This Week In College Viability (TWICV)

.  I want to start off today’s podcast with a story about 2 college professors I met.  I had the chance to meet and talk with these two kindred souls last week.  These two released a book on Amazon in December.   The title:  Bankrupt U.   The authors:  college professors: Bill Quain and Joe Corabi.These two experienced and entertaining professors and authors take on colleges and college faculty in a way that you will want to read. I will save the details for later.   They will be on the podcast as my special guests as soon as we can get a date lined up.This week I have news and commentary on:+ Layoffs and Cutbacks at UNO, Columbia College (IL), and St. Norbert College+ Webster University touts financial turnaround   - an absolutely ridiculous assertion that I shred to bits.+ Freshman enrollment didn’t flop after all   _ not really that big of a story.+  More silliness at Guilford College in NCES+ And, as always, much more.Show notes and linksUNO to furlough hundreds of employees as it faces $10 million budget gapUniversity of New Orleans to furlough 290 employees, prepare for layoffs amid budget crisisBreaking: College lays off 23 full-time faculty amid historic restructuringSt. Norbert College considers additional faculty layoffsWebster University touts financial turnaround   Freshman enrollment didn’t flop after all 'We are not closing, we are changing'Latest Layoffs Deepen Worries About Future of St. Francis CollegeJeff Doyle 30 private NFP closures in 2024

1/21/25 • 26:42

This Week in College Viability headlines for January 13, 2025+ Bacone College Accreditation Withdrawn – College Drivel for Bacone’s response+ Guilford College risks losing accreditation, probation extended through 2025. Board pres is leading the college’s efforts.  + Of course, the new ‘College Drivel’ section is on for today.+ Which Colleges Always Lose Money?+ Why You Should Check Your College's Financial Health from Kimberly Lankford at KiplingerAI- generated Takeaways (edited)Bacone College has lost its accreditation but is not closing.Guilford College is on probation with its accrediting agency.The financial health of colleges is declining overall.Colleges need to challenge their assumptions about revenue.Deferred maintenance is a growing issue for many institutions.Market realities are driving changes in higher education.Data-driven insights are essential for understanding college viability.Show Note Links:Bacone College Accreditation WithdrawnDecember Brings Late Round of Job, Program CutsGuilford College risks losing accreditation, probation extended through 2025College operating costs rose 3.4% in fiscal 2024Which Colleges Always Lose Money?LI post from  Mark Sklarow CEO | Educator | Higher Education Specialist  Jan 10th.Higher Ed’s Grim New NormalThinking outside the M&A boxOlin College, whose president is resigning, joins ranks of institutions facing financial and leadership difficultiesWhy You Should Check Your College's Financial HealthJon Boeckenstedt blog post

1/13/25 • 30:29

SummaryIn this episode of 'This Week in College Viability,' Gary Stocker discusses the current challenges facing higher education, including leadership changes at Guilford College, the merger of Gannon and Ursuline, and the implications of declining enrollment numbers. He emphasizes the need for financial transparency in colleges and explores the potential for class action suits to hold educational institutions accountable. The conversation also touches on the return on investment for students, the impact of career technical education programs, and the ethical concerns surrounding Pell churning. Stocker concludes with a critical view of the state of higher education and the necessity for reform.TakeawaysGuilford College is facing significant financial challenges leading to leadership changes.Mergers like Gannon and Ursuline reflect the ongoing consolidation in higher education.Financial value transparency is crucial for students to make informed decisions.Class action suits may emerge as a means to hold educational institutions accountable.Return on investment varies significantly between colleges, with some elite schools underperforming.Career technical education programs are gaining popularity among Gen Z as viable alternatives to traditional college.Pell churning raises ethical concerns about how colleges manage student enrollment and retention.Sound Bites"Class action suits could improve American education""Reputation is not as important as major""The only question is when closures will happen""Pell churning is an ethical concern""Colleges are not ivory towers of excellence"00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Challenges01:27 Guilford College Leadership Changes03:50 Mergers in Higher Education: Gannon and Ursuline07:01 The Impact of Enrollment Declines09:53 Financial Value Transparency in Education11:45 Class Action Suits and Educational Accountability15:35 Return on Investment in Higher Education19:02 Tennessee State University: A Case Study20:32 Competition from Career Technical Education Programs23:23 Pell Churning: Ethical Concerns in Enrollment26:18 Conclusion: The Future of Higher EducationShow Notes and LinksGuilford College President Steps Down Amid Financial ChallengesGannon, Ursuline closer to merging. How, when the schools hope to uniteClass dismissed: Colleges expected to close as enrollment numbers tankThe One Biden Education Policy Trump Should KeepWestern Interstate Commission for Higher Education's Knocking at the College Door reportPick a college and graduate.  High-cost schools don't pay.  Earning a degree does.It's been a long year for TSU. 2025 will prove crucial for the school.Alcino Donadel - 2025 prediction on career technical education

