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President Biden Signs Stimulus Legislation 

President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) . The law infuses the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) with $39,584,570,000, with $3,000,000,000 of that set aside for minority-serving institutions. Like the prior stimulus laws, the ARP provides HEERF with an institutional portion and a student aid portion. It has been modified to increase the allocation for institutions that have no endowments or endowments under $1,000,000. It also extends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program temporarily so that students may avail themselves of this service. The Department of Education issued guidance on the new flexibilities afforded in this latest stimulus. Those and other important points include:

•Clarifies that institutions can make financial aid grants to dual enrollment, continuing education, non-degree seeking, or non-credit students, as well as to a broad range of students with exceptional needs, such as certain refugees or persons granted asylum.

•Permits institutions to use HEERF grant funds to reimburse themselves for institutional lost revenue and expenses incurred as far back as Mar. 13, 2020.

•Permits institutions to use their own grants to reimburse themselves for lost revenue while supporting students during the pandemic, including discharging unpaid institutional balances so students can resume their studies and subsidizing childcare services for student parents.

•Provides reimbursement for institutions and libraries for expenditures related to providing internet access.

•Clarifies that student loan forgiveness between December 2020 and January 2026 will not be considered taxable income.

•Extends the expiration date for the Employee Retention Credit to December 31, 2021, and expands it to permit some eligibility for businesses established after February 15, 2020. There are also some exceptions for employers experiencing severe financial distress. 

•Infuses the Economic Injury Disaster Loan with $15,000,000,000, with a significant amount reserved for businesses located in low-income areas that have no more than ten employees.

•Allocates an additional $7,250,000,000 to the Paycheck Protection Program, whose rules have been relaxed to provide easier access to nonprofits, sole proprietors, independent contractors, the self-employed, and proprietors who have federal student loans that are delinquent or in default. 

•Updates the provisions for paid sick and family leave to increase eligible wages to $12,000 per employee.

The American Council on Education created a chart simulating the distribution of this latest round of HEERF. Both the UNCF and the TMCF lauded the passage of this round of stimulus. Read more.

HBCU STEAM Day of Action
The Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus in partnership with the Congressional STEAM Caucus held the Fourth Annual HBCU STEAM Day of Action. HBCU administrators, members of congress, and industry leaders participated in the week-long event. This year, the Ford Motor Company, Diageo, the Hustlers Guild, Maximus, and Siemens joined the HBCU Partnership Challenge, which now includes 56 companies. During the event, HBCU presidents met with members of congress and industry leaders to discuss how public and private sector engagements can propel a pandemic recovery. Watch Video.

 

Enrollment Declines Continue
Analysis of preliminary data show enrollment for spring semester has not recovered. The expected recession-fueled surge in adults enrolling in community college to upgrade their skills has failed to materialize. Faced with various pandemic-related challenges, high school graduates are postponing attendance. Undergraduate programs in information technology, marketing, and respiratory therapy and enrollment on the graduate level are among the exceptions that saw growth. Read more.

 

Institutions Plan for Normal Fall
Many institutions, including several state systems, are planning to resume face-to-face instruction for the fall 2021 semester. They are working on the assumption that new COVID-19 cases will continue to decrease. However, experts say institutions should remain cautious, considering the discovery of several highly infectious mutations. Public health experts advise maintaining prevention practices such as masks and social distancing. Read more.

 

The CDC Updates Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated guidance for vaccinated people.The guidelines approve of fully vaccinated people socializing with each other and with low-risk unvaccinated people without wearing masks or observing social distancing. However, the CDC still recommends masks and social distancing in the vicinity of high-risk unvaccinated people, in the public, and in crowds. Read more.

 

Institutions Maintain COVID Protocols
Although the CDC has relaxed its guidelines and some governors have reopened their states, most institutions are opting to keep COVID-19 prevention protocols in place. Institutions have not rolled back the cancellation of spring break and will continue to maintain social distancing and video participation options for meetings and celebrations. The Texas A&M System and the Alamo Colleges District, in Texas will keep current protocols in place until the end of the semester. Read more.

 

Insurance Costs Rise Largely driven by cybersecurity vulnerabilities, Title IX violations, privacy concerns, and abuse scandals, the cost of insurance has skyrocketed for colleges and universities. Increased risks include pandemic-related reliance upon technology and concern over the possibility of COVID-related claims in the future. Cybersecurity is second to enrollment as a major issue of concern according to a recent survey. Read more.

