October Media Availability Recap

by Presidents Forum | Nov 6, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Underserved Communities

October Media Availability Recap

What’s Happening

Presidents from the Presidents Forum, including Dr. Lisa Vollendorf (SUNY Empire) and Madeline Pumariega (Miami Dade College), shared innovative ways their institutions are championing underserved communities. From neurodivergent learners to debt-free graduates, they highlighted inclusive, affordable education initiatives.

Key Takeaways

SUNY Empire leads in supporting neurodivergent students through universal design, accessible online support, and career services to ensure successful transitions into the workforce.
Miami Dade College offers debt-free pathways and robust industry partnerships, making higher education accessible for thousands.
Micro-Credentials—Executive Director Wesley Smith emphasized these flexible, affordable options that are directly linked to employment, addressing specific barriers for working and underserved students.

What’s Next

The next media session will explore AI’s impact on higher education.

November Executive Director Update

by Presidents Forum | Nov 4, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Underserved Communities

November Executive Director Update

Why it matters

The Presidents Forum continues to drive conversations on supporting underserved communities in higher education.

Key highlights

In October, we focused on supporting underserved communities. New content on presidentsforum.org includes interviews with education experts and an op-ed on serving students with autism. The November theme will explore Artificial Intelligence in higher education.

What’s next

Upcoming meetings in Tempe, Arizona (Nov. 14-15) will cover semiconductor industry workforce needs, post-election political landscape analysis, the future of distance education, and feature peer-to-peer discussions on AI in higher education.

The bottom line

The Presidents Forum continues to elevate student interests and invites new members committed to this mission.

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.

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.

Transforming lives through affordable education in Africa

by Presidents Forum | Oct 25, 2024 | Underserved Communities

Transforming lives through affordable education in Africa

In our recent conversation, Brian Ashton, president of BYU Pathway Worldwide, detailed the organization’s significant role in expanding higher education opportunities in Africa. Serving nearly 28,000 students across 30 countries, BYU Pathway is tackling the urgent need for accessible education in a region where just 9% of college-age youth have access to university seats.

Key innovations driving success

President Ashton highlighted several key innovations that have contributed to their success:

Pathway Connect: A foundational program that builds confidence and teaches essential life, professional, and university skills.
Certificate-first approach: Students begin with job-ready certificates, which can lead to a bachelor’s degree, ensuring immediate value and employability.
Three-year bachelor’s degree: By eliminating elective credits, BYU Pathway offers a more focused and cost-effective path to a degree.
Affordable tuition: Through church subsidies and innovative cost-saving measures, a full degree in many African countries costs less than $300.

Employment outcomes

The program’s success is evident in its employment outcomes. Students find opportunities through local jobs, entrepreneurship programs, and increasingly, remote work for international companies. President Ashton noted that remote job placements have tripled in the past year, providing students with access to hard currency and companies with a highly educated, English-speaking workforce.

A scalable model for Africa’s future

BYU Pathway’s model demonstrates that high-quality, affordable education can be delivered at scale, even in challenging environments. As Africa’s population is projected to double by 2050, innovative approaches like these will be crucial in meeting the continent’s educational needs.

Micro-Credentials: A Flexible Path for Students, but Accountability Gaps Remain

by Presidents Forum | Oct 24, 2024 | Underserved Communities

Micro-Credentials: A Flexible Path for Students, but Accountability Gaps Remain

Key takeaway

Sara Weissman from Inside Higher Ed discusses how micro-credentials are growing in popularity because they offer students a quicker, more affordable path to gaining job-ready skills compared to traditional degrees. These short-term programs can range from three weeks to a year and focus on specific skills like IT, healthcare, and even emotional intelligence.

Why it matters

Many students, especially those from underserved communities, find micro-credentials appealing as they juggle work, family, and education. These programs offer an accessible alternative for those who can’t commit to longer degree programs. The ability to “stack” credentials towards a degree is a key benefit for long-term learning.

The challenge

The “wild west” nature of micro-credentials means students face transparency and accountability issues. Some programs, especially shorter ones or those offered by non-accredited institutions, lack oversight. There’s a need for clear information on program quality and long-term earning potential, particularly for students from underserved communities who are more likely to rely on them.

Looking forward

For micro-credentials to truly benefit all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, clear pathways to further education and employment, as well as more scrutiny and oversight, will be essential.