Sara Weissman
@saraweissman.insidehighered.com
Reporter at Inside Higher Ed. Runs on coffee. Covering post-traditional students and the institutions that serve them + religion and higher ed.
The philanthropist MacKenzie Scott dropped upward of $300 million on historically Black colleges and universities this fall. Here's how campus leaders are spending the money.
How HBCUs Plan to Spend MacKenzie Scott’s Money
The philanthropist dropped upward of $300 million on historically Black colleges and universities this fall. Campus leaders are overjoyed and spending in ways they never thought possible.
www.insidehighered.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The philanthropist MacKenzie Scott dropped upward of $300 million on historically Black colleges and universities this fall. Here's how campus leaders are spending the money.
After court orders, the Trump administration agreed to use emergency reserves to pay for food stamps during the government shutdown. But the funds cover only half of what’s needed. Campuses are scrambling to fill in the gaps for food insecure students. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Trump Partially Funds SNAP, Colleges Scramble
After court orders, the Trump administration agreed to use emergency reserves to pay for food stamps during the government shutdown. But the funds cover only half of what’s needed. Campuses are trying...
www.insidehighered.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:28 PM
After court orders, the Trump administration agreed to use emergency reserves to pay for food stamps during the government shutdown. But the funds cover only half of what’s needed. Campuses are scrambling to fill in the gaps for food insecure students. www.insidehighered.com/news/governm...
Paulette Granberry Russell ran the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education through high highs and low lows. She says diversity work isn’t dead—it’s evolving. My Q&A with Granberry Russell as she prepares to step down:
A Tumultuous Tenure Leading the Nation’s Diversity Officers
Paulette Granberry Russell ran the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education through high highs and low lows. She says diversity work isn’t dead—it’s evolving.
www.insidehighered.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Paulette Granberry Russell ran the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education through high highs and low lows. She says diversity work isn’t dead—it’s evolving. My Q&A with Granberry Russell as she prepares to step down:
Historically Black college and university leaders say security is a priority after terroristic threats to their institutions last month and shootings on campuses in recent weeks.
HBCUs Ramp Up Security After Threats, Campus Shootings
Historically Black college and university leaders say security is a priority after terroristic threats last month and shootings on campuses in recent weeks.
www.insidehighered.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Historically Black college and university leaders say security is a priority after terroristic threats to their institutions last month and shootings on campuses in recent weeks.
University of North Georgia says it can no longer afford to maintain the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Advocates worry about losing decades of research, resources and support.
National Institute on Transfer Prepares to Close
University of North Georgia says it can no longer afford to maintain the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Advocates worry about losing decades of research, resources and support.
www.insidehighered.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:33 PM
University of North Georgia says it can no longer afford to maintain the National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students. Advocates worry about losing decades of research, resources and support.
A new report found that federal disinvestment in Pell Grants hit higher ed in Southern states hard. It also likely played a role in plummeting Black student enrollments.
Drop in Pell Funds Hurts Black Students, Southern Colleges
A new report found that federal disinvestment in Pell Grants hit higher ed in Southern states hard. It also likely played a role in plummeting Black student enrollments.
www.insidehighered.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A new report found that federal disinvestment in Pell Grants hit higher ed in Southern states hard. It also likely played a role in plummeting Black student enrollments.
Reposted by Sara Weissman
Reverse transfer has been seen as a way to move the needle on college completion, but a majority of eligible students pass up the opportunities. And, from my reporting, there seems to be a gap in understanding why that is
for @insidehighered.com
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
for @insidehighered.com
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
Reverse Transfer Policies Boost College Completion Rates
Reverse transfer—the practice of awarding associate degrees for credit earned in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree—is beneficial for colleges, state workforces and the vast some college, no credit popula...
www.insidehighered.com
October 20, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Reverse transfer has been seen as a way to move the needle on college completion, but a majority of eligible students pass up the opportunities. And, from my reporting, there seems to be a gap in understanding why that is
for @insidehighered.com
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
for @insidehighered.com
www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
The Trump administration’s death blow to funds for minority-serving institutions is expected to cost the California State University system tens of millions of dollars. Out of its 22 campuses, 21 are Hispanic-serving institutions.
CSU Campuses Reel From Blow to HSI Funding
The Trump administration’s death blow to funds for minority-serving institutions is expected to cost the California State University system tens of millions of dollars.
www.insidehighered.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:54 PM
The Trump administration’s death blow to funds for minority-serving institutions is expected to cost the California State University system tens of millions of dollars. Out of its 22 campuses, 21 are Hispanic-serving institutions.
Campus centers and programs for undocumented students are caught in a politically precarious moment after the Department of Justice called for an investigation of the University of Nevada at Reno’s undocumented student services.
Trump Targets Nevada at Reno’s Undocumented Student Supports
The DOJ called for an investigation into the University of Nevada at Reno for its supports for undocumented students. Immigrant student advocates worry about other such programs but urge campuses not ...
www.insidehighered.com
October 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Campus centers and programs for undocumented students are caught in a politically precarious moment after the Department of Justice called for an investigation of the University of Nevada at Reno’s undocumented student services.
Across the country, student groups and other organizations are working to fill the gaps left behind by campus centers and programs lost to a snowballing anti-DEI movement.
Students, Alumni Rally to Keep Cut Affinity Programs Alive
Across the country, student groups and other organizations are working to fill the gaps left behind by campus centers and programs lost to a snowballing anti-DEI movement.
www.insidehighered.com
September 29, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Across the country, student groups and other organizations are working to fill the gaps left behind by campus centers and programs lost to a snowballing anti-DEI movement.