 

Endowment Spending Up
A study by National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and TIAA found seven in 10 institutions spent an average of $3,300,000 more from their endowments during 2020 because of the pandemic. Most of the spending went to provide student financial aid, followed by support for teaching, tutoring, and other academic support. Although some endowments grew, most often such increases cannot be used to offset tuition losses or pandemic costs. Read more.

 

Full Loan Forgiveness
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona announced full debt cancellation for about 72,000 students who were denied full discharge under a formula used by the former education secretary. Read more.

 

HBCU Launches Free Tuition Program
Virginia State University launched a tuition-free initiative for local low-income students. An estimated 300 potential students from high schools near the campus would be eligible. The HBCU would be the first four-year institution in the state to offer an aid package that covers tuition and a portion of room and board based on residency and need. Read more.

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Fever Scanners Inaccurate
The popular temperature scanners many institutions use in their COVID response may fail to identify people who have fevers. The FDA has issued a public alert. Read more.

 

HBCU Forum Huge Success
The Wesley Peachtree Institute's' Annual HBCU Forum kicked off on Monday, March 8 and ran through Tuesday, March 9, 2021. The theme for the virtual forum was, Financial Stability in Uncertain Times: Emerging Opportunities for HBCU Boards and Administrative Leaders. Representative James E. Clyburn gave the opening plenary address. Keynote speakers included Belle Wheelan, president of accreditor SACSCOC, Dr. Ruth Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University, and Dr. M. Christopher Brown, president of Kentucky State University. Read more.

 

Additional Expenses May Hamper Growth of Prison Programs
Pell Grants can be used by incarcerated students to pay tuition, institutions should be prepared to bear additional expenses to ensure quality and sustainability. Students may need help navigating financial aid applications. They will also need access to tutoring, advising and academic support. In many cases, they may also require access to technology and technical support. Read more.

 

HBCU Seeking HSI Designation
Virginia Union University (VUU) is seeking to become the first HBCU to also be federally designated as a Hispanic-serving institution. Although many HBCUs serve a large number of Hispanic students, VUU would be the first to actively seek federal recognition as an HSI. Read more.

 

States Seek Reversal of Federal Pre-emption
Several states have appealed to the secretary of education to reverse a policy that restricts them from regulating student loan servicers. Read more.

 

Security Challenges Continue
Fallout from the exploitation of a flaw in Microsoft's Exchange server continues despite the release of a patch. It is the latest in the many security challenges facing institutions. Cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, have been on the rise. Recently, a university's IT network suffered an attack. The Department of Education has made several recommendations. Read more.

 

Senate Passes the Confucius Act
The act transfers authority over the Confucius Institutes to the universities that host them. A proposed federal rule that requires participants in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to disclose financial ties to the Confucius Institutes, has been withdrawn. However, states may follow Florida's lead and require institutions to disclose gifts from foreign entities. Read more.

 

Advisory Group Votes in Favor of Ousting Accreditor
The National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) has recommended terminating recognition of the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). The issue now goes to the Education Department's Senior Department Official (SDO) for consideration. If the recognition is withdrawn, ACICS will have the option to appeal. Read more.

 

Fewer Institutions Close Despite Pandemic Pressures
Although the sector is in peril, estimates that hundreds of institutions would close proved to be wrong. Instead, institutions are struggling to weather the storm by merging, rebranding, restructuring departments, trimming programs, acquiring other institutions, and entering into partnerships with business and industry. Read more.

 

Title IX Under Scrutiny
President Biden directed the Department of Education to review the Title IX law that went into effect last year. Proposed changes will have to go through the federal rulemaking process. Read more.

 

Support for Immigrants 
Congress is considering legislation to create an eight-year path to citizenship, lift limits on states offering in-state tuition to undocumented students, and require states and public institutions to offer in-state tuition to refugees and asylum seekers. The bills are supported by several higher education advocacy groups. Read more.

 

 

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COMPLIANCE

 

Privacy Issues
Institutions of higher education are exempt from the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act recently signed by Governor Northam. However, other states are considering legislation and violations could be costly. Keep track of state privacy laws and ensure third party servicers and adopted technologies are in compliance. Read more.

 

Mandatory Software Upgrade
Users must upgrade their TDClient or EDconnect SAIG software by April 17, 2021, to avoid an interruption in access. Read more.

