Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University, discusses crucial reforms needed in higher education policy, including Pell Grant eligibility, state reciprocity, and serving diverse student populations.
Why it matters:
President Vollendorf's insights look to shape future higher education policies, especially regarding access and affordability.
Key takeaways:
- Empire State University focuses on accessibility and serving learners of all ages.
- Current incentive structures in higher education need reform to prioritize student success over institutional metrics.
- Pell Grant program requires updates to better serve non-traditional students.
- State reciprocity is crucial for serving diverse populations, including military personnel and Puerto Rican students.
What's next:
President Vollendorf calls for the Department of Education to:
- Rethink Pell eligibility and consider a Pell completion program.
- Incentivize collaboration across institutions.
- Focus on serving learners of all ages and backgrounds.
The bottom line: Higher education institutions need support to serve a diverse student population, focusing on student success rather than institutional success.
23 сен 2024
