A note from us
Welcome to Awake58 — a weekly newsletter where you’ll find the latest updates on community college related news and events around the state. Plus, a look at what’s trending nationally in higher education.
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EdNC’s annual impact survey is out now… Updated data from the National Student Clearinghouse shows that first-year enrollment actually increased this fall… The NCCCS’ System Advisory Council to meet this week… Plus, a look at education remarks made during Gov. Josh Stein’s inaugural address…
Hi all — Emily Thomas here with this week’s Awake58.
This week’s newsletter is a bit more abbreviated than previous weeks because of the holiday on Monday.
First, we need your help.
EdNC’s annual impact survey is live, and we’re looking for your feedback. How are we doing? What changes or improvements would you like to see? What stories should we be covering?
Team EdNC values your input and your feedback helps inform our work moving forward.
The survey will take no more than five minutes and the results will only be used anonymously unless you grant EdNC permission to use your comments alongside your name. Leave your name and email in the final question for a chance to receive one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
If you haven’t read, a research error discovered by the National Student Clearinghouse confirmed that freshman enrollment is actually up, not down as the center had previously reported. You can read the write-up below in EdNC reads
We’ll be back with our normal Awake58 next week, including a recap of last week’s State Board of Community Colleges meeting.
Until then,
Emily Thomas
Director of Postsecondary Attainment — EdNC.org
EdNC reads
Take EdNC's annual survey
A lot happened across the state in 2024. From the general election, to community college enrollment growth funding, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it’s been a big year for North Carolina.
As we welcome the new year and celebrate EdNC’s 10th anniversary, we are reflecting on our work and impact throughout North Carolina. Our team values your input. How are we doing? What changes or improvements would you like to see?
Please let us know what you think by taking this survey. Your responses help inform our work moving forward.
The survey will take no more than five minutes and the results will only be used anonymously unless you grant EdNC permission to use your comments alongside your name. Leave your name and email in the final question for a chance to receive one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
Freshman enrollment this fall is actually up, National Student Clearinghouse finds
Enrollment among first-year college students across the United States did not decline this fall, as previously reported by the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) Research Center in its annual preliminary enrollment report released in October.
On Monday, Jan. 13, the NSC said that a methodological error led to a miscalculation of freshman enrollment in the preliminary enrollment report.
Per the NSC, the preliminary report is based on data provided by about 50% of higher education institutions. This year’s methodological errors led to mislabeling some students as dual-enrolled instead of as freshmen — leading to the undercounting of first-year students and over counting of dually enrolled students.
Read the full write-up on our website.
Around NC
System advisory council | The N.C. Community College System’s system advisory council will meet at Sandhills Community College in the Sledge Board room of Stone Hall at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. The council will discuss the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) implementation for improved student support and communication. The meeting is open to the public, but will not be live streamed.
Education perspective | Gov. Josh Stein presented his inaugural address on Saturday, Jan. 11. EdNC published excerpted remarks from the address regarding education. Take a look at EdNC.org.
Other higher education reads