1/6/25 • 28:28

The Kind Leadership Guild is a community for educational leaders striving to become more effective and humane with themselves, their team, and the people they serve, including a vibrant Facebook community, regular free zoom workshops, group coaching with fellow leaders, and more.Join me as Sarah Clark discusses higher education job loss, accreditation processes, and her Kind Leadership Guild.

1/5/25 • 19:57

This is the final show for 2024.  I will be away with family next Monday.Here is some of what I have for this week's podcasts.+ College viability is an alternative media source for higher education. + The College of St. Rose sells everything and still can't pay off creditors.+ Spin. Spin. Spin at University of Arkansas Little Rock.+ Too many colleges?  A Middle States commissioner says: "No".+ Another 'waiting too long' story at American Catholic UniversityMore Show NotesColumbia College Chicago to discontinue several degree programs, lay off faculty members‘We want stability’: Columbia College Chicago students and faculty consider options amid program cuts, impending layoffsMassive College Closures Remains A Misunderstood MythMost OU freshmen are not Oklahomans

12/23/24 • 31:29

I have a big announcement to start off today’s show.After reading, listening and watching the traditional higher education media, I have realized that is not me.  I don’t do cookbook stories on how to fix higher education on the margins.  I don’t engage in trite college stories about ‘awesome’ or ‘excited’ events or personalities.It is time for me to step forward and share that I am your Self-appointed ‘alternative higher education media source’  Giggle if you will.  Roll your eyes if you must.  My operating premise (right or wrong) has been that Higher Education is in the midst of an economic model adjustment that will inevitably result in consolidation – in the form of continuing closures and increased merger activity.I try to be polite.  Some have called me somewhat bombastic.  I can live with that. I do offer ‘sarcasm alerts’  I have interest in engaging in collegial discussions with those who have other thoughts.I have also had too many say: “Gary, keep doing what you are doing”.  To those, I thank you.This podcast and the other media that I do will continue to lovingly poke the current Higher Education bear in a never-ending attempt to do my small part to move the industry past its historical model and toward one that recognizes the Higher Education industry financial needs  fewer colleges Show Notes:Drexel U. lays off 60 staffers due to enrollment drop, ‘flawed’ FAFSA rolloutPortland State to lay off 17 faculty members; union says more layoffs could be comingSF State faculty mourn upcoming layoffs in New Orleans-style funeral marchIntel ruled tech. Now it’s in deep troubleHigher Ed’s Governance problem     See how many colleges may close after 2029A Reimagined Jewell (College)Emporia State University president faults tech college for competition, envisions hostile takeoverIowa private college officials confident in popularity, sustainability of increased financial aidWhen Gown Leaves Town

12/16/24 • 31:53

This week's episode has some action in layoffs and cutbacks.  I thought we had an imminent closure, but Keystone College is still trying to ride out a nearly impossible financial situation with appeals of their accreditation removal.  Poor students.+  I have never used ‘fake news’ in this podcast before, but I have a story about college completion rates trending up that fits that categorization.+ I have added a section on ‘College Drivel”  ‘to talk stupidly or carelessly’.  Prepare to nod your head in agreement.+ Affluent White Students Are Skipping College, and No One Is Sure Why.   I know why.Show NotesUNO to consolidate colleges, lay off administrators to address $15M shortfallFaculty Push Back Against Staffing Cuts Recommended for State CollegesNo letup in financial pressure on colleges in 2025, Fitch saysWith $252 million in projected debt, Barnard makes cuts to faculty and staff benefitsCollege Completion Rates Trending Up2 Seattle Colleges Announce MergerAffluent White Students Are Skipping College, and No One Is Sure WhyDual Enrollment Is a Deceptive Fix for Declining AdmissionsOur Opinion: Keystone College deserving of time to prove viability

12/9/24 • 26:52

News and commentary stories this week: + Webster University’s financial distress from HLC.  More of those designations coming?+ Keystone college could lose their accreditation later this month.+ Central State (OH)  makes major changes+  The Bell Tolls from Richard K. Vedder  James G Martin Center for Academic Renewal.  I will focus on graduation rates and poor financial health.

