Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

by | Dec 18, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Higher Ed Affordability Roundtable

The big picture

College leaders Sue Ellspermann (Ivy Tech) and Justin Lonon (Dallas College) discuss how their institutions are tackling affordability by eliminating textbook costs and putting students first.

Why it matters

Their initiatives have saved students millions while improving academic outcomes and retention rates.

Key takeaways:

  • Both institutions eliminated profits from textbook sales
  • Early access to materials improved student success rates
  • Low-income and underrepresented students saw the biggest gains • Technology and AI will continue driving costs down

AI in Teacher Education

AI in Teacher Education

by | Dec 17, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Video

AI in Teacher Education

The big picture

Education schools are grappling with AI integration, with concerns about plagiarism dominating the conversation and faculty confidence remaining low.

 

Key findings

  • Plagiarism focus: Current AI discussions in education heavily center on detection and prevention, despite unreliable detection tools
  • Faculty concerns: Include data privacy, job security, and unclear usage guidelines
  • Leadership outlook: Program leaders show balanced optimism about AI’s potential while acknowledging risks

 

What’s next

  • Internal changes: Universities need to incentivize faculty engagement and provide AI training
  • External support: State policymakers could revise teaching certification standards to include AI literacy
  • Collaboration: Education schools should partner with AI experts and peer institutions to avoid reinventing the wheel

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

by | Dec 13, 2024 | Innovation, Outcomes and Accountability, Video

Making Degrees More Accessible Through Innovation and Cost Control

The Big Picture

In a candid discussion about higher education’s future, Excelsior University President David Schejbal emphasizes the enduring value of college degrees while highlighting innovative approaches to accessibility and affordability.

Why it matters

As debates around educational credentials intensify, traditional degrees continue to demonstrate strong ROI through higher lifetime earnings and broader societal benefits.

By the numbers:

  • College graduates earn significantly more over their lifetime
  • Higher employment rates among degree holders
  • Better health outcomes and civic engagement
  • Generous credit transfer policies and clear learning pathways prevent wasted credits
  • Excelsior hasn’t raised tuition in 7 years

The bottom line

While alternative credentials gain traction, traditional degrees remain valuable investments, especially when institutions prioritize affordability and accessibility.

Western Governors University: Responsible Borrowing Initiative

Western Governors University: Responsible Borrowing Initiative

by | Dec 12, 2024 | Innovation, Policy, Video

Western Governors University: Responsible Borrowing Initiative

The big picture

WGU’s Responsible Borrowing Initiative (RBI) has saved students hundreds of millions in unnecessary debt through a simple but revolutionary approach – informing students about their borrowing and suggesting lower amounts.

Why it matters

With student debt reaching crisis levels nationally, WGU’s program demonstrates how basic information sharing can dramatically reduce student borrowing without any regulatory changes.

The impact

The award-winning program has influenced:

  • Tennessee’s adoption of RBI concepts across public higher education
  • Department of Education’s development of an annual student loan acknowledgment system
  • Multiple states implementing annual student loan notices

What’s next

The College Cost Reduction Act, currently moving through Congress, could adopt similar affordability and accountability measures nationwide.

The bottom line

Simple process changes around debt awareness and responsible borrowing can have massive impacts on student financial outcomes.

Leading Through Change

Leading Through Change

by | Dec 4, 2024 | Policy, Video

Leading Through Change

The big picture

Presidential transitions create both challenges and opportunities for higher education policy.

Why it matters

The Presidents Forum can shape policy to better serve working learners during this transition period.

Key priorities:

  • Develop actionable recommendations to reduce regulatory burden
  • Champion innovative approaches to education delivery
  • Ensure equitable access and workforce alignment

The bottom line

The Forum’s practical expertise positions it as a crucial voice for underserved learners during this transitional period.

VIDEO 1

by | Dec 14, 2020 | Video

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