Volume 1 Issue 27
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
For many students around the world, the coming weeks will be the end of the first term. This is a very important time, since the grades earned by students will be recorded and added to their transcripts, meaning that these will be the grades colleges and universities will review for admissions decisions. I hear from college admissions representatives over and over how important grades are in the decision process. With many students headed toward winter breaks, this week I stress the importance of taking advantage of the time.
As always, there is so much happening in the world of higher education. The purpose of this newsletter is to help our readers stay informed with what is happening. I hope you will enjoy these stories and feel free to share this newsletter with others.
Discoveries
Dual enrollment can help, but can be hard to access
Many schools and students try to enhance their chances of having college credits while still in high school. The benefit of obtaining as many college credits as possible before graduation is that it will likely reduce the length of time a student spends in college or give them a lighter class load. However, for some students, this is not always an easy process. EdSource’s Zaidee Staylely explores the issues surrounding dual enrollment access.
Why can't more students take college courses in high school?
Choosing a college major
When it comes to going to college, one of the biggest decisions students make is deciding on a major. According to CNBC there are majors that graduates regret and there are majors that are more promising. Jessica Dickler reports on the findings.
The top 10 most-regretted college majors — and the degrees graduates wish they had pursued instead
Challenges to creating an international culture on campus
One of the many admissions hurdles that enrollment managers had to tackle during the pandemic was the retention of international students on campus. Many students returned to their home countries when schools began altering the delivery methods of academics. Nathan M. Greenfield of University World News reports on the changes in internationalization of college campuses as international students begin to return.
Report maps ‘huge’ shifts in internationalisation on campuses
And here is a bonus weblink and webinar from the American Council on Education:
Mapping Internationalization on U.S. Campuses
What do college students need?
One of the most important functions of colleges and universities is to provide students the services they need to be successful in school. The list can sometimes be overwhelming. Steven Mintz, professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin, writes a blog post for Insider Higher Ed, outlining some areas in which students need support.
What Today’s College Students NeedTip of the Week
Holiday breaks are for relaxing, but also a time to be productive
When I am advising my students, no matter what high school grade they are in, I repeat the same message to all of them; take advantage of the holiday break at your school and be productive. There are so many ways to be productive during school breaks.
First and foremost, students can spend extra time on all their subjects. There is no wasted time in reviewing the material from the entire semester since the start of school. Students can especially focus on materials for a class or classes they are struggling with and want to improve their grades. I also advise students to take the time of the break to read; it is one of the best ways for students to relax, learn about something that interests them, build their vocabulary, and practice being a life-long learner.
Lastly, I advise students to seek out opportunities to take a certificate or credentialing class in a subject that interests them or a subject that is in alignment with a college major. This is an excellent way for students to show colleges they take their learning to another level.
Whatever choice a student makes, I recommend taking advantage of the extra time a school break provides. Always remember, one can never make up for lost time.
Before you go...
A time to be thankful
In the coming week in the United States, one of the most treasured holidays will be celebrated by millions—Thanksgiving. It is a day of family gatherings, huge meals, and watching American football, but it is also a time to take a pause and be thankful. No matter where you are in the world, I encourage everyone to stop and take a moment, personally reflect, and practice gratitude.
Each week, I take pride in creating this newsletter to share important issues in higher education. The landscape in higher education changes daily and it can be hard to keep up. I hope that these stories help everyone stay abreast of what is happening at colleges and universities.
I will close by sharing that the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is my favorite; maybe because I like to eat, and I like to watch football. On Thanksgiving I get plenty of both. But I am also very thankful for everything I have and especially for helping serve the students I work with.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Mike
Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.