 

IRS Data Retrieval Tool Error
In instances where the IRS Data Retrieval Tool inaccurately reports adjusted gross income, institutions may accept a signed copy of the student's or parent's federal tax return to correct the FAFSA. For non-filers, the institution may accept a signed statement certifying that the student attempted but failed to obtain the VNF from the IRS. Read more.

 

Payment Process Compliance
An update by Nacha to its Automated Clearing House (ACH) rules may impact institutions of higher education. Under the updated account validation rule, institutions will be required to verify checking accounts before they can be used for web payments. The effective date is March 19, 2021. Enforcement will begin March 19, 2022. Additional rules for data protection require data to be secure when it is at rest. Those rules go into effect June 30, 2021. Enforcement will begin June 30, 2022. Read more.

 

Federal Student Loan Payment
President Biden extended the federal student loan payment suspension by executive order. Payments are suspended through September 30, 2021. Read more.

 

Data Sharing and SNAP Benefits
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 expanded the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to permit student eligibility until 30 days after the COVID public health emergency is lifted. Institutions may with prior written consent of the student, provide FAFSA data to state SNAP agencies if called upon to assist with verification efforts. Read more.

 

Unclaimed Student Credit Balances
In cases where an institution has assigned the Coronavirus Indicator to a Pell Grant, Direct Loan or TEACH Grant disbursement but is unable to disburse the funds (electronic transfers fail or a students fail to cash or deposit checks), a process must be in place to ensure the unclaimed funds never escheat to a state or revert to the school or any other third party. Those funds must be returned to the Department. Read more.

 

Compliance Deficiencies May Delay Awards
Institutions that have not complied with CARES Act reporting requirements may experience delays in receipt of supplemental awards or may receive awards subject to restrictions until the reporting deficiency is rectified. Read more.

 

Addendum to the 2020 Compliance Supplement 
The Office of Management and Budget's Addendum to the 2020 Compliance Supplement provides additional audit guidance for programs with expenditures of COVID-19 awards. Information provided includes advice on the treatment of donated personal protective equipment and guidance on special reporting requirements mandated by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. Read more.

 

Lease Concessions
The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) provided guidance regarding compliance with the updated lease accounting rules during the pandemic. Read more.

 

Tax Guidance
The IRS has provided guidance on deferred payroll tax obligations under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The Act extends the period that the deferred taxes are withheld and paid ratably. Read more.

 

Pell Grant Schedules
The 2021-2022 Award Year Federal Pell Grant Program Payment and Disbursement Schedules are available in PDF and Excel formats. Read more.

HEERF 

 

Round Three HEERF Updated in New Stimulus
President Biden signed American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). Read more.

 

Guidance Related to HEERF Funds
In addition to a fact sheet, the Department of Education provided guidance related to HEERF I and HEERF II permissible use. Read more.

 

Expansion of Permitted Uses for Second Round Student Financial Aid HEERF Funds
Institutions must disburse the same amount of student financial aid that they were required to disburse in the first round of HEERF. Institutions are permitted to include students exclusively enrolled in distance education. Funds provided as financial aid grants to students can be used for any component of the cost of attendance including tuition, food, housing, health care, mental health care, and childcare. (See Section 314 Part c3) Read more.

 

Use of Previously Awarded Funds
An institution awarded funds under the CARES Act may use those funds under the revised terms and requirements included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act. (See Section 314 d (2)). MSIs may use prior awards provided under Titles III, V, and VII of the Higher Education Act to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. (See Section 314 Part d (1)). Read more.

 

DEADLINES 

 

Direct Loan Closeout
The Direct Loan established data submission (closeout) deadline for the 2019–20 program year is Friday, July 30, 2021. This is the last processing day of the program year, so all school data must be received and accepted by this date to be included in a school’s final Ending Cash Balance for the year. Read more.

 

Coronavirus Indicator
The Department of Education extended the deadline for adding the Coronavirus Indicator for disbursements of Title IV funds for the 2020-21 Award Year to September 30, 2021. The Coronavirus Indicator should be set only after confirming no further changes to a disbursement will be necessary. Read more.

 

Return of Title IV Reporting
The deadline for reporting funds not returned under the Return of Title IV (R2T4) requirements due to CARES Act relief is September 30, 2021, for all award years. The COD website will be updated with additional reporting functionality later this month. Read more.