12/2/24 • 17:19

There is much higher education news this 2024 Thanksgiving week.Headlines+ Some layoffs and cutbacks this week+ 2 stories that suggest college leaders may be moving more aggressively in their relationships with faculty+ Anderson U Fitch rating heads south.+ More ugly spin on a college with an unsustainable financial pattern+ St. Augustine U sells off the farm to stay afloatShow Notes and links:As Fontbonne University winds down, its students leave to finish their studiesDrexel University lays off 60 employees in face of ‘structural imbalance’ in operating budgetSaint Augustine’s U., on the Brink of Fiscal Collapse, Enters a $30-Million Credit AgreementBoston U Suspends Admissions to Humanities and Social Science Ph.D. ProgramsFormer TSU President Sets the Record StraightFitch Revises Anderson University, IN's Outlook to Negative; Affirms IDR and Revs at 'B-'Accreditor confirms HLGU turnaround, removes university from probation

11/25/24 • 20:44

It is the week before Thanksgiving and my prediction of the college closure rate picking up steam has not yet developed.  I still believe that there are scores of colleges out there without the resources to be viable.  My concern is now moving toward how many of these will wait too long and must announce their closure with very short notice to students, faculty, staff, and communities. Time will tell.For this economic imbalance to get to some sort of supply and demand equilibrium, many more colleges need to close.  So, this week’s news and commentary is heavy on that theme.  The stories are:Show note links:·         Tennessee State University lays off 114 employees amid financial crisis·         Harris Stowe and HLG stories both back on full accreditation. I have concerns with both.·         Several St. Louis colleges make watchlist for financial risk             Let’s Regulate Colleges Like Businesses 

11/18/24 • 25:07

The Red Guy won and the Blue lady lost.  I am guessing most of us have read and listened to countless stories about the outcome and potential future impact of last Tuesday’s national election.Here is a 'This Week' prediction for you.  “It’s impact on HE was going to be materially insignificant no matter whether red or blue one.”+ I also look at both student reporters and the college leaders they interview.+ States are taking on fewer college costs. Who is picking up the bill?+ 2 stories and commentary on the election's impact on HE.+ $500 tuition per semester.  Is it sustainable ?Click here to get a private college financial health bundle for $499 (Retails at $1,795.)Click here to get a PUBLIC college financial health bundle for $499 (Retails at $1,795.)

11/11/24 • 16:53

AI-generated takeawaysMore students are choosing not to pursue college education.Free tuition initiatives can lead to negative consequences for faculty and staff.Enrollment declines have long-term financial impacts on institutions.HBCUs are facing significant challenges with graduation rates.Graduation rates are often overlooked in favor of enrollment numbers.Choosing a college requires careful consideration of its financial health.Support for higher education is crucial for societal progress.The college viability manifesto emphasizes the importance of informed college choices.Chapters:00:00 Election Day and Higher Education Trends02:55 Layoffs and Financial Struggles in Colleges05:47 Free Tuition Initiatives and Their Consequences08:45 Enrollment Declines and Financial Health of Institutions12:14 Tennessee State University: A Case Study15:06 The State of HBCUs and Graduation Rates18:02 The Higher Education Bubble and Its Implications20:50 The College Viability ManifestoShow notes:Webster University to close all remaining military campusesFaculty and staff reductions coming to the University of Akron: ‘Challenging but necessary change’Admin announces no faculty layoffs (Rider U)Reporting on College Finances (for education reporters)Tennessee State University faces urgent financial crisis, implements immediate cost-cutting measuresWhat preliminary enrollment data from fall 2024 tells usCentral State University (OH) on ‘Fiscal Watch’The cost of college is quietly going downThe higher education bubble is finally burstingTo purchase one of the 2024 College Viability Apps, click here.

