September, 2024

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Going to College Doesn’t Have to Suck

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

It’s finally happened. After years of studying higher education and teaching thousands of students, I’m now the parent of a high school senior who’s running the so-called college admissions gauntlet. Earlier this month I attended a parent meeting at his Philadelphia public school and listened as an experienced educator told us, “At some point during this process you will hate your child.

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Why Mental Health Must Be Part of Your School’s Launch Plan

Active Minds

As a former educator on the south side of Chicago, I know firsthand the excitement and challenges of launching a new school year. The start of the school year sets the tone for what’s to come. We plan everything—the schedules, the curricula, the safety drills—but too often, mental health programming gets overlooked. And in today’s climate, that’s a mistake we can’t afford to make.

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How can colleges use predictive algorithms equitably? A conversation with Dr. Denisa Gándara

IHEP Institute for Higher Education Policy

New research reveals that algorithms commonly used by institutions to predict student success may be racially biased against Black and Latinx students. The report, “ Inside the Black Box: Detecting and Mitigating Algorithmic Bias Across Racialized Groups in College Student-Success Prediction ,” shows that predictive models are more likely to predict failure for Black and Latinx students who succeed, compared to their White and Asian counterparts.

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Shifting Focus: Making Memories, Not Friends

Student Minds

Alyssia writes about how to find the right friends for you at university. - Alyssia I came to university ready to reinvent the high-school-me. Growing up socially anxious in an unwelcoming environment, I felt isolated during my 12 years at the same school. Over the years, I would adapt to become stubbornly individualistic. Although I did have friends, I wasn’t very attached to them.

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Can Brain Science Actually Help Make Your Training & Teaching Stick?

Speaker: Andrew Cohen, Founder & CEO of Brainscape

The instructor’s PPT slides are brilliant. You’ve splurged on the expensive interactive courseware. Student engagement is stellar. So… why are half of your students still forgetting everything they learned in just a matter of weeks? It's likely a matter of cognitive science! With so much material to "teach" these days, we often forget to incorporate key proven principles into our curricula — namely active recall, metacognition, spaced repetition, and interleaving practice.

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Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness in Danger?

Student Loan Planner

A flurry of recent court activity has impacted several student loan forgiveness programs, and millions of borrowers are in limbo. While the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program isn’t directly targeted, the ripple effects of these lawsuits could still impact PSLF borrowers. The fate of the program may hinge on the outcome of upcoming elections,… The post Is Public Service Loan Forgiveness in Danger?

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Resources for Communities Following Natural Disasters

Ed.gov Homeroom

Recent natural disasters have significantly impacted communities and their education institutions. Since 2017, there have been over 500 presidentially declared major disasters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Outlying Areas. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) closely follows the impacts of natural disasters on students, educators, staff, families, and others.

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Turn Passion into Profession: A Guide to Planning Your Future in the Mental Health Field

Active Minds

It’s never too early to start planning for your future. As you return to school looking forward to charting a new year, it’s important to consider how your actions today inform your path tomorrow. This new season is the perfect time to start thinking about your career and plans for the future. Many of you already have a solid plan, while others are still creating yours.

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How to Stop Making Excuses

Steve Keating

It has been said that a person who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else. Make no mistake about this absolute fact… making excuses is habit-forming. Making excuses is demoralizing, for the excuse maker and the people who have to listen to them. Excuse-making limits a person’s potential. It’s just not good to make excuses. Ever! Before we look at how to stop making excuses, let’s make sure we are all on the same page about exactly what an excuse sounds like.

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University Survival Guide 2024: Must-Haves and Top Tips for a Smooth Transition

Student Minds

As the new academic year fast approaches, we reached out to our Instagram community to share their top tips for starting the new year as a Fresher. - Student Minds Blog Editorial Team Heading off to university is an exciting, life-changing experience. It’s a time of independence, self-discovery, and of course, higher education. But with all the excitement comes a lot of preparation, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

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Completing the FISAP Ahead of the October 1st Deadline

College Aid Services

As the October 1st deadline approaches, FSA has issued a number of important reminders to ensure that institutions accurately complete the Fiscal Operations Report for 2023–24 and the Application to Participate for 2025–26 (FISAP). The electronic announcement highlights best practices for data entry, updating information, and provides digital resources that contain guidelines to successfully complete… More » Completing the FISAP Ahead of the October 1st Deadline The post Completing the FIS

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Single Stop Announces Leadership Transition

Single Stop

Single Stop Announces Leadership Transition: Steven Williams Named Chief Executive Officer New York, NY- Single Stop, the leading technology platform dedicated to connecting individuals and families with public benefits and wraparound support, today announced a leadership transition. Steven Williams, Chief Operating Officer (COO), will succeed Martin Hanna as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as Hanna transitions to a Senior Vice President role for Single Stop’s parent company, The Fedcap Group.

