Higher Education Headlines: July 22
By Sheryl E. Taylor
College Prep Program for Low-income Students Expands in Houston—Houston Chronicle
Their grades and SAT scores could earn them spots and scholarships at some of the nation’s most prestigious universities. Many of the highest performing students in the Aldine and Klein independent school districts, however, opt to attend nearby Lone Star College instead. That soon could change.
Knowing How to Study Can Mean the Difference Between Success and Failure for First-generation Students. Here’s how instructors can help. —The Chronicle of Higher Education
Instructors should teach study skills to their students, rather than leaving that up to academic advisers or tutors. Not only are first-gen students less likely to seek out help, she says, they might not even know that they’re doing anything wrong.
With Increased State Funding, Lamar State Colleges will Cut Tuition by a Quarter—The Texas Tribune
The Legislature gave a $17.3 million funding boost to the two-year colleges, which are part of the Texas State University System.
At least 62 Colleges were Exploited by a Software Vulnerability. Here’s What You Need to Know.—The Chronicle of Higher Education
The software program, Banner, operated by Ellucian used widely among higher-education institutions has a severe vulnerability that could allow users to gain access to student records.
As the Cost of a Four-Year Degree Soars, Community Colleges Reap More Big Gifts—The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Big gifts to community colleges have grown sharply over the past decade, rising from a single donation of only $2.5 million in 2009 to contributions totaling $53.1 million last year, according to a Chronicle analysis of gifts of $1 million or more.
East Texas University May Restrict When Children Can Be on Campus. Some Employees Say It May Hurt Working Parents—The Texas Tribune
Policies restricting children’s presence in the workplace are common, the introduction of one at Stephen F. Austin State University has been met with months-long resistance from some faculty members.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