11/4/24 • 26:30

Robert Heil, CEO of Financial Aid Services, joins me to talk about removing friction from the financial aid process, the importance of comparing good and bad 4-year graduation rates, and finding ways to make colleges more accountable for graduating their students.Robert also talks about the challenges of college leaders in this day and age.  It's worth a listen.

10/30/24 • 28:05

This week we dissect and analyze:Trite strategic plansCash-Strapped Colleges Are Selling Their Prized Art and MansionsAdding sports teams is a leading indicator of colleges in financial troubleThe macro enrollment tumble v. the micro impact.Middle class students are now a marketing targetTo understand the future of higher education, look to the past of healthcareTo purchase a version of the 2024 College Viability apps, click HERE.Show Notes:Tracking college closuresSoutheast Mo. State leaders respond to enrollment declineCash-Strapped Colleges Are Selling Their Prized Art and MansionsFuture U Podcast with Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn:  College Athletics guest:  Matt BrownLa Salle University’s enrollment dropped 28% since 2019. What is the school doing to cope?First-Year Enrollments Take a TumbleFewer high schoolers went to college this fall. It's unclear why.Liberal art majors need to consider a high value major alsoSome colleges aim financial aid at a declining market: students in the middle classTo understand the future of higher education, look to the past of healthcareVanderbilt University gets approval for $520M Florida graduate campus

10/28/24 • 24:56

With consolidations in many forms moving through colleges, Dr. Laura De Veau speaks from experience.She addresses these quesstions in this special edition of 'This Week in College Viability'.I reached out to Laura when I saw her post on Vanderbilt University announcing a new presence in Manhattan.  (After we recorded the podcast on October 25, 2024, Vandy announced a move to Florida as well.)  She addresses Vandy's moves and much more.What are the top reasons a private college should consider a merger?Do you believe the merger of 1-3 colleges is large enough to get to scale?The general belief in HE literature is that colleges that should merge are waiting too long.  Do you believe that?  If so, what guidance would you give to colleges with difficult finances?How would you characterize the anticipated benefits of the merger for students, faculty, and staff?hat is the worst outcome for a merger?WWill there be layoffs as a result of a college merger(s)?  If so, is that a good thing or bad thing?How could a merger affect the overall student experience, including access to academic advisors, career services, and student support resources?  Would mergers  increase class sizes or reduced access to faculty?

10/27/24 • 35:46

Headlines for the October 21, 2024 podcastMore on cutbacks and layoffsWhere are the Whit Students?College For All is Bad for BoysColumbia College (IL) takes big 2024 enrollment hit.New Mexico State University wants to create $137 M endowment for women's sports.Takeaways from this podcast episode.Corrections in data are crucial for credibility.Gender disparities in college admissions are widening.Case studies illustrate the struggles of specific institutions.The focus on macro trends can overlook individual college needs.Data-driven tools are essential for college viability.The future of higher education may involve more mergers and program closures.Academically strong colleges still face financial challengesPurchase your College Viability app here.Show notes:Western Washington University to nix about 55 jobs amid $18M budget cut23 staff members laid off amid SLU’s ongoing financial strugglesPortland State University may lay off dozens of facultyWhere-are-the-White-Students  College For All Is Bad For BoysColumbia College had a huge drop in freshman enrollment. Where does it go from here? (No link.)NMSU wants $137M to Support Women’s Sports  ( No link)Amid declining enrollment, Brandeis is in an intensifying budget crunchAre colleges really facing an enrollment cliff?

10/21/24 • 27:07

I want to start off this week’s podcast with a personal observation.  I watched some 40- 50,000 people run in the Chicago Marathon yesterday.  It was a spectacle of humanity to see so many people invest so much into a challenging endeavor like running 26.2 milesWatching some 50,000 people pass you in a matter of about 90 minutes,  is a lot of humankind.  As I was watching those tens of thousands of souls, it was easy to make the connection to a higher education number.  40,000 is about the same number of college students impacted by college closures over the past few years.    Countless times as my family traversed the marathon route in Chicago supporting a loved one, I saw the excitement of people recognizing their loved ones running with screams of joy.   As I reflected on those encounters, I couldn’t help but think about how many closed colleges are taking away that same joyous scream from thousands of their students and familiesSo for those who write off small percentage of college closures as not a big deal, no impact on the overall market, - you are missing the human point.  These are thousands of hopes and dreams being shredded by colleges that should not be in the business of higher education.Grab a seat at the CHI, BOS, NY or even other marathons.  Watch some thousands or more human beings pass you as they engage in that challenge of challenges.  This week's news and commentary:Cutbacks at Drexel and SLUFitch Ratings:  Pressure Mounts for U.S. Colleges As Students Head Back to SchoolMartin Center:  Universities Are Doing Education BadlyPurchase the College Viability app you need here.