 

Campus-Based Deadline Dates for the 2021-22 Award Year
The Department of Education released deadline dates for the 2021-2022 award year for campus-based programs View the announcement and download the PDF.

 

 

WAIVERS

 

Title III or Title V Non-Federal Share Requirement Waiver
HBCUs automatically qualify for the waiver of the campus-based non-federal share requirement. However, this does not include the 50% federal share limitation for FWS wages paid to students employed by a private, for-profit organization, or the 80% federal share limitation for the administration of the Job Location and Development (JLD) Program. Read more.

 

Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement
The requirement for the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement--Borrower Completion is waived for the 2021-2022 award year. The process will continue to be available on the updated studentaid.gov website. However, completion of the acknowledgement is not required. View Announcement.

 

Underuse Penalties
An automatic waiver of the underuse penalty applies to 2020–2021 allocations. Institutions are permitted to continue paying FWS wages to students whose employment was interrupted by a COVID-19 related event until the end of the payment period that includes the last date that the COVID-19 national emergency is in effect. View Chart of Waivers.

GENERAL

 

Cohort Default Rate Challenge and Appeal
Beginning Tuesday, March 2, 2021, institutions may appeal the FY 2018 Draft Cohort Default Rates. Incorrect Data Challenges must be made through the eCDR Appeals application. Participation Rate Index Challenges must be submitted via hard copy. Refer to the Cohort Default Rate Guide for more information. Read more. 

 

Software and System Updates
Federal Student Aid announced upcoming changes for the Central Processing System (CPS) and the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System. The COD System will be down while it is updated during March 19-21, 2021. The CPS will be updated on March 28, 2021. It will be necessary to identify and reprocess applications for those applicants who became Pell-eligible under the latest changes. Read more. 

 

Website Updates
Federal Student Aid removed training-related pages as it continues to update its website. Access to training will be provided on the FSA E-Training website. Assistance learning how to navigate the new FSA website is available. Read more. 

 

Regulators Set End Dates for Libor
End dates have been set for the Libor interest rate benchmark. Read more.

 

HEAL Program Interest Rates
The maximum interest rates for HEAL Program Loans for quarter ending March 31, 2021, were posted on the Department of Education website. View Chart.

 

Pell Grant Administrative Cost Allowance
The first Administrative Cost Allowance Payments for the 2020-2021 Award Year is posted in the G5 system as an available balance. Read more.

 

Pell Grant Schedules
The 2021-2022 Award Year Federal Pell Grant Program Payment and Disbursement Schedules are available in PDF and Excel formats. Read more.

 

Heightened Cash Monitoring
The Heightened Cash Monitoring lists have been updated. Institutions participating in Federal Student Aid on a HCM1 basis are permitted to pay student credit balances after drawing down Title IV funds. This permission expires at the end of the payment period that begins after the COVID-19 national emergency ends. Read more. 

 

Natural Disaster Policy
In light of the severe winter storms, the National Institutions of Health published a reminder that it considers late applications in cases of natural disasters or emergencies. Applicants must submit a cover letter providing details about the delay with the application, which should be submitted as soon as possible after the institution has reopened. Read more. 

 

Early Implementation
Institutions may implement the regulation permitting use of synchronous and asynchronous distance learning in the delivery of clock-hour programs by distance learning, if the relevant licensure body will accept distance learning hours to meet licensure requirements. (The regulation goes into effect on July 1, 2021.) Read more.

 

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Grants, Awards, Gifts

 

 

Appointments

Bethune-Cookman University announced that Dr. E. LaBrent Chrite has resigned. He has been named president of Bentley University effective June 1, 2021. The Board of Trustees said that they had no advance knowledge but were grateful for his service and wished Dr. Chrite and his family the best. Information regarding the appointment of an interim president was not available. Read more

Lawson State Community College named Dr. Cynthia Anthony president. Prior to the appointment, Dr. Anthony served as interim president and as executive vice president and dean of students at Lawson State College. She also served as interim vice chancellor for student success of the Alabama Community College System. She will begin her tenure April 1, 2021. Read more

Wilberforce University named Dr. Nedra Allen dean of General and Foundational Studies, and the Center for Academic Support. Her previous experience includes serving as chair of the Literacy Skills Department at Philander Smith College. Read more

