. Across the United States, more than seven million students were able to take advantage of $6 billion in emergency grant aid, with each student receiving an average of $850.
4

Examining the Experience of Black Student Loan Borrowers

A recent report examines the experience of Black student loan borrowers. Forty-four percent of student loan borrowers at historically Black colleges and universities and 29 percent of Black borrowers at predominantly white institutions reported skipping meals to cut costs. Black women report receiving less family financial assistance for college than their male counterparts. Thirty percent of students at HBCUs revealed that they are providing financial support to their families while attending college.
5

Supporting Adult Students

In previous weeks we’ve covered the decline in college and university enrollment. Over the last two years, the biggest dip in enrollment has occurred in students ages 25-29. Industry experts are encouraging organizations to recruit adult students by connecting schoolwork to employment opportunities. In addition, institutions need to provide better systems to help adult learners to re-enroll through addressing student debt, like Wayne State’s Warrior Back program, and providing credit for prior learning.