10/16/24 • 23:41

This week’s top news and commentary:+ Yet another college sees football as enrollment salvation+ Standard and Poors: College competition and operational pain are the ‘new normal,’  + You Can Now Get Admitted to Hundreds of Colleges Without Even Applying+  You get what you pay for.   Free community college in Massachusetts expected to draw 45,000 students within a year+ Those stories and more on the Oct 7 'This Week in College Viability'.Purchase the version of the 2024 College Viability app you need.Show notes:Elizabethtown College (PA) reduces full-time faculty by 13, cuts a handful of programs Mount Mercy University to bring football program to campusSome Iowa private colleges break enrollment records ahead of demographic cliffCollege competition and operational pain are the ‘new normal,’ S&P saysYou Can Now Get Admitted to Hundreds of Colleges Without Even ApplyingCleveland State president calls graduates a ‘thriving force’ in the region, addresses enrollment and financial pressuresFree community college in Massachusetts expected to draw 45,000 students within a year

10/7/24 • 29:29

Headlines this week:+Elizabethtown College: Fun place or not?+Bradley University enrollment dips below 5,000 for first time in over 30 years+High Schools are closing too.  What will be the impact on colleges? Yet another college resets tuition with the age-od tag:  “Our College has been a secret too well kept for too long,”+ California campuses brace for ‘severe consequences’ as budget gap looms+ Who cares if most UW Madison students come from outside of Wisconsin?Plus more.Show Notes:35 Baldwin Wallace University faculty, staff members take buyouts amid financial deficitElizabethtown College to cut back on full-time faculty [update]Bradley University enrollment dips below 5,000 for first time in over 30 yearsWith (high school) student enrollment plummeting, which schools should be considered candidates for closure?Warren Wilson College Lowers Tuition Nearly 40 Percent to Break Down Barriers and Improve AccessBethel University repositions tuition to increase transparency and accessCal State campuses brace for ‘severe consequences’ as budget gap loomsLess than half of UW-Madison’s freshmen from WisconsinNew Data Analysis Shows How Financial Aid Leveraging is Harming Low-Income Students at Public Universities

9/30/24 • 27:26

This week's podcast focuses on desperation heaves and mea culpas'.I ask why can't college presidents be like college athletic coaches?For the first time ever, I announce that a college is not 'consideration worthy'.Those stories and much more in the September 23, 2024 'This Week in College Viability' podcast.LInks to College Viability Products:Products:2024 Private College Viability App for Executive Analysls2024 Private College Viability App for Faculty & Staff2024 Private College Viability App for Students & Families2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Executive Analysls2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Faculty & Staff2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Students & Families2024 Program Completion App for Private Colleges2024 Program Completion App for PUBLIC CollegesShow notes:Ursuline College, Gannon University move forward with partnership talksSLU budget deficit will force all programs, divisions to reduce expenses by 4%Hartwick College Pricing TransparencyEnrollment declines at 5 UW system branch campuses; 2 post robust gains

9/23/24 • 27:43

Welcome to the Sep 16 TWICV podcast.It is still summer in St. Louis. High 80’s most of this week.  With any luck, the St. Louis Cardinals will be put out of their playoff hope misery shortly.  And colleges continue to announce positive enrollment stories.  ‘New enrollment record’, ‘Biggest class ever’ are just some of the typical headlines.That’s fine.  Colleges can spin the vague enrollment measure as much as they want.If you haven’t discovered Matt Hendrick’s PDS research tool, you need to do so.  It quickly and simply visualizes 7 acute financial indicators.  Matt also created a measure that lets users compare their college’s finances to a set of 9 recently-closed private colleges.   Just looking at the 7 visualizations can give you a quick read on any private colleges financial health and viability.  Here is a link to Matt's viz tool.What I have discovered is that the true financial health of a college is nowhere close to being accurately represented by its enrollment numbers.LInks to College Viability Products: Products:2024 Private College Viability App for Executive Analysls2024 Private College Viability App for Faculty & Staff2024 Private College Viability App for Students & Families2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Executive Analysls2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Faculty & Staff2024 PUBLIC College Viability App for Students & Families2024 Program Completion App for Private Colleges2024 Program Completion App for PUBLIC CollegesShow notes:Columbia College Chicago considers cutting 18 ‘underperforming' majors from curriculum Quincy University enrollment down three percent; number of returning full-time students largest in seven yearsTalladega College Leaders Respond to Financial TumultIthaca College unveils plan to stabilize enrollment and manage budget shortfallCommon App launches 2024–2025 direct admissions program with 117 colleges and universitiesThe RealPage Suit and Higher Education

