Brandon Bernier

The session focused on the "2023 GFRAS Annual Meeting: International 4-H/FFA Panel." Discussions centered on the global spread of the 4-H program, its partnership with the US Cooperative Extension system and USDA, and investments in young people for college and career pathways in agriculture. Panelists shared insights on international partnerships involving 4-H/FFA, including specific programs in Mexico (FERA) and capacity building in developing countries (Agricore). A detailed presentation highlighted the successful diffusion of agricultural innovation in Liberia via the 4-H model, demonstrating significant impacts on girls' school retention, increased interest in agriculture, and improved rural livelihoods by leveraging school programs to disseminate new farming technologies.

The discussion focused on the evolution and future of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in higher education. Key topics included the concept of using top-notch video content as textbooks and faculty acceptance, as well as the challenges of overcoming 'Not Invented Here' syndrome regarding shared course content. There was discussion regarding competency-based programs allowing outside learning sources to be assessed for credit. Faculty concerns about job replacement due to technology were addressed, alongside the potential for MOOCs to increase capacity and lower per-student costs. Specific examples were shared regarding a professor at San Jose State University who found renewed classroom engagement after integrating MOOC materials, and another experience at Vanderbilt showing how video lectures can augment faculty perspectives, creating a 'co-taught' effect. The discussion concluded by framing MOOCs as a tool to improve quality and access, potentially moving the Pareto optimal curve for balancing faculty time investment against student learning outcomes, thereby offering paths for better outcomes at the same cost or same quality at lower faculty investment.

This document presents findings from a study titled 'Race, Class, and College Access,' examining how legal challenges to race-conscious admissions have influenced student outreach, recruitment, and admissions decisions at selective four-year U.S. institutions. The study identifies strategies used to support racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity, noting that while admissions factors changed minimally after the Fisher decision, broader diversity strategies such as targeted recruitment and holistic application review saw increased emphasis. It also discusses the importance of institutional context, the coexistence of race-conscious and race-neutral approaches, and the need for institutions to seek guidance from professional organizations and general counsels regarding evolving legal landscapes.

This document outlines the Alternative Credit Project (ACE), an initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education, particularly for non-traditional students. The project focuses on creating a quality alternative credit ecosystem by providing flexible pathways toward post-secondary credentials. Key objectives include validating high-quality courses from non-traditional providers, securing institutional acceptance of credit recommendations, and ultimately increasing adult degree holders by 60% by 2025. The plan emphasizes rigorous review of courses and providers, and collaboration among educational institutions.

This visual brief defines indirect costs as college expenses beyond tuition and fees, including items like books, room and board, and personal expenses. It highlights that these costs represent a substantial portion (2/3 to 3/4) of the total cost of college attendance for many students. The document points out the absence of clear guidelines for estimating and budgeting indirect costs, contrasting this with the more defined process for tuition and fees. It underscores the critical importance of accurately estimating these costs to prevent students from experiencing financial strain, such as overworking or accumulating excessive debt, and advocates for the establishment of best practices in this area.