News Links | October 16, 2014

SYSTEM NEWS | OPINIONS

Clark College to add first bachelor's degree Clark College has received the green light for its first baccalaureate degree. Starting in fall 2015, the college will offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities approved Clark College's proposal. The program opens additional job opportunities to students, yet adds few additional courses to their degree plan, said Tim Cook, vice president of instruction at Clark College. The Columbian, October 15, 2014 EdCC alum’s firm named one of Top 5 fastest-growing companies The Puget Sound Business Journal recently ranked Irrevo as the fifth-fastest-growing privately held company in Washington state. The award acknowledges a 462 percent revenue growth over the past three years by Irrevo, founded by Edmonds Community College alumnus Jason Kaufman. Kaufman graduated from Edmonds Community College in 1995. “I loved going to school at EdCC,” said Kaufman recently. My Edmonds News, October 15, 2014 Disability History Month observed at Pierce College Throughout the month of October, Pierce College is shining a spotlight on the countless contributions made by people living with disabilities. The Access and Disabilities Services (ADS) departments on both campuses are hosting a number of events and educational opportunities in honor of Disability History Month. The Suburban Times, October 15, 2014 Whatcom Community College recognized as national leader in cybersecurity The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated Whatcom Community College as a national center of academic excellence in information assurance and cyber defense. WCC is among the first community colleges in the nation to earn this distinction. Bellingham Herald, October 15, 2014 5th Annual Girls Learning About Manufacturing Teenage girls in our area are preparing for the future to enter male-dominated engineering industries. Columbia Basin College has paired with the Tri-City Development Council to host the 5th Annual Girls Learning About Manufacturing (GLAM) event on CBC's campus. KVEW TV, October 14, 2014 CBC makes budget pitch, lawmakers looking for the money Columbia Basin College and its fellow community colleges across the state need an additional $182 million in 2015-17 to fund their operations, CBC President Rich Cummins told lawmakers Tuesday. The bulk of the money would fund basic education for adults, services to keep students on track and in the classroom, support for science, technology, engineering and math training, and salary raises for faculty and staff, Cummins said. All those initiatives serve a vital need in allowing community colleges such as CBC to support the state’s economy, help workers and employers and maintain an education system that the state relies on. “If you closed all the community colleges, the state’s economy would collapse,” Cummins said. Tri-City Herald, October 14, 2014 Bates Technical College appoints new V.P. Bates Technical College President Dr. Ron Langrell recently announced the appointment of Holly Woodmansee as vice president of administrative services, effective Oct. 27. “It is a privilege to welcome Holly to Bates Technical College,” said President Dr. Ron Langrell. “She is a leader with extensive breadth and knowledge that will help advance the college in the years to come.” Woodmansee has over 40 years of experience in higher education. She will provide leadership over budgeting and financial services, and facilities at Bates. The Suburban Times, October 14, 2014

TRENDS| HORIZONS | EDUCATION

Benefits of Free The concept of tuition-free community college is picking up steam. Chicago this month followed Tennessee with the creation of a new community-college scholarship for high school graduates. Meanwhile, student demand in Tennessee has been enormous. The Tennessean, a Nashville newspaper,reported that in just two months 35,000 high school seniors have applied to the program, which is called the Tennessee Promise. The state appears likely to double its original estimate of 20,000 applications. Inside Higher Ed, October 16, 2014 New Primer on College Mental Health The American Psychological Association urged colleges Tuesday to address the mental health of students, and released a publication focusing on the role mental health plays in learning. The "Strategic Primer on College Student Mental Health" -- published by the APA, NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, and the American Council on Education -- explains that mental health issues are a "critical component" of ensuring students' success. While many colleges focus on access, retention, and completion, the primer states, they should also focus on mental health and wellness. Inside Higher Ed, October 15, 2014

POLITICS | LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL

Federal Policy and the Skills Gap The relationship between federal policy and the skills gap is misunderstood, according to a new report from the New America Foundation. The paper looks at five "policy gaps" in the Higher Education Act, the law governing federal student aid programs, that could be closed to build stronger connections between learning and work. Inside Higher Ed, October 16, 2014 Private Student Loan Flexibility Private student lenders are not doing enough to help struggling borrowers avoid default, according to a report released Thursday by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That finding is part of the consumer bureau’s annual analysis of the complaints it received from the public about private student loans. The bureau reported a 38 percent increase in such complaints over the past year. Inside Higher Ed, October 16, 2014