Odyssey newsletter: silver . agriculture . moose

Volume 1 Issue 25

by Michael Wagner

Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education

This week’s Odyssey newsletter is very special, as it is our 25^th issue, our silver edition, which for us is monumental. We are proud of this newsletter and the content we have shared with our followers.

As always, this week there are some interesting stories and things that are happening in the world of higher education. Enjoy the stories and please share this newsletter with others that you feel would benefit from the information.

Discoveries

“Agripreneurs” could be a growing major

At the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture there is an active movement for students to pursue agricultural degrees to solve worldwide issues. With the strain placed on the world’s food chain in conjunction with climate issues, looking at new ways to grow food is becoming important. Alice Tembasi of University World News writes about what is happening in the world of agriculture education.

Young agripreneurs are changing the face of agriculture

International student admissions rates are on the rise again

Now that the world is reopening, so are the options for international students attending colleges around the world. Michael Gardner of University World News reports the latest figures regarding international enrollment. Gardner looks at Germany, which has seen an increase of 8% from last year.

8% rise in international students puts Germany in top four

One of the biggest higher education issues in years

As we highlighted previously, the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing affirmative action policies in college admissions. The outcome of this proceeding could have ramifications that will alter the U.S. college admissions landscape. Steve Inskeep of National Public Radio (NPR) interviewed Stella Flores an associate professor of higher education and public policy at the University of Texas at Austin about the possible implications (this story features an audio option).

What college admissions would look like if affirmative action is reversed

A focus on increasing graduation rates

According to the National Center for Education Statistics in 2020 the overall 6-year graduation rate for U.S. colleges and universities was 64%. Ilana Kowarski, a senior reporter for U.S. News and World Report, reports on the plans of three universities to improve student graduation rates at their respective institutions.

How 3 universities are working to raise graduation rates

Tip of the Week

An emphasis on getting the best grades

For many students the winter holidays dictate the end of the first semester of the school year. The mid-semester grading period has more than likely passed, and the semester will come to conclusion near the end of the calendar year.

My simple advice to those students is to finish the semester with the best possible grades. No matter what other attributes and experiences you bring, your grades in high school will always be the most important part of your college application. I encourage students to always make their best academic effort; however, when grading periods are ending, I place extra emphasis on a strong finish and taking the time needed to get the best grades possible.

Students must realize that once the grading period is over and the grades have been recorded, they live with those grades for a lifetime. These grades will not go away, and colleges will make acceptance decisions based upon the grades on the transcript. That is why it is so important to do whatever it takes to get the best possible grades each term.

Before you go...

I am a nature lover and believe that animals in the wild have the right to enjoy where they live. I love moose—despite their massive size, they are such a graceful animal. This video was furnished to CBS Sunday Morning by videographer Hank Heusinkyeld, captured near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Nature: Moose

The years spent pursuing a higher education degree is critical for so many people. It is a place and time where they enter as teens and leave as grown adults, propelled toward a new journey in their lives. That is why each week we cover topics to help students explore their options and keep up to date on what is happening in higher education around the world.

We thank you for reading the Odyssey newsletter each week and for sharing it with those in your life.

Have a great week.

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.