November 2024 - Dual Enrollment Survey Results, 2024 Registrar Career Profile, and Survey Reveals Recent College Graduates Are Difficult to Work with and Hard to Supervise

November 2024 Eye on Research

Commentary

Reframing Our Understanding of Today’s Learners
Last week, I heard the term "new majority learner" in a Zoom meeting. I may have heard it before, but it didn’t stick in my brain. This time, it did, and it occurred to me that as AACRAO works on our higher education nomenclature glossary project and supports the LEARN Commission's efforts to advance credit mobility, this term provides a useful framework for understanding today's diverse learner populations. A shift in language and understanding, such as creating a new term, reflects an evolution in our thinking about educational pathways, credit mobility, and learner success.

Moving beyond deficit-based terms and the outdated "traditional versus nontraditional" binary helps create systems that better reflect current demographic realities in higher education. The new majority learner term encompasses multiple intersecting identities and circumstances, as described by Education Design Labs. The term covers all aspects of learner-hood — from those who are parents to those who transfer between institutions to those navigating higher education as English-language learners and many other scenarios.

A comprehensive view of learners aligns closely with AACRAO's Learning Mobility Initiative, a multiyear effort to transform how institutions evaluate, document, and recognize learning to create more equitable, seamless pathways for learners to achieve their educational and career goals. It also guides us to a broader definition of “learner” and steers us away from the multiple nonstandardized definitions of adult learner and nontraditional learner.

See You in 2025
The Eye on Research Blog will be off for December. See you in 2025. I hope you have a peaceful, joyful holiday season.

AACRAO Research Update

The recently completed AACRAO and National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) dual enrollment survey explored high school dual enrollment (HSDE) practices across the United States. This collaborative research effort will serve two important purposes.

First, it will inform the LEARN Commission's Work. Key findings from the survey are being incorporated into the LEARN Commission's third green paper, to be released in February 2025.

Second, it will update an industry benchmark that AACRAO last published in 2016. AACRAO and NACEP have joined forces to co-author the benchmark report. The analysis will start in earnest in January, and the report will be released in spring 2025.

Shortened Part-of-Term: From Implementation to Impact White Paper
AACRAO's recent virtual roundtable discussion, sponsored by Ad Astra, brought together stakeholders from nine higher education institutions to explore shortened-parts-of-term (SPOT) classes. This type of scheduling covers classes running shorter than traditional academic terms that are offered within or across standard-term calendars.

The newly released white paper examines SPOT implementation from enrollment management to learner-success metrics. Insights reveal benefits, such as increased flexibility and accelerated completion pathways. However, institutions must balance benefits against academic rigor and learner-support challenges.

Access the white paper to explore findings and recommendations for SPOT implementation at your institution.

Current Higher Education Research and Related Topics

Dual Enrollment Outcomes Are the Focus of New Research
An interactive dashboard based on data from a report by the 2024 Community College Research Center (CCRC) Teachers College, Columbia University analyzes national- and state-level outcomes for HSDE programs. Data demonstrates the overall positive effects on college enrollment and completion rates by dual enrollment learners, compared to nonparticipants. The dashboard provides data on a state-by-state basis. The study reveals significant interstate variations and highlights persistent demographic disparities, particularly among low-income, Black, and Hispanic students. Key findings include the following:

• Dual enrollment programs generally improve college access and completion rates.
• Outcomes vary between and within states.
• Economic and racial/ethnic disparities persist in program access and success rates.

Student Success Administrator Survey Findings Published
A report from Inside Higher Ed (download required) presents findings from Inside Higher Ed's first Survey of College and University Student Success Administrators, conducted in partnership with Hanover Research during the summer of 2024. Responses were received from 199 student success leaders across higher education institutions in the United States. Responses reveal insights into institutional effectiveness, learner experience, and administrative perspectives on higher education. Key findings across a wide variety of issues include:

• 96% of respondents rate their institution's undergraduate education quality as good or excellent.
• Public institution leaders rate educational value higher than private nonprofit counterparts.
• 59% of leaders agree their institution prioritizes learner success, but fewer report effectiveness in collecting (44%) and analyzing (40%) learner-success data.
• Learner stress primarily stems from balancing academics with personal responsibilities.
• Decreased socialization skills due to the pandemic are cited as the main driver of the undergraduate mental health crisis.
• 7% - 9% of institutions report being highly effective at helping learners understand and utilize AI across various applications (coursework, career readiness, life skills).
• 71% of respondents consider faculty involvement crucial for connecting classroom learning to real-world applications and career goals.
• 50% of respondents report their institution as highly effective in helping learners navigate recent FAFSA changes.
• 58% express serious concerns about how FAFSA changes affect student enrollment.
• 74% of learner-success leaders report high job satisfaction.
• 49% of respondents rate their career advancement opportunities favorably.

