In this week's roundup, tragedy strikes two institutions, student loan forgiveness faces an uncertain future and international student enrollment has increased greatly.
November 10- 16
- Two instances of violence have left two institutions in mourning following the deaths of seven students. The University of Virginia was in lockdown during a hunt for the shooter and four students were found dead in a home near the University of Idaho.
- Following more legal challenges to student loan forgiveness, the Biden Administration is considering extending the current pause past Dec. 31. It is unclear when an announcement will be made or how long the extension will be.
- Exit data suggests that college students played a major role in the high youth turnout in midterm elections. A report from Tufts University found that it was the second highest youth voter turnout in 30 years.
- A growing number of DACA recipients are leaving the U.S. after living in uncertainty and instability for years. Those leaving the country report being disheartened by the difficult path to citizenship.
- Over 1,800 institutions are test-optional for Fall 2023 admissions. A majority of the institutions have made these test-optional policies permanent.
- New international student enrollment has seen an 80% increase during the 2021-22 academic year. The increase resembles that of pre-pandemic numbers for enrollment.
- New research from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association found that less than half of students continue their education after their institution abruptly closes. Only one-third go on to earn a degree.
- Over 48,000 student workers across the University of California system are on strike. Teaching assistants, graduate student researchers and tutors are among the workers who are calling for better pay and benefits.
- A two-year California institution has voted to change its name. Cabrillo College will be renamed following an investigation into the Spanish explorer who was the college’s namesake.
- The NCAA has reported that graduation rates for student-athletes have remained high, with 90% of Division I athletes and 88% of Division II and III athletes graduating within six years.
