Explore

California Community College Professors Earn High Salaries Teaching Numerous Online Classes, Raising Concerns About Student Learning

California Community College Professors Earn High Salaries Teaching Numerous Online Classes, Raising Concerns About Student Learning

A recent analysis of public payroll records by CalMatters has revealed that some part-time professors in California's community college system are earning exceptionally high salaries, with one professor making nearly $800,000 in 2024, by teaching dozens of online classes simultaneously. These professors often repackage similar course content for hundreds of students across multiple districts and institutions, including UC Berkeley and Cal State Sacramento. For instance, Professor Thien-Huong Ninh Villarreal taught 30 sociology, ethnic studies, and business classes to approximately 1,100 students in a single semester. Another adjunct astronomy professor, Andrew Vanden Heuvel, teaches around 50 online classes and labs to as many as 1,000 students nationwide, earning over $750,000 in 2024. These practices are not against current regulations, as there are no rules preventing adjuncts from teaching in multiple districts. However, Sarah Thompson, president of the Faculty Association of California Community Colle...

Alabama State University Unveils 'Master Plan' for Campus Modernization and Expansion

Alabama State University Unveils 'Master Plan' for Campus Modernization and Expansion

Alabama State University (ASU) has announced a comprehensive 'Master Plan' detailing significant upgrades and developments for its campus. University President Dr. Quinton Ross described this initiative as one of the most impactful events in the institution's history. The plan, revealed on Thursday, includes visual renderings of proposed changes. Key elements of the master plan involve a complete redesign of the Harris Way Bridge over Interstate 85, extensive renovations to the campus quad, and development of the land surrounding the Interpretive Center. Additionally, the plan outlines major upgrades to existing facilities, with one rendering suggesting the potential construction of an indoor athletic practice facility. Donald Dotson, ASU's vice president of facilities management and operations, stated that the plan aims to integrate the university more closely with the community while expanding its academic and physical offerings over the next 15 to 20 years. The vision also includes the creation of state...

Cade Brumley Appointed President of University of Louisiana System, Replacing Rick Gallot

Cade Brumley Appointed President of University of Louisiana System, Replacing Rick Gallot

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has announced the appointment of state education Superintendent Cade Brumley as its new president, replacing Rick Gallot. Gallot's resignation is effective December 1. This change in leadership follows a report by The Times-Picayune indicating that Gallot owes $350,000 in back taxes and has a federal tax lien against him. Brumley, an ally of Governor Jeff Landry, was hired to oversee the state education department in 2020 and has been credited with improving Louisiana's test scores and education ranking. His selection for the UL System job surprised K-12 school advocates, though rumors of his departure from his current role had circulated for over a year. The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will now need to find a replacement for Brumley, with no timeline announced yet.

Shippensburg University Receives Federal Grant to Support First-Generation Students

Shippensburg University Receives Federal Grant to Support First-Generation Students

Shippensburg University has been awarded a nearly $3 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This five-year grant aims to enhance retention and degree completion rates for first-generation, Pell Grant-recipient, and Pell-eligible students. First-generation students constitute 45 percent of Ship's incoming 2026 cohort and face a potential 12-percentage-point gap in first-to-second-year retention. The university plans to utilize the grant to expand its Textbook Network, thereby eliminating financial barriers to course materials, as national studies indicate a significant number of students skip purchasing required textbooks due to cost. Additionally, the funding will expand academic and student support services and increase participation in high-impact, work-based, and career-focused learning experiences. A new first-generation student lounge and study space has also been established in the Ezra Lehman Memorial Library.

Grayson College Secures Grant from Swipe Out Hunger to Combat Student Food Insecurity

Grayson College Secures Grant from Swipe Out Hunger to Combat Student Food Insecurity

Grayson College has received a $4,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating food insecurity among college students. This funding will bolster the college's efforts to provide nutritious food through Vic's Market, its on-campus food pantry, from November 2026 through May 2027. The grant aims to remove barriers to student success by ensuring access to essential food resources. In addition to the financial award, Grayson College will join the Swipe Out Hunger Network, gaining access to operational guidance, professional development, discounted food supplies, and a nationwide network of over 1,000 campuses. This partnership will facilitate collaboration and the sharing of strategies to enhance campus food assistance programs. Vic's Market is part of Grayson College’s broader Grayson Cares program, which supports students beyond academics by addressing basic needs.

