Author: Gbenga Agunbiade
As of September 1st, federal student loan borrowers in the United States saw the return of accumulating interest on their loans, marking a significant financial challenge for millions of Americans. The suspension of both principal and interest payments had been in place since the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, offering relief to approximately 43 million borrowers. However, the recently enacted debt ceiling law officially ended this payment pause. With interest now accruing, borrowers are set to resume their loan payments on October 1st. Debate in congress over student loan This development has prompted calls for congressional action,…
A conservative Princeton University professor’s speech at Washington College, which focused on the importance of campus free speech, was disrupted by students, ultimately leading to the cancellation of the event. This incident is another example of student protests, often referred to as “heckler’s vetoes,” targeting conservative speakers. Princeton professor’s departure The professor, Robert George, did not provide specific reasons for his abrupt departure, and the disruption was reportedly orchestrated by two individuals, including a transgender student who wished to remain anonymous. The college’s board has taken action against those involved, banning a former student from campus and subjecting two students…
When Broward College President Gregory Haile tendered his resignation on September 13th, the Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting, urging him to reconsider. However, during a recent board meeting, it became evident that Haile is standing by his decision to step down. Haile, in his remarks at the meeting, offered no specific reasons for his abrupt departure and declined interviews with local reporters afterward. President resigns without explanation He simply stated that the decision was “probably the hardest thing” he has ever done, according to a recording of his remarks provided by the college, and noted that his resignation…
The upbeat rhythms of salsa music accompany podcast host Douglas Lezameta as he welcomes listeners to the latest episode of “Pacific Oaks College, Hispanic-serving institution, ¡Tu sueño tu Realidad!” which translates to “Your dream, your reality!” This podcast is part of Pacific Oaks College’s concerted effort not only to enroll but also to serve Hispanic learners in unique and meaningful ways. Situated in Pasadena, California, Pacific Oaks College has received a $2.5 million Title V grant from the U.S. Innovative podcast initiative Department of Education in 2020 to bolster its Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) identity over a five-year period. This grant…
A recent study conducted by Education Equity Solutions, a research organization focused on promoting equity in higher education policy, has revealed that the influence of instructors and their teaching methods significantly outweighs students’ prior academic performance when predicting learning outcomes. This study, addressing a gap in existing research, specifically focuses on introductory college math courses, known to pose challenges for community college students seeking to complete their degrees. According to a press release from the report, the role of teachers in college completion has been frequently overlooked. Role in college completion Still, this study underscores their paramount importance in helping…
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) is entangled in a contract dispute with its staff union, the United Staff of the AAUP (US-AAUP). The issue revolves around the demand for more equitable benefits for all national staff, particularly lower-ranking employees who are predominantly people of color. The conflict stems from AAUP management’s rejection of various demands put forth by the staff union. These demands include providing salary step systems, ensuring certain employees work in the Washington, D.C. office three days a week, and extending study leave benefits to all staff members represented by the union. AAUP staff union clashes…
Rellis Strategies, a newly established professional service branch of Trellis Research with a focus on modern learners, has recently unveiled a comprehensive report shedding light on the financial well-being of student parents and their unique requirements. Student parents, constituting approximately 22 percent of the higher education learner population, predominantly single parents, have been identified as necessitating additional financial assistance in areas such as tuition, basic necessities, and childcare to enhance their academic success. Surveying over 57,900 students across 104 two- and four-year colleges and universities during the fall 2021 semester, with 13,494 being parenting students, Trellis’s report, titled “Navigating College…
A recent federal district court ruling declaring the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) illegal has raised uncertainty and concerns among undocumented students and their advocates. The DACA program, established during the Obama administration to protect immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and grant them legal work status, has faced ongoing challenges. The recent decision by Judge Andrew Hanen of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas further complicates the program’s future. Judge’s recent DACA ruling adds uncertainty to the program’s future While DACA recipients with protected status as of July 2021…
Dickinson State University in North Dakota is facing controversy as it considers significant program cuts, echoing recent actions by West Virginia University. While smaller in scale, the moves have raised concerns about the impact on both students and faculty. President Steve Easton has proposed the elimination of several undergraduate degrees, including English, math, political science, communication, music, theater, chemistry, environmental science, and computer technology management, along with their corresponding teaching tracks. Faculty concerns rise This decision, if implemented, would leave degrees in history, biology, elementary education, computer science, and other areas intact. Faculty members at Dickinson State were taken aback…
Over 1,200 University of Phoenix students are set to have their student loans forgiven by the Education Department, following allegations of the for-profit institution making “empty promises” about its corporate partnerships, as announced by the agency on Wednesday. Under the borrower defense to repayment rules, allowing students to seek relief if they were misled or defrauded by their college, the department is discharging a total of $37 million for borrowers who attended the for-profit university from Sept. 21, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2014. FTC settlement leads to loan forgiveness The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had previously investigated a national ad…