Miles College named Kerry Stevenson vice president of development for athletic programs and scholarships. He comes to the college from the University of Alabama where he served in the administration of the football program. Read more

Clinton College named Dee Frazier director of athletics and head men's basketball coach. Prior to this assignment, Frazier was an assistant coach at Wiley College. He has previously served at Valdosta State University, Clark Atlanta University, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Read more

Stillman College named DeMarcus L. Hopson executive director for military student services and veterans affairs. Mr. Hopson will lead the Troops to Teachers. Read more

Xavier University of Louisiana named alumna Kendra Tircuit executive director of advancement services. Ms. Tircuit has served in various capacities at Xavier University since 2003. She has also served as the director of finance for a secondary school in New Orleans. Read more

Benedict College named alumna Dr. Vareva Harris assistant vice president for enrollment management. She has previously served as associate vice president for sponsored programs, government relations, corporate relations, and community relations. Read more

The Interdenominational Theological Center announced the election of alumna Rev. Dr. Candace M. Lewis as the president-dean of Gammon Theological Seminary. An ordained elder in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Lewis is the first female president-dean of the Seminary. Read more

Fort Valley State University named Mechell Clark McCrary executive director of marketing and communications. Ms. McCrary is an award winning communications professional who has held executive marketing positions at TSYS, Norican Group and Synovus. Read more

Prairie View A&M University named Steve Ransom interim vice president for student affairs. Mr. Ransom was currently serving as associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students for the university. Read more

South Carolina State University Board of Trustees swore in alumna Dr. Macie Smith as their newest member. Dr Smith is a professor at the University of South Carolina, at Benedict College and at the University of Phoenix. Read more

Virginia Union University named Mrs. Victoria N. Nichols director of undergraduate admissions. Ms. Nichols has over twenty years of experience in higher education administration. Read more

Kentucky State University named Dr. William H. Turner interim director of the Center for Research on the Eradication of Educational Disparities. Dr. Turner served as the university's interim president and is best known for his research on African-American communities in Appalachia. Read more

Talladega College named Shajuana L. Dennard chief director of campus police. Ms. Dennard has served in the Birmingham Police Department and is the first female to serve as chief of Talladega College campus police. Read more

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Kudos

Programs

West Virginia State University will expand its research into applied food science and will develop food safety programs for children, minority, and underserved populations in West Virginia. The efforts will be spearheaded by Dr. Yangjin Jung, an assistant research professor in the University's Agricultural and Environmental Research Station. Read more.

Coppin State University College of Business announced plans to launch the Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship (CSE). The CSE will be located in the renovated Percy Julian Science Building. It will be tasked with providing research, education, publication, and services to facilitate entrepreneurial activity in the community. Read more.

Winston-Salem State University in partnership with Novant Health is offering the first fully accredited physical therapy residency program based at an HBCU. The American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education awarded full accreditation to the Winston-Salem State University-Novant Health Physical Therapy Neurologic Clinical Residency Program. The 12-month residency program was launched in 2018. The University provides the academic resources and Novant Health provides the clinical training. Read more.

Morehouse College will offer a new course called Activism inSports and Culture. The course will be hosted on Coursera and taught by former NBA All-Star, Chris Webber. Morehouse College is the first HBCU to host a course on the Coursera online platform, which has grown in popularity and relevancy since the pandemic. Read more.

The Presidents of Southern University at Shreveport and Avance International University of Uganda signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement provides study abroad opportunities for faculty and students. The signing ceremony was viewed remotely by people in both countries. Read more.

Morgan State University Board of Regents has given the University a green light to add several new programs to its roster. Pending approval from the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the University will offer an online doctorate degree in public health, an online post-graduate certificate in education policy for social justice, and programs in higher education administration, information systems, and human resources management. Read more.

South Carolina State University was one of ten institutions to join the IBM-HBCU Quantum Center. The mission of the center is to provide enriched academic support for students in STEM programs and supply access to advanced technology. Membership now stands at 23 HBCUs. Read more.

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University have revamped their academic partnership. The current agreement allows students to earn undergraduate degrees in engineering and physics in a shorter time frame. Eligible students would attend Salisbury University's physics program for three years. They would then transfer to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore's engineering program for the remaining year and a half. Read more.