9/16/24 • 24:15

If I created titles for these podcasts, this one would be:  Benefits of Hindsight in Closing a College.Dr. David Evans was the president of Vermont Southern College in 2019.  His college was on the leading edge of a demise that has since impacted dozens more private colleges.   Closure.In this special podcast, we discuss:The accreditor's role in the closureA 5-year historical perspective on the changes in higher education still leading to the cutbacks, layoffs, and closure that happen with some regularityBroken bond covenants and the role they are playing in college closuresThe impact of higher education data entrepreneurs on the college marketDr. Evans talks about the importance of liquidity as a college faces a financial crisisHere are some additional notes from the podcastTakeawaysAccreditors often prioritize protecting institutions over students.Transparency about financial health is increasingly important.Deferred maintenance can indicate a college's financial stability.Consolidation may be necessary for the sustainability of small collegesFuture students should assess the physical condition of campuses.

9/15/24 • 38:01

TWICV for September 9, 2024We have all survived our first full weekend of college and professional football, so let’s get to the headlines for this episode:  + Cutbacks and layoffs:  Delta State + Rider University cuts student newspaper+  Talladega College not shutting down,  They have a 4-step plan+  Drake U has an interesting spin on 2 highly-qualified WS rankings.  You have to hear this.+ I was mean to the president of Middles States Commission on HE+  Ryan Craig:  College rankings will never be done by Consumer reports.

9/9/24 • 31:51

Is it fair to critique the financial health and viability of colleges?I am a sports enthusiast.  I rarely care who wins; but I enjoy watching the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat as we used to hear on The Wide World of Sports.Recently, I noticed local and national sport writers and talking heads break down many games to a play by play level.  Of course, their analysis is mostly subjective, but it does have elements of data and drawing on their expertise and experience.So, I have just one story this week.  It is about a single college – but it represents the type of survival spin that is happening across higher education.I am going to do a pretty deep analysis of the college’s news release and data from IPEDS and other sources.

9/3/24 • 16:01

Here are the questions Ben Unglesbee addressed during our podcast interview.With all of the research and report you do, what is your sense of the stability of private colleges for this academic year?Let's talk about the FAFSA Debacle.  What is the latest you are hearing?  Do you have any best-case and worst-case scenarios for this Fall?You did a lot of reporting on University of the Arts.  Talk about that story. The culture of college searches has always been focused on the campus, the majors, the tuition, maybe the faculty, amenities etc.  From your reporting when might we reach a tipping point where the higher education consumer has a earlier focus on financial health and viability.Recently there has been an increase in the number of short-notice closures  (UArts, Wells, and others).  What are you hearing from students and their families as you report on these closures?  Based on the stories you have done, do you expect there to be more short-notice closures or closures where the college gives about one year's notice?I am guessing you have to fight your way through a lot of college spin.  Has it always been that way or are the new pressures on colleges forcing them to be less direct with their communications?

8/28/24 • 25:46

This week's podcast starts with a WWII sampling bias story that strongly relates to college enrollment.  My thanks to Jon Boeckenstedt for making the connection.+ Alverno College received and HLS financial probation letter and nobody knows it.+ Wisconsin week:  UW Regents close college and lay off 32 tenured professors+ Spinning Fall enrollment+   Mark La Branche  IHE Survivability Is Not Sustainability College Viability series of Apps2024 Private College Viability app for Executive Analysis 2024 Private College Viability app for Faculty & Staff (Enterprise-wide license for $300) 2024 Private College Viability app for Students & Families2024 Private & Public College Program Completion app (Both Bundled together)PUBLIC COLLEGE APPSExecutive Analysis versionFaculty & Staff version (Enterprise-wide license for $200)Students & Family versionShow notes: Alverno College and HLC financial stress probationIn precedent-setting vote, UW Regents close college and lay off 32 tenured professorsMBU Welcomes Largest Number of New Students on Main CampusMove-in day for new students exciting, emotional at Aurora UniversityQU stable heading into 2024-25 year  McPherson College and Kansas Wesleyan University UT Martin Seeks 10,000 Student Enrollment By 2030 Welcome Week at Adrian College spotlights 600 new students representing the Class of 2028Survivability Is Not Sustainability 

