As the week has unfolded, we see the continued shifts as institutions examine pass/fail grading for the spring semester and consider partial reimbursement for room and board.  Education Dive is continuing to update its resources on Covid-19’s impact on our field. The Chronicle continues its extensive reporting this week as well as Inside Higher Ed who is providing up-to-date reporting.

The Hechinger Report discusses this week the impact of school closings on college students across the nation.  In addition to handling the rapid transition to learning online, students are grappling with the uncertainty of what the future will bring.  Research projects have been interrupted, job fairs and internships as well as other critical job networking activities have been called off.

There was much coverage this week across news sources about Covid-19’s impact on college admissions. The Chronicle reports this week on a survey by  Art & Science Group. The survey of prospective college students found that “one in six high-school seniors who expected to attend a four-year college full time now think that they will choose a different path this fall.” The majority of students surveyed cited concerns about the ability to attend a first-choice college and reported that a campus “closer to home” was now a more realistic option for them.  Education Dive shares that more institutions are considering test-optional admissions processes alleviating the burden of SAT and ACT testing during the coronavirus pandemic .

“While we know there is always flux this time of year as students are getting their admissions notifications, it surprised us that more weren’t expecting to enroll at their first choice.” - Craig Goebel, principle in the Art & Science Group

As the week has unfolded, we see more institutions moving their learning online and cancelling or delaying major events like graduation. The Chronicle continues its extensive reporting including institutions adopting pass/fail grades in response to Covid-19 and the financial impact to higher education. Inside Higher Ed is also providing up-to-date reporting and shares that some colleges are dropping SAT & ACT requirements in light of testing cancellations due to Covid-19.   WCET has links to all of the major federal resources regarding Covid-19 response as well as recommendations for shifting to online learning.    

“I implore each of our students to comply with this directive.  You can do your part to help de-densify the campus and make it safer.” Cornell’s President, Ms. Marsha Pollack, to students on their decision to shift to online learning and close campus.

Much discussion this week in various news sources about how Covid-19 will impact both the undergraduate and graduate admissions processes.  Inside Higher Ed reports on an EAB survey of admissions professionals.  87% “worry that future visits to the campus by potential students will decline” with 67% reporting they will shift to virtual admissions events. One of the biggest concerns of admissions officials is the impact of travel restrictions on international enrollments.

Covid-19 responses and updates continue to fill our news feeds this week as institutions address study abroad programs, and colleges and universities begin shifting classes online.  The Chronicle offers guidance on quickly moving classes online and continues to update on Covid-19’s impact on colleges and universities.  WCET also provides resources for addressing Covid-19.  NPR reports this week on 6 ways universities are responding to Covid-19 including supporting international students.

The Department of Education offers guidance regarding Federal Financial Aid compliance.  Specifically, recommendations cover students who are unable to finish or start a scheduled study abroad due to coronavirus and students who cannot attend class due to quarantine or illness.  Additional guidance addresses students who fall below 12 credit hour minimum due to internship or class cancellation as a result of Covid-19. The Department of Education provides options and flexibility with regards to moving education online including: approval to offer distance education on a temporary basis, permitting accrediting agencies to wave distance education review requirements andre-examining residential requirements.

Much discussion this week across higher education news sources about the coronavirus (Covid-19), and its potential impact on colleges and universities. Inside Higher Ed reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that colleges “consider canceling upcoming foreign exchange programs and asking current program participants to return to their home countries.”  Several academic conferences have been postponed or cancelled, and institutions are moving quickly to plan for potential shut downs. Organizations like The Online Learning Consortium and WCET are providing resources and guidance regarding transitioning coursework online should Covid-19 cause temporary campus shut downs. The Chronicle of Higher Education is tracking the most recent updates in Covid-19 and its impact on higher education.

Some good news to report this week regarding college completion rates.  According to data released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, most states continued to increase their six-year completion rates.  Across the United States, six-year completion rates reached 60% which is the highest rate NSCRC has reported since it began collecting data eight years ago. Community colleges, many of which are embracing efforts like guided pathways, saw significant gains with 33 states showing increased completion rates at two-year institutions.  Overall community colleges had completion rates of nearly 41% for those students who began their studies in 2013.

According to a Higher Learning Advocates policy brief, in the fall of 2017, 24% of students were parents, 37% were older than 25 and 49% were financially independent. Close to 40% of students were part-time.

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