"With 2018 in the rearview mirror and 2019 in the windshield, Diverse asked some academics and other experts to share their biggest wish for diversity, access and inclusion in higher education in the new year," Diverse: Issues in Higher Education reports.

"'My biggest wish is that we can redress the growing economic segregation in higher education, ensuring that everyone has access to liberal education as the foundation for democracy,' said Dr. Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

Dr. Sim J. Covington Jr., chief diversity officer and adjunct professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Finger Lakes Community College, said he hopes that 'real progress is made in the world of higher education around awareness, intention and impact. As the national climate continues to play itself out at colleges and universities across the country, promotion of peace and social justice is crucial in the world today. The American landscape has been plagued with examples of conflict pertaining to diverse perspectives, and colleges and universities have a rich opportunity to tap into their mission of creating a civilized society.'

... Dr. Wil Del Pilar, vice president of higher education policy and practice at The Education Trust, challenged elected officials to 'take bold action to make a high-quality higher education accessible and affordable for students of color and students from low-income families. But wishing for it is simply not enough. Education advocates have to design equity-focused policies – like outcomes-based funding formulas that reward colleges for enrolling and graduating the most vulnerable students – and build diverse coalitions to push toward educational equity and justice.'

... The cost to students of higher education was on the mind of many, including Beth Maglione, vice president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, who called on Congress to pass legisltion that has been introduced to mke the FAFSA easier 'by allowing a direct data share between the IRS and Department of Education,' she sid. 'Too many qualified students fail to attend college due to the complications related to the student aid application process.'"

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Publication Date: 1/4/2019