8/26/24 • 25:06

If you think colleges are having troubles, here in St. Louis we can’t even get the city kids to school.  The great St. Louis bus catastrophe kicks off today.  My friend, Blythe Bernhard at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has done Pulitzer-worthy investigative stories on the colossal failure that is SLPS leadership.  It’s not the kids, not the families, not the employees – it’s the school board and its hired – and now ousted leaders.Send your questions and comments to me at gary@collegeviability.comThis week:  + Colleges Are Wed to the Status Quo – an interesting story from the James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal  +  The Chicago Tribune (editorial) piles on to the WIU cutbacks and layoffs.+  Wittenberg University is playing hide ‘n seek with information on its layoffs and cutbacks. +   Are we really on pace for 25% of colleges to close or consolidate?  Michael Horn thinks we are.+ Low-end, local news media takes a small private college’s enrollment numbers without checking.  I even provided evidence the numbers weren’t correct. +  Are students bailing on privates to go to financially safer publics?  I have speculated on that.  I have some limited anecdotal evidence that might be the case.College Viability series of Apps2024 Private College Viability app for Executive Analysis 2024 Private College Viability app for Faculty & Staff (Enterprise-wide license for $200) 2024 Private College Viability app for Students & Families2024 Private & Public College Program Completion app (Both Bundled together)PUBLIC COLLEGE APPSExecutive Analysis versionFaculty & Staff version (Enterprise-wide license for $200)Students & Family versionAugust 19th Show notes:Ohio Northern makes job, programming cuts (private Christian college) Colleges Are Wed to the Status QuoEditorial: The crisis at Western Illinois University and beyondReaction to Wittenberg cuts mixed: Faculty frustrated, leaders look to long termWill 25 Percent Of Colleges Consolidate? An Update On A PredictionWilliam Woods University welcomes its largest class of new students Colleges Are Wed to the Status QuoUniversity of Missouri students worry about overcrowding on campus as enrollment surges

8/19/24 • 23:55

Get the College Viability Student & Family updates here.College classes are beginning to bring students to campus for the Fall 2024 term.  While the FAFSA Debacle is still out there, I am sensing some last-minute scrambling by both students and colleges to get the FAFSA app submitted and processed.I am going to stick with my forecast of 2-3 colleges closings per week starting later this Fall.  The FAFSA Debacle is part of that, but the overall trend of cutback and layoffs really suggests the end is near for many more private colleges.There will also be a tipping point sometime in the next few months – it may have already started happening.  Students and Families may have sensed the risks of smaller private colleges and are moving toward publics.  I haven’t really seen the data yet to confirm that, but it could start happening as colleges release their official Fall enrollment numbers in September.This week’s headlines:+ UW-Milwaukee Faculty Senate rebuffs plan to lay off branch campus professors+ The A P is joining me and noting the cutbacks and layoffs trend.  I am pleased that many months into the process and my regular reporting on those layoffs and cutbacks that another major news organization is following my lead.+ UArts is in danger of becoming a TWICV frequent flyer.  Details to follow. +Keystone College and Middles States are coming together to recreate the Keystone Cops.  This one earns a TWICV ‘Geesh.  Lots more on that.+ Frequent TWICV flyer WIU lays of 35 and won’t say how many more will follow.+ I have a story on a Lazy reporter from USA Today – sending students and parents on a data adventure few are prepared to do.College Viability series of Apps2024 Private College Viability app for Executive Analysis 2024 Private College Viability app for Faculty & Staff (Enterprise-wide license for $200) 2024 Private College Viability app for Students & Families2024 Private & Public College Program Completion app (Both Bundled together)PUBLIC COLLEGE APPSExecutive Analysis versionFaculty & Staff version (Enterprise-wide license for $200)Students & Family versionShow Notes: UW-Milwaukee Faculty Senate rebuffs plan to lay off branch campus professorsColleges large and small in the U.S. are cutting programs and eliminating majors to make ends meetUArts staff, students continue discussions on closure causes, ways forward, and the human toll: 4 takeaways from a city hearingKeystone College meets Middle States' key deadline  Students speak out about layoffs: ‘A loss for WIU’Harrisburg University Abruptly Closes International CampusesA college closes every week. How to know if yours is in danger of shutting down.