Grand Canyon Education Expands Online Academic Program Outreach with New Account Executive Roles

Grand Canyon Education Expands Online Academic Program Outreach with New Account Executive Roles

Grand Canyon Education Expands Online Academic Program Outreach with New Account Executive Roles

Las Positas College Announces Fall 2026 Academic Services Leadership and Faculty Appointments

Las Positas College Announces Fall 2026 Academic Services Leadership and Faculty Appointments

Las Positas College has released its organizational chart for Fall 2026, detailing the leadership and faculty appointments within its Business, Social Science, and Learning Resources division. Titian Lish has been named the Interim Dean of Academic Services. Aubrie Ross will serve as the Senior Administrative Assistant. The Early Childhood Development department will include instructors Lyndale Garner and Nadiyah Taylor, with Carla Aguirre as the Classified ECD Professional Development Coordinator. In Psychology, instructors are Irena Keller, John Ruys, Robin Roy, and Sheena Turner-August. The Social Science department lists Daniel Cearley for Anthropology, Stuart McElderry and John Rosen for History, Felipe Ponce for Ethnic Studies, and Sarah Thompson and Akihiko Hirose for Sociology. The Business-Marketing-Economics department includes Erick Bell, Rajeev Chopra, Jerry Bailey, Mary Lauffer, and Andrew Patterson as instructors, with Gina Webster specifically for Economics. Mary Lauffer also handles Work Ex...

Philanthropist Bhikhaji Maneckji Donates $500,000 to Community College of Rhode Island for New Student Success Program

Philanthropist Bhikhaji Maneckji Donates $500,000 to Community College of Rhode Island for New Student Success Program

Philanthropist Bhikhaji Maneckji Donates $500,000 to Community College of Rhode Island for New Student Success Program

Higher Education Institutions Adapt Spaces to Better Serve Student Veterans' Diverse Needs

Higher Education Institutions Adapt Spaces to Better Serve Student Veterans' Diverse Needs

Higher education institutions are redesigning campus spaces to better support student veterans, moving beyond symbolic gestures to create functional environments. The University of South Florida (USF) has implemented a layered approach in its Office of Veteran Success on both its Tampa and St. Petersburg campuses. This design includes public and private zones, informal 'front porches,' lounge areas, and dedicated study rooms. Flexible multipurpose rooms are also incorporated to adapt to evolving needs, alongside specific areas for veteran student workers to foster peer mentorship and private counseling rooms for sensitive conversations. This initiative acknowledges that student veterans often balance coursework with work and family responsibilities, and may be older or returning after years of service, requiring spaces that offer choice, privacy, flexibility, and dignity.

Carnegie Mellon University Implements New Mental Health and Academic Support Initiatives

Carnegie Mellon University Implements New Mental Health and Academic Support Initiatives

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is rolling out new initiatives to enhance student well-being, mental health, and the academic experience, following recommendations from a President's Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB, comprising independent mental health experts, academic leaders, alumni, trustees, and a CMU parent, was tasked with examining how academic support systems can better integrate with mental health and well-being resources. Key areas of focus include improving communication about existing resources, strengthening faculty engagement in student well-being, and enhancing advising systems for consistency across academic units. The university plans to expand and standardize training for faculty, staff, and student leaders, and develop strategies to support faculty and staff well-being. These efforts build upon CMU's decade-long investment in student support, which has seen increased staffing in Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS), expanded coordination between health and counseling services, an...

Farmingdale State College Urges Students to Complete FAFSA for 2027-2028 Financial Aid

Farmingdale State College Urges Students to Complete FAFSA for 2027-2028 Financial Aid

Farmingdale State College is actively encouraging students to complete their 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) promptly. The college has set a preferred deadline of March 1 to ensure timely application of financial aid to student bills. Students are advised to visit studentaid.gov to fill out the FAFSA application and include Farmingdale State College's school code, 002858. The institution emphasizes that early submission can expedite access to funding for college costs based on financial eligibility. The Office of Financial Aid provides various support options, including phone inquiries, email assistance, virtual appointments with advisors, and multiple methods for submitting documentation. Students are also reminded to regularly check their Farmingdale email and OASIS accounts for updates on their financial aid status and awards. The college participates in federal and state aid programs and offers debt-management counseling and College Work-Study placement services.

Colorado State University Honors Veterans, Highlights Support Services

Colorado State University Honors Veterans, Highlights Support Services

Colorado State University (CSU) is recognizing Veterans Day by highlighting the contributions and experiences of its more than 600 students, faculty, and staff who have served in the U.S. military. The university's Adult Learner and Veteran Services (ALVS) plays a crucial role in providing academic support and fostering a sense of community for these individuals as they transition from military service to college life. Ben Schrader, Director of ALVS and a U.S. Army veteran, emphasized the importance of this community in helping veterans achieve their career aspirations. Several members of the CSU community visited the ALVS office to share their reflections on military service, underscoring the program's impact.