November News: Bridging the Gap Between Today’s Students and Federal Policy

At its debut event last week, Higher Learning Advocates brought student voices to the fore during a discussion about the gap between the current system of higher education and what today’s students need.

John Englehart, a member of UMUC’s Class of 2017 and a supervisor with the U.S. Postal Service, shared his personal story about the demands of raising a family and working full-time while pursuing his bachelor’s degree online. EJ Delpero, a United States Navy Veteran and student at George Mason University, spoke about his experience returning to campus as a student veteran.

Rio Salado College President and Higher Learning Advocates board member Chris Bustamante explored some of the innovative practices his institution has used to make learning more accessible and responsive to students with non-traditional schedules and educational needs. Education broadcaster Kavitha Cardoza moderated the panel, asking panelists to share their ideas and solutions for helping today’s students succeed.

For more on the event, read the Diverse: Issues in Higher Education article about the panel and the release of the new Higher Learning Advocates policy framework.

New Policy Framework Calls for Retooling Federal Higher Education Policy

In its recently released policy framework, Higher Learning Advocates outlines policy ideas for shifting the focus of federal policy from higher education to higher learning by ensuring high-quality outcomes, focusing on today’s students, and creating a more affordable and responsive system of education and training beyond high school.

The framework calls for a stronger focus on high-quality student outcomes, an embrace of innovative models, an update of accreditation policies and improved data systems for consumer transparency.

“Quality, outcomes and the needs of today’s students should guide federal policy rather than historical precedent and institutional convenience,” said Dr. Chris Bustamante. “Built on those three principles, new policy solutions can help institutions and systems support and educate a broader range of students and embrace technological innovation.”

Social Media Buzz from @HigherLearnADV

@DCWriter360:New Higher Ed Advocacy Group Makes Nontraditional Students Its Priority

@JRPeller: #TodaysStudents want to know. “Is my school a quality recognized school?” @HigherLearnADV

@CampusLeaders: Thoroughly meaningful conversation with students and higher ed leaders at @HigherLearnADV panel. Our takeaway: student voice matters!

@CHEANews: Our higher learning system lacks a properly functioning QA system, via

@HigherLearnADV. Read more: http://bit.ly/AitN112

@ThirdWayEdu: Did u know #TodaysStudents r more diverse than any previous generation of #college #students ? Thx to @HigherLearnADV for breaking it down.

@KimHunterReed: Yes! @HigherLearnADV focused on needs of today’s students Complex lives on a mission- to earn that life changing degree. Uncomplicate it!

@TerriTaylor: Would that every higher ed panel started w students & applause for successfully juggling work, life, school #TodaysStudents @HigherLearnADV

@TanyaMAng: Excited to be representing @GiBillRights at @HigherLearnADV panel discussing reworking policy to be more applicable to #TodaysStudents.

@CarrieWarrick: Never too many reminders about how #tTodaysStudents are the new majority & don’t resemble traditional 20th century students. @HigherLearnADV