Category: News

As we celebrate the concept of gratitude in November, let’s take a moment to appreciate the wisdom of Albert Einstein. “Never regard study as a duty but as an enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later works belong.”  In other words, don’t see studying as a chore, but as a fantastic chance to discover the amazing influence of beauty in the world of knowledge, for your own happiness and the benefit of the community you’ll later contribute to.

So, what did he mean by all of that? Well, in my opinion, I believe that he wanted us to view learning as a cool opportunity, not a boring duty. When we learn new things, it’s like opening a door to a world of wonder and understanding. This perspective encourages us to be thankful for all the knowledge out there that enriches our lives.

Einstein also talked about the “liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit.” In simple terms, I believe that he meant that learning isn’t just about facts and figures; it’s about feeling inspired and free. When we approach our studies with awe and appreciation, we not only enjoy it ourselves, but we also see how it can make the world a better place.

In the spirit of gratitude, we can be thankful for the gift of education, the chance to explore the amazing secrets of the universe, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on our communities. This mindset helps us appreciate that learning isn’t just for ourselves; it’s also about sharing our knowledge to make the world a better, cooler place. So, for November and beyond, let’s be grateful for all the awesome things we can learn and how we can use that knowledge to make a difference!

HBCUs have been facing many challenges that threaten their existence. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, during the 2018-19 school year, more than 6,000 fewer students attended the 101 black colleges and universities in the U.S. It is important to note that despite the decline overall, some HBCUs are growing.   

What measures can aid HBCUs facing a decline in student acquisition? 

The enrollment decline is a significant concern for HBCUs as it can lead to decreased funding and resources.  Partnering with companies that help with student acquisition and retention can benefit HBCUs in several ways. Here are some of the benefits: 

Enhanced Student Enrollment: Collaborating with companies specializing in student acquisition can boost the number of enrollees at HBCUs. Through these partnerships, HBCUs can extend their outreach, connecting with a broader and more diverse student demographic, thereby drawing in a larger student body to their institutions. 

Improved Retention: Partnering with companies specializing in student retention empowers HBCUs to elevate their retention rates. These collaborative efforts equip HBCUs with valuable tools and resources to support students in their academic and social success, ultimately contributing to increased student persistence. 

Development and Management of Online Programs: Online programs offer a flexible and accessible mode of education, allowing HBCUs to reach a broader and more diverse student population, transcending geographical boundaries. Online programs can serve as a cost-effective means to deliver quality education, thus reducing the financial burden on the institution and students. 

Financial Support: Some companies offer financial support to HBCUs that partner with them. This support can come in the form of scholarships, grants, or other types of funding. 

Networking Opportunities: Partnering with companies can provide HBCUs with networking opportunities. These opportunities can help HBCUs connect with potential employers and other organizations that benefit their students. 

Access to Resources: Collaborating with HBCUs can provide them with access to resources that they may not have otherwise. These resources can include technology, research facilities, and other tools that can help HBCUs improve their academic programs. 

In the face of declining enrollment and the challenges threatening their existence, HBCUs have a lifeline through strategic partnerships with companies, offering the hope and support needed to ensure their continued growth and success. 

October is creeping in, and you know what that means – it’s officially the spookiest time of the year! But let’s put aside the ghost stories for now and dive into some real-world scares of school life.

So, what sends chills down your student spine? Is it the idea of tackling a super challenging course that makes you break out in a cold sweat? Or maybe the thought of giving a presentation in front of your classmates has your heart racing faster than a roller coaster ride? And let’s not forget those group projects do they have you feeling a bit spooked?

Well, fear not! You are not alone in this haunted school adventure. Many students are grappling with the very same fears. But here’s the good news: FocusQuest is here to help you face those fears head on. Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing some spook-tacular tips on how to confront and conquer those challenges. Keep an eye out for our October social media posts because we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves that are sure to be a real “treat” for your student life!

FocusQuest is focused on you. Are YOU focused on you?

As a professor who teaches online and hybrid data science-related courses, I know the challenges of keeping students engaged. Most challenges are out of my control. Additionally, there is a distinct difference between the face-to-face, online, and hybrid experiences.

I had to accept the online and hybrid experiences are unlike the in-class experience. In my simple definition, it just “feels” different; however, just because it feels this way at first doesn’t mean we can’t be effective and impactful educators. Some best practices for encouraging connection, interaction, and personalization in online and hybrid learning include:

• Encourage frequent student interaction through discussion boards, forums, and group activities by posing thought-provoking questions to stimulate discussion.
• Establish a communication schedule and provide timely responses to student inquiries using multiple communication channels, including email, chat, and video conferencing.
• Incorporate video messages and announcements to add a personal touch.
• Provide individualized and constructive feedback on assignments and assessments and use the students by name.

As much as we would like to keep learning as a face-to-face experience, the educational ecosystem is transforming. If we’re going to remain relevant, we must stay open. It’s okay that online or hybrid learning “feels” different. Change always does at first until it becomes the norm.