About the Beat

It is no secret the United States’ economy is in a recession. What has also become apparent in the past few years is that public education is one of the first items on the chopping block when budgets are reconstructed. The effects are felt at every level of the education system from elementary, middle and high schools to the state universities. Cuts to education budgets have been in the news for decades, and with each slash the results become more magnified. As a result, students and families have been taking on a larger financial obligation, especially at the collegiate level.
Now, with hard times falling upon more and more families, the decreased affordability of education is taking a more dramatic toll. That can even be seen in primary and secondary schooling. Private schools are becoming less of an option for Americans and that not only makes it more difficult for the schools losing enrollment to operate, but puts a larger burden on the already-stretched public schools those children are entering.
Another part of the education system that is taking a hit due to the economy is scholarships and financial aid. College tuition nowadays is a small fortune even at a state school, and there is less money being provided to help offset the cost for potential students. There are also more people applying for financial aid and scholarships than ever before because of the worsened economy, further compounding the problem.
As a student at Washington State University, I see first-hand the consequences these drastic budget cuts are having on our school, but we are not alone. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is even worse in some places and those nation-wide issues can offer a glimpse at what may be in store for this region. Follow me as I explore what happens in the education realm during the next four months and how it may affect the Northwest.
Please direct any questions or comments to mwalsh88@wsu.edu.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Something Refreshing

I know it's not really local, but Boise isn't too far away, and I thought I would mix it up a little bit with a positive news story regarding education.

According to an article published in Monday's The Arbiter (Boise State University's student newspaper), spring enrollment is up at BSU.

Spring enrollment up... again
COLBY STREAM
The Arbiter

Boise State University posted another spring enrollment increase with a head count of 18,963 students, a .5 percent increase more than last spring. Students are also registered for 6,764 more credits than last spring, a 3.4 percent increase.

"Boise State is pleased with this continued growth, which points to the ongoing demand for higher education opportunities in the Treasure Valley," Vice President of Student Affairs Michael Laliberte said in a press release. "It's clear that the current economic climate is driving more students to campuses across the nation, and Boise State is no exception."

Boise State added 124 graduate students this spring, bringing the total to 2,203. However, the university experienced a drop in applied technology enrollment as Boise State prepares for the transfer of the Selland College to the College of Western Idaho this summer. Boise State expects more than 1,000 applied technology students to transfer to CWI this fall.

First-time degree-seeking freshmen and transfer students increased 6.5 percent.

Other points of interest regarding Boise State's spring enrollment include:
• A 9.2 percent increase in the number of international students. Boise State now hosts 358 international students.
• Enrollment in online courses is up by 758 students.
• The number of students at Boise State grew by almost 500 students.

This report comes following the 10th day of classes, on which the state's institutions of higher education are required to report enrollment numbers to the State Board of Education.

Information courtesy the Boise State Communications & Marketing Department.
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