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Morgan State Receives $20.9M Grant for Research on Urban Health Disparities

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Morgan State University has been awarded a five-year, $20.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Dr. David K. Wilson The grant will expand ongoing health research at the university’s Research Centers in Minority Institutions Center for Urban Health Disparities Research and Innovation.

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Former Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy students reflect on their experiences

Active Minds

The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy (Academy) is a leadership development and mental health advocacy program that equips BIPOC and LGBTQ+ high school students to address mental health-related issues and affect change in their schools, communities, and states. Recently, four alumni from the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy told us about their experiences and what they learned from the program as well as how they are leading mental health change in their schools and communities.

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How to Be More Observant

Steve Keating

I’ve heard it said that some people see more in a walk around the block than others see in a trip around the world. I know some people who definitely fall into one of those two categories. I kind of think I fall into both of them, depending on what’s going on in my life at the time. I’m pretty convinced that the more observant we are, the better our relationships are.

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Freshers' may not be the best time of your life

Student Minds

Hollie reflects on her struggles with mental health during her first year of university, sharing what she wishes she had known. - Hollie Rose As the car rolled up the Bailey and the wheels moved over the cobblestones as we approached Durham Cathedral, I spotted my new home to my left, with iron gates opening onto the future I had been dreaming of for years.

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Team Spotlight: Stephanie McCarter

College Aid Services

Our September Team Spotlight is Stephanie McCarter, who joined College Aid Services in 2023. Stephanie’s enter the field as the Assistant Director of Compliance & Quality Control career at the University of South Carolina in 2013, where she showcased her commitment to high standards in a student-facing role. She collaborated extensively with other professionals through… More » Team Spotlight: Stephanie McCarter The post Team Spotlight: Stephanie McCarter first appeared on College

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Comfortable Conversations: Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Topics

Timely MD

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. TimelyCare‘s TalkNow Service is available for 24/7 emotional support. Someone dies by suicide every 11 minutes in the United States. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the country, particularly among young people.

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Addressing How Student Parents Are Underserved

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Two new reports from The California Alliance for Student Parent Success (The Alliance) detail the challenges that student parents face at California institutions. The reports analyze the available data and call for more research to be gathered so that this population can be served more effectively. Approximately 300,000 undergraduate student parents are currently enrolled at institutions of higher education in the state of California.

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Send Silence Packing: Stories of Loss, Survival and Resilience

Active Minds

Understanding Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Awareness Month takes place every September and is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide so that together we can take action and save lives. Every year 726,000 people die by suicide. Youth mental health continues to be one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with the U.S.

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When an Apology is Due, Apologize Immediately

Steve Keating

Apologizing can often feel like a daunting task for many individuals. For some, the challenge is so great that they choose to avoid it entirely. Others may find it easier to casually say “I’m sorry,” but this frequent use of the phrase can dilute its meaning. Unfortunately, these common apologies often lack an essential element: genuine behavioral change.

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You belong with me

Student Minds

Abigail writes about building a sense of belonging when starting university. - Abigail Mathew Ah, the beloved two words every young adult looks forward to upon leaving secondary education looks forward to. Fresher’s week. You must be familiar with the term – it is a word which is celebrated in the eyes of every prospective university student. However, I was one of the oddballs who was quite apprehensive about it.

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2025–26 FAFSA Specifications Guide Updated with Test ISIR file

College Aid Services

Federal Student Aid has updated Volume 9 of the 2025-26 FAFSA Specifications Guide to include the a test data file of a 2025-26 Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). This file is for use in system testing by schools, state agencies, software providers, and other agencies and entities. The file is a tool to ensure that institutions are… More » 2025–26 FAFSA Specifications Guide Updated with Test ISIR file The post 2025–26 FAFSA Specifications Guide Updated with Test ISIR file fir

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Symplicity Spotlight: Matt Kennelly

Symplicity

Each and every day, our client managers and implementation managers across the globe help make our clients' day-to-day just a little bit easier. With a client support team that comes from across the student success spectrum, clients continuously speak to the dedication of our client support team, and at Symplicity we want to give them the attention they deserve.

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ASALH to Host ‘African Americans in the Arts’ Conference

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Dr. W. Marvin Dulaney The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is set to host its 109th Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh. The Sept. 25-29 ASALH conference will feature a rich program of scholarly sessions, professional workshops, historical tours, a film festival, book signings, and many other events that illuminate the importance of the current struggle to own and control our own narrative.

