The Kept-Up Academic Librarian

Transfer Students Are Higher Education's Hot New Commodity

But there are two storm clouds on the horizon. The first is the shift of demographics that has many students seeking postsecondary education by moving with their feet to two-year colleges and for profit institutions In this mix, the transfer student has become the new hot commodity. Transfers provide an attractive option for upper level colleges and universities seeking to complete a class. Read more at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-brian-c-mitchell/college-transfer-students-_b_1835709.html?utm_hp_ref=college

Number Of Hispanic College Students Is On The Rise

College enrollment has soared for Hispanic young adults in the last few years, by some measures reaching levels similar to those among young blacks. Among Americans ages 18 to 24 with a high school diploma or equivalent, 46 percent of Hispanics were enrolled in college last year, up from 37 percent in 2008. Hispanic students, compared with other groups, are far more likely to attend community colleges. Read more at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/21/education/hispanics-college-enrollment-surges-report-finds.html?_r=1

How Will Data Misrepresentation Scandal Hurt Emory

Emory University's reputation as one of the nation's most respected institutions has been jeopardized after its disclosure that the school misrepresented information used for college rankings, education specialists say. The scent of scandal has descended on an institution that is known for its integrity and is often mentioned alongside Atlanta pillars such as Coca-Cola. But that distinction may be damaged after President James Wagner disclosed last week that Emory had for more than a decade intentionally misrepresented test data and other information about its students to publications that rank colleges. Read more at:
http://www.ajc.com/news/will-data-deception-damage-1502140.html

On The Defensive Colleges Move To Show They Are Worth The Investment

Weak job-placement numbers for graduates and heavy student debt loads have put colleges and universities on the defensive. Enter the chief marketing officer to show families and state governments that a degree is worth the investment and funding. [NOTE- video segment]. Find it at:
http://live.wsj.com/video/making-the-case-for-a-college-degree/452EB807-1514-4C00-A406-709BEB6566EE.html#!452EB807-1514-4C00-A406-709BEB6566EE

To Be More Competitive Colleges Are Hiring Chief Marketing Officers

Schools are getting the message about messaging. Elite colleges and universities are still attracting plenty of applicants, but weak job-placement numbers for graduates and heavy student debt loads have put schools on the defensive, forcing them to prove to families and state governments that a degree is worth the investment. Enter the chief marketing officer. A relatively new academic position, these marketers manage schools' identities and messaging, a role covering everything from admissions brochures and Twitter feeds to brand management. Read more at:
http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10000872396390444233104577591171686709792-lMyQjAxMTAyMDEwNjAxODY3Wj.html?mod=wsj_valetleft_email

Midwest Colleges Are Depending On Enrolling More Out-Of-State Students

About 35 percent of MU’s freshmen this fall are coming from outside Missouri, more than double the 17 percent of 10 years ago. And this year, for the first time, MU received more applications from out of state than in Missouri. With state governments cutting higher education funding, and tuition making up an ever-larger part of schools’ budgets, universities across the country are trolling for out-of-state students. Read more at: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/08/10/3759833/regions-colleges-look-out-of-state.html

Texas Discrimination Case Could Impact Admissions At All Colleges

The University of Texas filed a brief Monday with the U.S. Supreme Court defending its use of race as one the standards in its admissions policies. Abigail Fisher, a white student who was not admitted to the school in 2008, filed a lawsuit challenged the policy as violation of her civil and constitutional rights. The case is being watched closely for a broad ruling that could impact admissions policy at public and private universities nationwide. Read more at:
http://www.chron.com/news/article/Univ-of-Texas-files-brief-defending-use-of-race-3766931.php

Parents Are Taking More Control Of College Decisions

With tuition costs surging, the weak employment growth weighs heavily on cash-strapped families. And while the frenzied scramble to get into an elite school still dominates senior year for many strivers, those footing the bill are taking an increasingly hard-nosed, consumer-oriented approach to their child's higher education.  Parents are pushing their student into certain majors, vetoing others and advocating for in-state schools over more expensive status brands. They're grilling administrators on job placement rates and alumni networks. In short, they are demanding a better return on their hefty investment than ever before. Read more at:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-college-major-20120806,0,5577504.story?dssReturn

Prospective Students Use Video To Improve Their Chances

With thousands of prospective students starting to think about preparing their applications, smart colleges are realizing that, while simple Web sites and information packets worked well enough in the past, the new generation needs new ways of access. Enter YouTube, the world’s second-largest search engine. Since 2008, searches on YouTube for “admissions” have risen sharply. We’ve looked at several ways colleges and universities are using YouTube to reach prospective students. Here are some ways those students could use the videos to strengthen their college search. Read more at:
http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/01/between-cat-videos-research-colleges-on-youtube/ 

 

Indian Students Advised To Consider Canadian Colleges

If you are an Indian student interested in applying to colleges and universities in the United States, you’ve probably noticed that the Indian and American education systems are quite different. The university system in Canada, however, can be considered a kind of middle ground between the two. It offers a more Indian-style entrance process and combines it with an American-style interdisciplinary approach to learning. This week on The Choice on India Ink, we’re taking a look at what Canada has to offer Indian students. Read more at:
 http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/26/universities-in-canada-worth-considering/?src=recg