Building Autism-Supportive Institutions

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Underserved Communities

By Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, Empire State University

Empire State University (SUNY Empire) has supported, since our founding in 1971, a broad range of students. We proudly help learners of all ages and from all walks of life achieve their educational dreams.

As New York’s leading online public university, SUNY Empire serves a truly diverse student population. With more than 16,000 students who range in age from 15-88, we strive to meet every student where they are. We support all students as they complete their degrees. Our policies have long upheld this commitment: we accept up to 93 transfer credits and award credit for prior learning.

Over the past decade, the number of students identifying as autistic and neurodivergent has grown exponentially at our university. Several years ago, we realized that we needed to step up our efforts if we were going to fully support this growing population. We are proud that our mission includes an explicit commitment to serving autistic and neurodivergent students, faculty, and staff.

The rate of autism in the United States has grown steadily over the past 20 years. Today, autism affects 1 in 36 children. It is thought to be the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet it is substantially underfunded and misunderstood. Autism awareness has grown exponentially in recent years, which also means that adults today likely had less access to diagnoses and support in their youth. For those of us who serve adult learners, this makes it especially important to offer holistic support.

Disconcertingly, rates of postsecondary educational participation for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are substantially lower than those of the general population. Some studies have indicated that 40% or fewer ever attend college, and even fewer earn a degree that can transform their lives. Higher education has a role to play in reversing this trend.

Starting in 2020, SUNY Empire made a commitment to serving this population. First, we launched a Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education and Support (CAARES). CAARES’ mission is to provide universally designed and community-informed resources to support equitable access for autistic and neurodivergent individuals in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond. Currently, the Center has two full-time faculty.

From community-based workshops to university-wide trainings, CAARES provides support to students, faculty, and staff while also leading a research effort focused on autism and neurodiversity. Our Peer2Peer Student Connection program, by which neurodivergent students are matched with one another to promote wellbeing and belonging, is one of the many hallmarks of this approach.

SUNY Empire became an officially designated Autism Supportive Institution in 2022—the only university in New York State with this designation. The designation recognizes our commitment to building a safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environment for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

I invite other higher education leaders to consider leaning into the challenge of building an autism-supportive environment. You, too, can choose to require annual autism-support training for all employees. You, too, can identify measurable outcomes and implement strategies to assess and improve systems, practices, and procedures on an ongoing basis.

By seeking and acting upon feedback from students, faculty, and staff, colleges and universities can choose to build cultures of continuous improvement that help autistic and neurodivergent individuals feel welcomed and supported.

Before I joined SUNY Empire, I did not have any training or education in supporting individuals with autism. I did not fully understand the role that online institutions could play in helping expand access to higher education for autistic and neurodivergent students, faculty, and staff. I now have a deeper appreciation for a simple fact: a commitment to inclusion requires a commitment to building universal design into all aspects of our teaching, learning, and operations.

At Empire State University, we believe that online institutions are uniquely positioned to expand educational opportunities to learners from all backgrounds, including the growing number of autistic and neurodivergent individuals in the United States today. I invite others to join us to create truly inclusive colleges and universities that are welcoming to all.

Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron

Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron

by | Oct 11, 2024 | Policy

Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron

James Bergeron, President of the National Council of Higher Education Resources, highlights four key issues in higher education finance:

  1. Student loan repayment and on-ramp challenges
  2. Legal hurdles facing the SAVE plan
  3. Broad student loan forgiveness debates
  4. FAFSA rollout complications

Why it matters

These issues are creating confusion and uncertainty for students, families, and institutions.

The big picture

Bergeron advocates for simplification and transparency in financial aid, including:

  • Streamlining repayment plans
  • Standardizing financial aid offer forms
  • Expanding Pell Grant eligibility for short-term programs

What’s next

Bergeron advises higher ed leaders to:

  • Drive innovation at the state and local level
  • Focus on workforce development and accountability

The bottom line

Institutions must take the lead in improving financial aid accessibility and aligning education with workforce needs.

Best Practices for Expanding Pathways to Success

Best Practices for Expanding Pathways to Success

by | Oct 10, 2024 | Underserved Communities

By Madeline Pumariega, Miami Dade College

In today’s knowledge economy it is our responsibility as education leaders to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to achieve their academic and career goals. While education is often described as the great equalizer, we must focus on how we can ensure it truly serves as a gateway to opportunity for all students, particularly those from underserved communities.

Miami Dade College (MDC) proudly serves over 125,000 students in our community, enrolling more Hispanic undergraduate students than any other college or university in the nation. We are dedicated to serving students from all backgrounds and walks of life, offering enriching learning experiences that empower their success both at MDC and beyond. As we continue to build upon our commitment to being the on-ramp to the American dream, we remain focused on advancing best practices that enhance support for every student who comes to us with aspirations.

Expanding Access and Financial Support

Making sure every student has access to a world-class education, no matter their economic background, is key to creating an environment where academic excellence and success can thrive. As a first-generation Cuban American, I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative a college education can be in one’s life. At Miami Dade College, more than 60 percent of our students are also first-generation, and we take great pride in the fact that almost 98 percent of them graduate debt-free.

This success is driven by our commitment to supporting underserved communities through innovative scholarship programs that break down financial barriers. More than 10,000 students across Miami-Dade County benefit from these opportunities, including our growing Presidential and Rising Scholars Programs, made possible by the Griffin Scholarship Fund. Since its launch in 2021, more than 1,400 students have graduated from these personalized programs, which offer not only financial support but also curated co-curricular experiences. Students also receive access to mentorship and networking opportunities that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive both academically and professionally.

