Daily Lumina News 040320

Spring is a big time of year for the college-bound—getting acceptance letters, figuring out financial aid, making a decision. Even in a typical year, it can be overwhelming. But this is not a typical year.
This episode of NPR's Life Kit offers insight on navigating college admissions during the uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

On a typical weekday, Cindy Buchanan drives more than an hour from her home to attend cosmetology classes at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Harriman. There, 47-year-old Buchanan cuts, dyes, and perms the hair of mannequins. Two days a week she gets to practice on clients.
These days, Buchanan’s commute is just a short walk to her computer. Her lessons have moved online due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.
Buchanan is one of America’s 36 million adult learners. They face unique challenges as courses move online because, unlike some of their younger peers, they often juggle their coursework with full-time jobs, child care, and caring for older relatives.

As the state of New York reaches more than 83,700 coronavirus cases, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is turning to college campuses to provide much needed space for hospital beds. To prepare, a number of CUNY and State University of New York (SUNY) campus dorms have been vacated to serve as emergency medical centers.
For the CUNY system, the transition poses a particular challenge. The campuses are a popular, affordable option for the city’s low-income students, including students who are home insecure.

Iron and fire are not your typical college materials. But they are part of daily life at the American College of the Building Arts.
Housed in a restored 1897 trolley barn in Charleston, South Carolina, the unusual college offers a four-year liberal arts education while students also earn certification in one of eight artisan trades. The blended approach enhances students' capabilities—and helps replenish the domestic pipeline of craftspeople.