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Building Resilience in Children: How Schools Can Help

Thrive Alliance Group

Resilience is a skill that everyone needs to overcome obstacles and manage life’s challenges. Yet this essential quality seems to be on the decline in young people. Building resilience in children will help them do better in school and give them a better chance to be happier and more successful throughout their lives. Let’s start by considering why resilience skills have declined, and the advantages resilient kids have as they grow and mature.

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How to Worry Less

Steve Keating

Worrying is worthless! So don’t worry. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that simple? Controlling worry and the stress that accompanies it is anything but easy. If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re human. That means you worry, at least sometimes. The more you can control worry in your life, the better your life will be. As hard as it is, it is possible to reduce the amount of worry we allow into our lives.

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Fresh Start Ends Sept. 30: What Borrowers Need to Know

NCLC Student Loan Borrower Assistance

Over 6 million borrowers are in default on their federal student loans. Before the pandemic, these borrowers faced forced seizures of their wages and antipoverty benefits, including through wage garnishment, Social Security benefits offset, and seizure of their federal tax refunds–including the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Additionally, default damaged their credit scores, rendered them ineligible for student aid to return to school and finish their degrees, and ultimately limi

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Documentation requirements for Mandatory and Discretionary Trigger Reporting Under Financial Responsibility

College Aid Services

Earlier this year, the Department of Education amended regulations for mandatory and discretionary trigger reporting that went into effect on July 1 for institutions receiving Title IV funding. The electronic announcement below provides a summary of suggested documentation that schools can submit to meet the federal government based on a list of possible scenarios.

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College Scheduling: Tips for Students

Student Research Foundation

College students are busy, and time is precious! Between classes, homework, jobs, and social events, it can be hard to stay focused on what needs to get done and what takes priority in the bustle of the moment. One misstep in your day, like forgetting to pick up groceries on the way back from class or an unexpected deadline, can derail your whole schedule.

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An Equity Avenger Continues to Advocate for Social Justice

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

When it comes to equity in higher education, Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson has been a leader. Her work around students’ basic needs, supporting undocumented and mixed-status students, and achieving social justice through focused racial equity efforts has made her a rising star in community college leadership. It is no surprise then that Gilkerson, who was appointed chancellor of the Peralta Community College District (PCCD) earlier this year, has been part of The Equity Avengers, an initiative started b

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Inclusive Higher Education STEM Pathways

Ed.gov Homeroom

By: Patti Curtis, Senior STEM Advisor, Office of the Deputy Secretary On August 14, 2024, the Office of the Deputy Secretary, in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), held a YOU Belong in STEM webinar entitled Inclusive Higher Education Pathways that featured grant programs for minority serving institutions (MSIs) of higher education Continue Reading The post Inclusive Higher Education STEM Pathways appeared first on ED.gov Blog.

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Motivating Yourself When You’re Not Particularly Motivated

Steve Keating

Sometimes I feel like doing nothing. I’m pretty good at it too. And to be clear, sometimes doing nothing is the most productive thing I can do. From time to time, we should all do nothing. As humans, we need time to recharge, reflect, and reinvigorate. It helps us be more productive when we decide to do something. There are also times when we must get something done when nothing is what we would prefer to do.

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Guardian vs. MassMutual: 6 Key Differences in Disability Insurance

Student Loan Planner

Guardian and MassMutual are two titans in the insurance industry. Both are part of the “Big 5” disability insurance companies, and they’re the only providers that hold an A++ rating. But how do they stack up against each other? Are there circumstances where one clearly outshines the other? What are the differences in long-term disability… The post Guardian vs.

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New Guidance Released to Address Conflicting Information Issues With 2024-25 ISIRs

College Aid Services

The Department of Education is addressing two software issues that flag incorrectly flag ISIRs as “Conflicting Information” for the 2024-25 award year. Officials are working to permanently resolve both problems and below is an overview of the most recent guidance that they have provided: Main Issues Issue #1: Federal Tax Information (FTI) and Manual Input… More » New Guidance Released to Address Conflicting Information Issues With 2024-25 ISIRs The post New Guidance Released to

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Best AP Classes for High School Students: CollegeAdvisor x StudyLab

Student Research Foundation

Choosing your Advanced Placement (AP) courses is an important decision, one that can impact both your high school and college career. The majority of high schools across the country offer at least one AP course, with some offering a wide variety of courses. With nearly 40 AP classes to choose from, many students are worried about finding the best AP classes for college.

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Advocating Policy, Better Than Before

Diverse: Issues in Higher Education

Manny Rodriguez laments childhood memories of the discourse surrounding education policies in California, particularly those that negatively affected migrant families like his. But he remains inspired by the words of his father, who would repeat the motto, “Cada generación tiene la responsabilidad de darle un mejor comienzo a la próxima generación.” Meaning, every generation has a responsibility to give the next generation a better start.