Supporting the Holistic Student

Supporting the whole student means strengthening the processes, practices and services that guide individuals through their academic and career pathways. By leveraging technology, data and best-in-class strategies, colleges can ensure that every student has the tools needed to thrive throughout their educational journey. Offering flexible learning modalities—whether online, hybrid or in-person—allows students to balance their education with work, family and other responsibilities.

A critical aspect of this support at Miami Dade College is maintaining a curriculum that is both agile and market-aligned. Through collaboration with industry partners in fields like technology, education and healthcare, MDC ensures that its programs lead to high-demand, high-wage jobs. Partnerships with organizations such as Microsoft, IBM, Blackstone, Apple, and Tesla not only help shape our curriculum but also provide students with valuable opportunities for internships and hands-on training. This collaboration equips MDC students with the skills and experiences necessary to succeed both in college and in the competitive job market, ultimately preparing them to meet the evolving demands of our community.

The Future of Education Lies in Personalization

What do Uber, Postmates and Amazon have in common? They excel at meeting their customers’ needs. With advancements in artificial intelligence, colleges now have the opportunity to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs. In an era where personalization and customer satisfaction drive success, it’s essential for colleges to embrace personalized learning experiences where students are placed at the center of decision-making processes. At MDC we aim to create a curated educational journey that reflects each student’s unique abilities and aspirations. Through personalization, we ensure that every student, including those from underserved communities, has access to the support and resources needed to thrive. From the moment a student enrolls, they are paired with a dedicated advisor who stays with them throughout their entire journey. Whether it’s financial coaching, internship opportunities, or academic support, we make sure students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

As we continue to implement and refine our strategies, we remain committed to being responsive to the needs of our community and students. By being data-driven and leveraging metrics to guide our efforts, we can redefine what it means to serve our diverse population. Together, let’s ensure that education remains a true gateway to opportunity for every individual.

Introducing “Required Reading”: Your Daily Dose of Higher Education News

by | Oct 9, 2024 | Innovation

We are thrilled to announce the launch of “Required Reading,” a new feature on the Presidents Forum website designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in higher education.

Every weekday, our team will curate a selection of essential news articles covering the most important topics and trends in the higher education landscape. This carefully chosen collection will provide you with valuable insights and updates, all in one convenient location.

Key Features of “Required Reading”:

  • Daily Updates: Fresh content available every weekday, ensuring you stay current with the rapidly evolving higher education sector.
  • Curated Selection: Our team handpick the most relevant and impactful articles, saving you time and effort in finding quality information.
  • Diverse Topics: Coverage spans a wide range of subjects, including policy changes, innovative practices, and more.
  • Easy Access: Conveniently located on the Presidents Forum website, making it simple to incorporate into your daily routine.

“Required Reading” is an invaluable resource for higher education professionals, policymakers, researchers, and anyone passionate about staying informed on the latest developments in the field. By providing a daily digest of crucial news, we aim to facilitate better decision-making, spark discussions, and foster innovation within the higher education community.

Stay Informed, Stay Ahead

We encourage you to make “Required Reading” a part of your daily routine. Visit the Presidents Forum website each weekday to access the latest curated articles and stay at the forefront of higher education news and trends.

CHIPS and Science Act: Major Strides in Reshaping U.S. Semiconductor Manufacturing

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Innovation

In recent months, the federal CHIPS and Science Act has made significant strides in reshaping the landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. This landmark legislation, signed into law in August 2022, aims to bolster domestic chip production, enhance technological innovation, and strengthen national security. The Presidents Forum and our institutions are actively engaged in the CHIPS program. Please find important updates on the CHIPS program below:

  • The National Semiconductor Technology Center has officially launched the NSTC Membership Program. The NSTC is a public-private partnership creating an unprecedented infrastructure to accelerate R&D innovation, develop a skilled workforce, and secure the United States’ leadership position in the global semiconductor industry.  NSTC brings together semiconductor companies, academic research institutions, governments, workforce, organizations, and others to collaborate and propel the U.S. semiconductor industry forward. To explore membership opportunities, please visit the NSTC membership page.

  • The Department of Commerce announced that it anticipates up to $100 million in funding to award recipients that develop university-led, industry-informed, collaborations about artificial intelligence-powered autonomous experimentation (AI/AE) relevant to sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The full text of the NOI can be found here.

  • Registration is now open for the 2024 NSTC Symposium and Microelectronics Commons Meeting.

  • Registration is now open for the first installment of the “Inside the Workforce Center of Excellence” (WCoE) series.  This will provide an overview of the mission of the WCoE, share information about initial programmatic capacities, and discuss the first anticipated awardees under the Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program.

  • The NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance Program announced more than $11 million in anticipated awards to seven institutions supporting efforts to develop the semiconductor workforce ecosystem across more than a dozen U.S. states.

    • American Federation of Teachers Educational Foundation

    • Idaho Technology Council

    • Maricopa County Community College District

    • Rochester Institute of Technology

    • Texas A&M University

    • University of California, Los Angeles

    • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • CHIPS recently launched the Metrology Exchange to Innovate in Semiconductors, or METIS, a data exchange ecosystem that will give stakeholders access to CHIPS Metrology research results and serve to catalyze innovative breakthroughs in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. To learn more and explore the database, please visit https://metis.nist.gov

  • The U.S. National Science Foundation and DOC announced a $30 million funding opportunity for a Network Coordination Hub that will manage the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) and lead its national strategy to address the expected shortage of skilled workers needed by the U.S. semiconductor and microelectronics industry over the next decade. You can find the solicitation linked here.

  • To subscribe to weekly updates from CHIPS, please visit this link.