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

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This week begins the month-long celebration of National Native American Heritage Month, and 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.
Teaching Resources from the Smithsonian

3 Native American Women & Their College Journeys

Native American College Student Development Theory
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Examining the Payoff of a College Degree

This week the Hechinger Report examines how a college degree will provide graduates “with the gainful employment they need to make it worth the price.” According to recent research from Third Way, a progressive think tank, about half of college graduates will recoup their costs within five years but close to a fourth will take 20 years or more. Economists are encouraging students and families to be critical consumers of higher education.
- $116.6 billion: the total amount owed for student loans defaulted on by 5.3 million students according to the U.S. Department of Education

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Young Adults Opt for Work Over College

The continued decline in college enrollment for the fall 2021 semester continued to dominate headlines this week. According to the Hechinger Report, “low-income young adults appear to be fleeing higher education in the highest numbers because colleges and universities that serve this population saw the largest enrollment declines.” Low-income students are entering the workforce to support their families attracted by rising wages. Community colleges and regional state institutions are seeing the largest decreases in college enrollment while highly selective institutions are experiencing a “post-pandemic bulge of students.” Analysts express concern about the long-term ramifications for the U.S. workforce.
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How Institutions Can Address College Student Stress

Student Stress Declining

Conflicting news this week regarding college students’ mental health in major higher ed news outlets. PBS NewsHour covered concerns about rates of anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts in college students. Faculty cited social media usage is negatively impacting student well-being. In contrast, Inside Higher Ed reported on a survey, which found that students are reporting significantly less stress and anxiety than in the previous year leading researchers to conclude COVID related stress is beginning to ease for college students. The majority of students surveyed agreed that COVID has forced them to pay closer attention to their own mental health. Both articles conclude that today’s college students are more willing to seek help.
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Financial Aid Offices Facing Staff Shortages

Inside Higher Ed reports this week on the staffing challenges facing financial aid offices. Staff reductions, whether due to retirements or individuals leaving for other opportunities, are making it more challenging to process financial aid paperwork in a timely manner. The greater concern is that lack of adequate staffing will have a negative impact on institutions’ ability to comply with federal and state requirements.