Topic: policy & research
Are More Colleges Closing? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)
There is no doubt that colleges and universities in demographically challenged states are facing serious headwinds. Yet, stories suggesting that colleges are closing more frequently than they did before don’t withstand a careful examination of the data.
Helping Students at Risk of Self-Harm: Considerations for the New Academic Year
ACE General Counsel Peter McDonough outlines a series of principles gleaned from Department of Education documents that campuses can use as they design policies and practices to help at-risk students.
An Uneven Playing Field: The Complex Educational Experiences of Asian Americans
The data on Asian Americans in higher education complicate the simple narrative that people either have it “good” or “bad,” writes Julie Park. This makes for more complicated policymaking but perhaps will help challenge the policy community to look beyond simple binaries.
College Student Mental Health and Well-Being: A Survey of Presidents
To better understand how campuses are navigating the challenge of student mental health and well-being, ACE conducted a survey of 400 college and university presidents at the end of April. Read what they had to say.
Erasing the Community College Stigma
ACE’s Jon Turk argues that community colleges are the solution to many of the challenges we face around higher education affordability, access, and success. But how do we convince students and families of their value?
Minority Serving Institutions and STEM: Acting Intentionally, Increasing Effectiveness
ACE Vice President Lorelle L. Espinosa, who co-chaired the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s committee on Minority Serving Institutions, writes that the most successful STEM programs are multidimensional and intentional, addressing the academic, financial, and social aspects of the student experience.
Mental Health and Post-traditional Learners
Post-traditional learners are often expected to adjust their own lives and schedules to campus life and services, including in the area of mental health. But it is equally important that campus services and culture are adjusted to better serve this growing group of students and their unique needs.
The Practices of Freedom: Freedom of Speech, Academic Freedom, and Shared Governance
In the wake of President Trump’s recent executive order on campus free speech, Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia gives a timely review of higher education’s commitment to the First Amendment and the mutually inclusive nature of free expression and inclusion.
What the Outrage Over Blackface Overlooks
We are rightly taken aback by racist yearbook photos and other symbols. But we talk much less about what they represent: the longstanding, systemic racism that permeates the lives of people of color, including critical issues linked to college access and success.
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury on College Campuses
Conversations about the mental health and well-being of college students often underestimate the prevalence and impact of non-suicidal self-injury in college settings. Four scholars from institutions in the United States, Canada, Belgium, and Australia look at the problem—and how institutions can respond.
Increasing Representation of Underrepresented Groups Among STEM Faculty Members
Just as important as creating interest in STEM among students is achieving a more diverse STEM faculty. Having more role models can help students better imagine a similar career trajectory for themselves. Suzanna Rose of Florida International University looks at how institutions can pursue equity and representation among their faculty.
The Rise of Mental Health on College Campuses: Protecting the Emotional Health of Our Nation’s College Students
Nance Roy, chief clinical officer of the Jed Foundation, provides action steps to support emotional well-being and reduce suicide and substance abuse for college students.