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Event:African American Board Leadership Institute Board Talks
Date:On Demand
Location:Virtual
Information:Details

Event:AGB 2021 Board Professionals Conference
Date:April 6-8, 2021
Location:Virtual Conference
Information:Details

Event:AGB 2021 National Conference on Trusteeship
Date:April 12-14, 2021
Location:Virtual Conference
Information:Details

Event:Bursars Basics Workshop
Date:April 20-22, 2021
Location: Virtual
Information:Details

Event:NAGAP Graduate Enrollment Management Summit
Date:April 28-May 1, 2021
Location: Virtual
Information:Details

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Event:Women in Education Leadership
Date:April 21-27, 2021
Location:Virtual
Information:Details

Event:National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable Summit
Date:June 3-5, 2021
Location:Virtual
Information:Details

Event:American Association of University Administrators Leadership Seminar
Date:June 7-10, 2021
Location:Virtual
Information:Details

Event:Leadership in Higher Education Conference
Date/Location:October 7-9, 2021 Baltimore, Maryland
Date/Location:October 11-December 31, 2021
Location:Virtual
Information:Details

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HBCU Turnaround
Key Takeaways from a Forum Session

 

Although predictions of widespread collapse have not come to pass, it is important to recognize both the challenges and the opportunities the pandemic will leave in its wake. Several sessions at the recent Wesley Peachtree Institute 2021 Annual HBCU Forum did just that. Focused on financial stability—arguably the lifeblood of any institution, they provided insights from thought leaders in industry and higher education. One of the sessions provided a detailed look at the turnaround, a strategy used in cases of financial instability.

 

Turnaround

A turnaround can be classified as an intervention. It is aimed at achieving specific ambitious short-term gains in a sort of triage manner that prepares the institution for a post-crisis in-depth transformation into a successful sustainable entity. Although the urgency of the turnaround can be determined by the severity of the financial challenge being faced, a turnaround can be launched to overcome mediocrity and improve sustainability at any time at any institution.

 

Data Driven Decision-Making
The list of challenges facing beleaguered institutions is familiar: declining enrollment and retention, inability to attract donors, insufficient financial reserves, low faculty morale, and high administrative turnover, are among the usual culprits.

 

The underlying causes are also familiar and often interdependent. For example, lack of funds can lead to inability to pay competitive salaries, which can contribute to administrative turnover, which can be a factor in low faculty morale, which can play a part in low retention, which can lead us back to a lack of funds. Collecting and analyzing data will help find points where appropriate action can be taken to stop a downward spiral.

 

A look at the data will help identify underlying causes. That information can be analyzed and used to find opportunities and develop strategic plans for improvement. Poor retention, for example is expressed as a statistic but the students who leave are individuals. Data collection and analysis will help determine why the individuals are leaving. Have a significant number of them had a poor experience with student financial aid staff? Was the residence hall where they were assigned in poor condition? Was the academic support insufficient? Did they run out of funds? Corrective measures without data are a hit-and-miss affair. Without the data it is difficult to develop good strategies and put into place protocols and safeguards for prevention. All decisions should be based upon the data.

 

Leadership
The speaker emphasized the importance of leadership and expounded on the idea that the effectiveness and success of the efforts of the group will not rise above the capability of the leader. When considering the leader, consider that not only does the buck stop there, but the effectiveness does too.

 

Another key takeaway was the value of reviewing the administrative processes in place with a view toward improving the ability of the group to work together and accomplish the mission of the institution. This involves identifying and tackling problems and deficiencies in decision-making, implementation, efficiency, assessment, and ability to achieve acceptable success rates.

 

WPI
I had the privilege of attending the Wesley Peachtree Institute 2021 Annual HBCU Forum and found the sessions were excellent. Complementary access to this and other recorded sessions will remain available to attendees and any individual who registered but could not attend the WPI 2021 Annual HBCU Forum. 

 

The forum featured more than 30 sessions and 48 speakers. The theme of this year’s forum was Financial Stability in Uncertain times: Emerging Opportunities for HBCU Boards and Administrative Leaders. Complementary access includes ability to interact with event sponsors: WPG, Morgan Stanley, Bernstein, Walden University, Vistria, and Strategic Financial Aid Management. WPI is committed to creating a future where MSIs are:

■The first choice of exceptional students
■Magnets for talented faculty
■Proudly supported by successful alumni
■Courted by heads of industry
■Consulted by global leaders

 

We are already looking forward to next years forum. Hope to see you there!