As colleges continue to dig out from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, many are turning to technology for help. One of these tech practices involves early alert systems to promote student success. 

Research from New America sheds light on how community college leaders view early alert systems, plus what can be done to implement this technology more equitably.

As the effects of the pandemic wane, higher education leaders and researchers have been anxiously awaiting this fall’s enrollment numbers to reveal a clearer picture of the new landscape. 

While early signs led many to predict a slight rebound from the two-year drop-off during the pandemic, a new report shows that enrollment fell for the fifth semester in a row. While the decline was less steep than it has been during the pandemic, the eagerly anticipated recovery did not materialize.

 

"Alyssa" graduated in May from nursing school with honors and hopes of improving her family’s future. Yet, because of a past offense, the 38-year-old can’t get a job as a licensed practical nurse, even though Louisiana faces a nursing shortage with more than 6,000 positions open statewide.

The problem lies in overly restrictive occupational licensing regulations that block people with criminal histories from getting work. Alyssa didn’t learn of her disqualification until she’d completed two years of school and graduated.