We hope that you were able to join us for our final Friday 5 Live of 2020! We looked back on this year with Dr. Denise Swett.  This was our final podcast for 2020. We will kick off Season 2 on January 15 as we discuss faculty and staff health for the year ahead!  If you missed our conversation, please check out our Friday 5 Live podcasts and share with colleagues!

This week, the Chronicle of Higher Education examines the reasons behind the bleak community college enrollment numbers.  At times of economic downturn, historically community colleges see increased enrollment.  Across the nation enrollment is down 9% at community colleges. The article highlights the remoteness of online learning as a barrier to enrollment.  In addition, students lack technology and childcare and in this downturn must prioritize work over school.  There is grave concern that  minority, refugee, undocumented, and low income populations have not been able to enroll this fall in community colleges across the U.S., and as a result, equity gaps will only continue to increase.  The article highlights Guided Pathways programs as having a positive impact on enrollment and student success.

A federal judge has reinstated DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.  Over 200,000 current college students potentially would have seen their education put in jeopardy had the restrictions imposed by the current administration been allowed to stand.  The Homeland Security Department is now accepting new DACA applications, and has extended one-year requests to two years.