Report Focuses on Effective Student Success Initiatives
The recently released Civitas Learning Student Success Impact Report (login/download required) provides insights into effective student success initiatives and their impact on persistence. The report analyzes longitudinal trends from 2021 to 2023. Data from 2023 emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach that combines traditional and emerging best practices. The report also delves into the effectiveness of various initiatives for different student populations, underscoring the need for a tailored, data-driven approach to student success. Key takeaways include the following:

• Traditional strategies, such as academic advising, scholarships, and smart class scheduling, continue to be among the most effective at increasing student persistence.
• Comprehensive support, including proactive engagement, simplified registration, student involvement, financial assistance, and academic support services, yielded the best results in 2023.
• The impact of student success initiatives varies significantly, depending on the target population. This highlights the need for data-informed, tailored approaches.
• Regular assessment of program effectiveness with various methods, such as prediction-based propensity score matching, enables institutions to optimize their student-success investments.
• Institutions should analyze their data, develop targeted strategies, and evaluate on a regular basis the impact of their programs to achieve sustained student success and financial stability.

Report Examines How Families Cover the Increasing Costs of Higher Education
A new analysis from the Brookings Institution examines how families from different income levels have covered the rising net price of college attendance over the past few decades. The analysis reveals families have employed various strategies to meet higher education costs, including increased reliance on parental income and savings, and more significant learner employment, particularly among lower-income families.

While learner borrowing has not significantly increased, parental borrowing has become more common, especially among middle- and higher-income families. Key findings include the following:

• Lower-income families have relied primarily on learner earnings and limited parental contributions to cover rising net prices, with minimal increase in learner borrowing.
• Middle- and higher-income families have absorbed a more significant portion of the net price increase through increased payments from their income, savings, and some additional parental borrowing.
• Findings highlight the disproportionate burden that rising college costs place on families with lower incomes, potentially limiting educational opportunities and long-term financial stability.
• To ensure equitable access and maximize the value of the higher education system, the affordability challenge needs to be addressed, particularly for learners from lower-income backgrounds.

Business Leaders: Recent College Graduates Are Difficult to Work with and Hard to Supervise
A recent survey by Intelligent.com reveals significant challenges in integrating recent Generation Z college graduates into the workforce. Seventy-five percent of companies report unsatisfactory performance from their 2024 graduate hires. Hiring managers indicate that showing initiative and demonstrating a positive attitude would make recent graduates more appealing as candidates. Figure 1.

The study surveyed 966 business leaders; responses indicate widespread concerns about Gen Z's workplace readiness. These challenges resulted in high termination rates and potential hesitancy in future hiring decisions. Key findings include:

• 60% of companies terminated recent college graduate hires in 2024; primary issues include lack of motivation, poor professionalism, and inadequate communication skills.
• 65% of hiring managers perceive recent graduates as entitled, while 55% believe they lack a strong work ethic.
• 90% of hiring managers recommend etiquette training for recent graduates; 54% of companies currently offer such training.
• In 2025, 84% of businesses intend to hire recent college graduates, compared to roughly 5% who do not and 10% who are unsure.

Figure 1: Surveyed Business Leaders Share Hesitation to Hire Recent College Graduates

Source:  1 in 6 Companies Are Hesitant To Hire Recent College Graduates - Intelligent. (2024, October 15). Intelligent.

Report Focuses on Gen Z and Trade Career Programs
The Second Annual Future of the Skilled Trades Report, a report from the technology company Thumbtack, reveals a significant shift in Gen Z's perception of trade careers. This is primarily driven by social media's portrayal of professional life. Figure 2.

The study highlights emerging trends in career preferences among young adults, particularly their growing interest in skilled trades. Key findings include:

• 55% of Gen Z are considering skilled trade careers due to social media’s influence.
• 84% of Gen Z and parents respect trades, challenging traditional college-focused career paths.
• Technological advancements in trades are attracting digital-native generations, particularly in areas such as AI and 3D printing.
• Women are showing increased interest in trade careers.
• Only 41% of Gen Z reported access to trade programs, creating an educational gap for many learners.

Figure 2: Report Shows Gen Z's Rising Interest in Skilled Trade

Source: New Thumbtack Report Shows Social Media Driving Gen Z’s Rising Interest in the Skilled Trades – Thumbtack Press. (2024, September 27). Thumbtack Press.

