AKA Weekly Rundown– August 20, 2021

From University Business:

Top experts urge colleges to require vaccines, step up COVID-19 strategies
By Chris Burt
As the COVID-19 Delta variant sweeps the country, many experts and public health officials worry that current higher education pandemic mitigation plans are not as robust as necessary. They argue that requiring vaccination for students, staff, and faculty is necessary for creating a safe environment on campus. While some institutions have heeded this suggestion, many are hesitant to take the step. Read this article

From Politico:

College advisers scramble to catch the most vulnerable students
By Bianca Quilantan

For the second year in a row, the number of low-income students applying to colleges and universities has declined. Many college and career advisors worry that this discrepancy will exacerbate the pre-existing income gap. The continuation of remote learning and a struggling economy are causing some students to forego college for minimum wage jobs. Experts argue that if these potential students don’t enroll after high school, their chances of earning a degree later in life diminish greatly . Read this article

From Brookings Institute:

How does virtual learning impact students in higher education?
By Stephanie Riegg Cellini
The continuation of virtual learning this fall semester may spell bad news for already struggling students. Many studies of the effects compulsory online education has on students indicate that it weakens their academic performance. Researchers warn that students required to complete their degrees primarily online could potentially be less prepared than those who studied in-person . Read this article