Excelsior University President Advocates for Enhanced Military Student Support

by Presidents Forum | Oct 31, 2024 | Policy, Underserved Communities

Excelsior University President Advocates for Enhanced Military Student Support

In a recent interview with the Presidents Forum, Excelsior University President David Schejbal shared valuable insights on how higher education institutions can better serve active duty military students and veterans. With 42% of Excelsior’s student body comprised of active or former military members, Schejbal highlighted the unique challenges these students face and the innovative approaches Excelsior has implemented to support them.

Schejbal emphasized the importance of understanding military culture and the value that veterans bring to the classroom. He also stressed the critical role of education benefits in military recruitment and retention, underscoring the need for increased tuition assistance to strengthen national defense.

The Presidents Forum continues to advocate for improved educational support for military students, recognizing the vital importance of accessible higher education for those who serve our country.

November Meeting Agenda

by Presidents Forum | Oct 30, 2024 | Innovation, Policy

We are looking forward to our November meeting in Tempe, Arizona and wanted to give you a sneak peek of our agenda.

On Thursday our presidents will attend a panel discussion with major players from the semiconductor industry. Representatives from Intel, Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and more will discuss the need for increased workforce development in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

Our Friday will begin with a Presidents Forum business meeting as we discuss governance, recruitment, and thought leadership issues. The rest of the day will include a panel discussion on presidential and executive transitions with political insiders, a discussion with EdTech consultant and writer Phil Hill on the future of distance education, and an exploration of future Presidents Forum initiatives.

We will see our presidents in Tempe!

Seeking Solutions for Military Tuition Assistance

by Presidents Forum | Oct 29, 2024 | Policy, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Seeking Solutions for Military Tuition Assistance

In a recent Presidents Forum podcast, Dr. Michael Nietzel, a Forbes contributor, discussed the military’s Tuition Assistance (TA) program. This insightful conversation shed light on the program’s challenges and potential solutions.

Overview of the Tuition Assistance Program

The TA program, established in the 1980s, provides college tuition support for active military and National Guard members. It supports 200,000-300,000 service members annually, funding over 600,000 courses last year. However, the program’s outdated reimbursement cap of $250 per credit hour or $4,500 per year falls short of current tuition costs, causing some institutions to reconsider their participation.

Proposed Solutions for Program Improvement

Proposed solutions include increasing the per-credit-hour cap to $450, removing or raising the annual reimbursement limit, and improving institutional support for military students through flexible scheduling and recognition of military-acquired skills.

The Presidents Forum’s Engagement and Program Importance

The Presidents Forum is actively engaged in addressing these issues, recognizing the program’s importance for both national security and educational access for underserved communities. As Dr. Nietzel noted, updating the TA program is crucial for its continued effectiveness in supporting military recruitment, retention, and professional development.

Owens, experts call for accountability in higher ed

by Presidents Forum | Oct 18, 2024 | Policy

Owens, experts call for accountability in higher ed

Congressman Burgess Owens, Western Governors University President Scott Pulsipher, and American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Beth Akers say students deserve improved transparency and accountability in higher education.

Student Outcomes Prioritized

Higher education institutions should be held accountable for the economic value they provide to students, according to experts. Key metrics suggested include completion rates, post-graduation employment, and return on investment.

Congressman Owens advocated for a free market approach, stating, “We have to start thinking quite differently…Let’s bring the innovators to the plate.”

Transparency and Accountability Measures

Dr. Akers highlighted a significant barrier to transparency: “Lifting [the ban on merging IRS and Department of Education data], which is part of the legislation that we’re seeing today in both the House and the Senate, would enable us to have really the perfect data to hold institutions accountable.”

President Pulsipher emphasized the need for consistent, program-level accountability measures across all institutions. He argued that current regulations often hinder innovation by forcing conformity to traditional models instead of focusing on outcomes.

The experts agreed that while access for disadvantaged populations is crucial, it shouldn’t compromise accountability. Dr. Akers noted, “Giving someone access to enrollment at an institution with poor outcomes is not doing them any favors.”

Legislative Reform Needed

As new legislation is considered, the experts stress that meaningful reform in higher education accountability should be central. They call for policies that prioritize student outcomes, encourage innovation, and increase transparency for both students and taxpayers.

Navigating the Financial Aid Maze: Expert Insights from James Bergeron

by Presidents Forum | 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:

Student loan repayment and on-ramp challenges
Legal hurdles facing the SAVE plan
Broad student loan forgiveness debates
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.

Presidents Forum outlines higher ed innovations for next POTUS

by Presidents Forum | Oct 7, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Policy

Presidents Forum outlines higher ed innovations for next POTUS

Why it matters

Higher Education has struggled to adapt to changing student demographics and needs, emerging technologies, and effective distance education options. The new presidential administration and department of education must energetically engage in practices that promote student success in the ever-changing higher education landscape.

Go deeper

Dr. David Andrews, chancellor of the University of Massachusetts and chairman of the Presidents Forum, and Dr. David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University, outlined eight important areas of focus to improve higher education and ensure the U.S. economy has the workforce required to remain a global leader:

Accessibility – Accessibility is about more than just affordability. The changing student population requires flexibility in the modality of their educational experiences.
Institutional Mergers and Acquisitions – The acquisition and merger process is drawn out and it limits an institution’s ability to provide a better student experience. The Department of Education must provide initial guidance on whether it views a proposed merger as a possibility or not.
Value-Added measurement in outcome metrics – Highly selective institutions will naturally see higher graduation and retention rates. The Department of Education must implement a value-added metric system to fairly evaluate open enrollment institutions.
Competency and output based adjustments – The regulatory environment was built focusing on inputs rather than outputs. Students should earn aid and credentials based on what they have learned, not how long they spent learning it.
Reauthorize the Higher Education Act with new focus points – The Higher Education Act, which was intended to be renewed every 5 years, has not been reauthorized since 2008. The new administration should prioritize a reauthorization that focuses on competency based evaluations and learning outcomes.
Data Sharing and Transparency – Promoting greater data sharing between institutions, state governments, and the federal government will allow for stronger analysis on student financial outcome data.
State Reciprocity Agreements – The near-unanimous agreement among 49 out of 50 states is a rare occurrence. NC-SARA has proven to be an effective agreement, warranting ongoing support and endorsement.
Recalibrate our understanding of a College Student – Adult students, working learners, and mid-career students are the new norm. These students require a different set of tools in order to help them succeed.