Research Suggests the “Enrollment Cliff” May Drive Program Closures
Recent data from the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution indicates the closures of institutions of higher education primarily affect small, already-struggling institutions, particularly among for-profit institutions. This does not represent a systemic crisis in traditional higher education.

Data suggest a more significant concern lies in program eliminations and departmental closures within stable institutions, particularly as demographic shifts create regional variations in enrollment patterns. Key findings of the data include the following:

• Most of the 17 four-year institutions that closed or merged in the past year had declining enrollments and averaged only 120 learners at closure.
• Approximately 33% of U.S. colleges enroll fewer than 1,000 learners and operate with minimal endowment funds, making them vulnerable to enrollment fluctuations.
• Some flagship state universities have implemented substantial program cuts and faculty reductions in response to enrollment changes.
• Some flagship state universities have implemented substantial program cuts and faculty reductions in response to enrollment changes.

Survey Examines the Financial Health of Higher Education Employees
The TIAA Institute and CUPA-HR's 2024 Higher Education Workforce Survey examines financial wellness and retirement preparedness among full-time college and university employees. Particularly emphasized are the impact of debt obligations, including student loans. Figure 3.

The comprehensive study surveyed 1,210 higher education professionals. It reveals that while most employees actively save for retirement, debt constraints significantly impact their financial confidence and retirement-planning decisions. Key findings include the following:

• 80% of higher education employees have debt; most borrowers experience debt constraints that affect their financial decisions.
• Student loan borrowers face heightened financial challenges; 83% report debt constraints.
• While 93% of employees save for retirement, 20% of debt-constrained savers need more confidence in the adequacy of their savings.
• 25% of retirement savers plan to annuitize portions of their savings; this strategy could benefit even those not currently considering it.
• Professional financial advice significantly boosts retirement confidence; 64% of those following all received advice reported high confidence in their retirement prospects.

Figure 3: Survey Examines Financial Well-Being of Higher Education Employees



Source: Financial well-being and retirement readiness in higher ed | Institute. (n.d.).

Report Analyzes College President Performance
A new analytical report from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) evaluates the effectiveness of over 400 college presidents who served between 2000 and 2023. The report examines college presidents’ impact on key institutional metrics related to learner access, college affordability, and student success. Research identifies significant variations in presidential performance. While some leaders achieved remarkable improvements across multiple measures, others presided over periods of decline in these critical areas. Key findings include the following:

• Some presidents successfully reduced tuition costs while improving learner outcomes.
• Enrollment of limited-income and underrepresented racial groups increased under effective leadership.
• Graduation rates showed measurable improvement under high-performing presidents.
• Significant performance disparities exist among presidents; some show minimal or negative impact.
• Findings suggest a need for greater accountability and outcome-based evaluation of college presidents.

How Far Learners Live from College Affects Academic Performance
Two recent studies investigate how geographic distance from a higher education institution affects college access and completion rates across different demographic groups. The research studies were conducted in Texas by Annenberg EdExchange and in California by the RP group. Data reveal distance disproportionately impacts marginalized learners' educational opportunities. Key findings from the studies include the following:

• White and Asian learners living far from community colleges tend to pursue education at four-year institutions, while Hispanic, Black, and limited-income learners living far from community colleges are more likely to forgo higher education entirely.
• Learners in "university education deserts" (25+ miles from four-year institutions) demonstrate lower transfer rates from community colleges.
• Marginalized learners, including limited-income and first-generation learners, are more likely to attend colleges in education deserts.
• Most learners typically attend colleges within 17 miles of their home, highlighting proximity's crucial role in educational access.
• Potential solutions include implementing bachelor's programs at community colleges and expanding online education options.

Report on the Value of Education for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous Learners
A report (download required) from the Pell Institute examines the value of higher education for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students, particularly those in TRIO programs. The report reveals that learners view their educational investment as crucial for personal and professional growth despite significant challenges. The study highlights six key dimensions of educational value:

• Economic Value: Learners view college as a pathway to economic mobility, despite financial strain, and work challenges.
• Professional Value: Degrees are perceived as critical for career success, especially with strong mentorship and career preparation.
• Social Network Value: Campus connections and program participation provide essential support and resources to learners.
• Personal Value: Higher education facilitates transformative personal growth and self-discovery.
• Familial Value: Academic achievements honor family sacrifices and inspire younger generations.
• Collective Value: Education is viewed as a tool for societal progress and advancing equity.