8/12/24 • 26:36

St. Ambrose University President Amy Novak and Mount Mercy University President Todd Olson join me to discuss the strategic combination of their two organizations.  SummaryDr. Amy Novak, president of St. Ambrose University, and Dr. Todd Olson, president of Mount Mercy University, discuss their strategic combination and the future of Iowa private colleges. They emphasize the need for innovation and bold change in higher education to address access, affordability, and the needs of their regions. They differentiate their strategic combination from a merger, highlighting the focus on creating something new and better. They also discuss the challenges of regulatory approvals and the impact of the FAFSA debacle. The combination aims to draw new students, drive net new revenue, and open new doors for students through expanded programs and opportunities.keywordsstrategic combination, Iowa private colleges, innovation, access, affordability, Catholic identity, regulatory approvals, FAFSA debacle, new students, net new revenue, expanded programstakeawaysInnovation and bold change are needed in higher education to address access, affordability, and regional needs.The strategic combination aims to create something new and better, rather than simply merging existing institutions.Regulatory approvals and the FAFSA debacle present challenges, but the focus remains on serving students and families.The combination will open new doors for students through expanded programs and opportunities.The goal is to drive net new revenue and ensure the long-term viability of the colleges.titlesNavigating Regulatory Approvals and the FAFSA DebacleInnovating for Access and Affordability in Iowa Private CollegesSound Bites"We have to do it differently than we're doing it right now.""We wanted to be bolder than that.""It's a combination to do something different and better."Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:02Innovation and Bold Change in Higher Education07:33Differentiating the Strategic Combination09:35Challenges and Opportunities19:40Looking Ahead and Ensuring Viability25:12Impact of the FAFSA Debacle28:06Expanding Programs and Opportunities29:30Benefits for Students29:59ConclusionHere are the questions they discussed.Briefly share the history of what brought your to colleges together.You have been careful to categorize this as a strategic combination v. merger.  Why is that an important distinction for your organizations?Typically, students and faculty reaction to any type of business model change is not positive.  What has been the reaction at each of your colleges - both positive and negative?It looks like the HLC and other regulatory agencies will take up to two years to approve the business model change.  The higher education market will almost certainly undergo massive changes and even consolidation in that time frame.  Do you anticipate any issues with regulatory approvals?  The timeline for review and approval?Amy, in an IHE article you are quoted saying"  “Here at St. Ambrose, if we run the course as is, the 10-year projection gets kind of dire fairly quickly.   The IHE article also says:  what does it look like if we think radically differently about what Catholic higher education looks like in the future?”  Expand on what radically different might look like in a few years.In your quiet moments, few though they may be, what are the worst case and best case scenarios if the FAFSA Debacle leads to a rapid increase in college closures this Fall and next Spring?What will this arrangement change in terms of ability to draw new students and drive materially significant new net revenue?

8/8/24 • 30:50

The end of July and early August produced a really slow news week in higher education.  My google alerts on many higher education topics produced more alumni obituaries than anything else.But then Forbes released their 2024 Financial Grades for Private Colleges over the weekend.  I will go into great detail about the article and its meaning for HE.Get the College Viability Student & Family updates here.College Viability series of Apps2024 Private College Viability app for Executive Analysis 2024 Private College Viability app for Faculty & Staff (Enterprise-wide license for $300) 2024 Private College Viability app for Students & FamiliesPUBLIC COLLEGE APPSExecutive Analysis versionFaculty & Staff version (Enterprise-wide license for $300)Students & Family versionShow notes and links: Valparaiso (IN) to eliminate over 2 dozen academic programsGoddard College announces sale of campus to local nonprofit‘A generational game-changer’: State (MA) funding free community college starting this fallForbes Financial Grades are out for 2024   (Behind a paywall.)

8/5/24 • 22:57