Delta State University police and the local coroner's office say there's no evidence of foul play. But Trey Reed's family and lawmakers are demanding more information about the circumstances of his death as Black students and others nationwide reel from the news.
Black Student Found Hanging From Tree at Delta State
Authorities say there’s no evidence of foul play, but the student’s family and lawmakers are demanding more information. Black students and others nationwide are reeling from the news.
www.insidehighered.com
September 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Delta State University police and the local coroner's office say there's no evidence of foul play. But Trey Reed's family and lawmakers are demanding more information about the circumstances of his death as Black students and others nationwide reel from the news.
The Trump administration redirected funds from many minority-serving institutions to HBCUs and tribal colleges. Some HBCU advocates say their colleges are more deserving of the money. Others have more mixed feelings about the source of the funds.
ED Reallocates MSI Funding to HBCUs, Tribal Colleges
Some HBCU advocates say their colleges are more deserving of the money than other minority-serving institutions. Others have more mixed feelings.
www.insidehighered.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The Trump administration redirected funds from many minority-serving institutions to HBCUs and tribal colleges. Some HBCU advocates say their colleges are more deserving of the money. Others have more mixed feelings about the source of the funds.
At least seven historically Black institutions in five states investigated threats of violence, evoking memories of the wave of bomb threats that shook HBCUs in 2022.
Multiple HBCUs Go On Lockdown in Response to Threats
At least seven historically Black institutions in five states investigated threats of violence, evoking memories of the wave of bomb threats that shook HBCUs in 2022.
www.insidehighered.com
September 12, 2025 at 4:08 PM
At least seven historically Black institutions in five states investigated threats of violence, evoking memories of the wave of bomb threats that shook HBCUs in 2022.
The U.S. Department of Education plans to end discretionary grant programs for HSIs and other minority-serving institutions, officials announced Wednesday—after Congress already appropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars to those programs.
Education Department Moves to End MSI Programs
Trump administration officials call the programs unconstitutional. But advocates argue they improve the quality of education for all students who enroll.
www.insidehighered.com
September 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
The U.S. Department of Education plans to end discretionary grant programs for HSIs and other minority-serving institutions, officials announced Wednesday—after Congress already appropriated hundreds of thousands of dollars to those programs.
Reposted by Sara Weissman
In case you're not aware of what programs the education secretary just said she's going to stop funding, here's @saraweissman.insidehighered.com 's excellent explainer on MSIs www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
Breaking Down the Differences Among MSIs
Minority-serving institutions are in the news after a recent lawsuit targeted Hispanic-serving institutions. There are important differences among them.
www.insidehighered.com
September 10, 2025 at 6:53 PM
In case you're not aware of what programs the education secretary just said she's going to stop funding, here's @saraweissman.insidehighered.com 's excellent explainer on MSIs www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
This fall, thousands of undocumented students in Texas don't have in-state tuition benefits for the first time in over two decades. They're having to make hard choices about how or if to continue their education.
Undocumented Students Face Fall Without In-State Tuition
After a court struck down the Texas Dream Act, thousands of undocumented students are left asking how—or if—they can finish their degrees.
www.insidehighered.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This fall, thousands of undocumented students in Texas don't have in-state tuition benefits for the first time in over two decades. They're having to make hard choices about how or if to continue their education.
Reposted by Sara Weissman
Two accreditors are rolling out assessments and standards for non-credit programs in and outside of colleges. The question now is: will this help tame the Wild West of microcredentials? @saraweissman.insidehighered.com reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
Accreditors Venture Into the Microcredential Landscape
As microcredentials proliferate and attract millions of students, some accreditors are ready to launch quality checks for alternative credential providers.
www.insidehighered.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Two accreditors are rolling out assessments and standards for non-credit programs in and outside of colleges. The question now is: will this help tame the Wild West of microcredentials? @saraweissman.insidehighered.com reports www.insidehighered.com/news/governa...
As microcredentials proliferate and attract millions of students, some accreditors are poised to launch quality checks for alternative credential providers.
Accreditors Venture Into the Microcredential Landscape
As microcredentials proliferate and attract millions of students, some accreditors are ready to launch quality checks for alternative credential providers.
www.insidehighered.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:34 PM
As microcredentials proliferate and attract millions of students, some accreditors are poised to launch quality checks for alternative credential providers.
The Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University has split into factions. One group hired the university’s new permanent president.
Florida Memorial U Board Fractures Over Leadership Dispute
The Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University has split into factions. One group hired the university’s new permanent president.
www.insidehighered.com
September 3, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The Board of Trustees at Florida Memorial University has split into factions. One group hired the university’s new permanent president.
Some states are going to have a harder time than others proving their noncredit programs are eligible for workforce Pell, a new report says. But they can start preparing now.
Are States Prepared for Workforce Pell?
Some states are going to have a harder time than others proving their noncredit programs are eligible for Pell money, a new report says. But they can start preparing now.
www.insidehighered.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Some states are going to have a harder time than others proving their noncredit programs are eligible for workforce Pell, a new report says. But they can start preparing now.
Advocates for Hispanic-serving institutions are worried about the federal program after the Department of Justice refused to defend it in court.
An Uncertain Future for HSIs
Advocates for Hispanic-serving institutions are worried about the federal program after the Department of Justice refused to defend it in court.
www.insidehighered.com
August 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Advocates for Hispanic-serving institutions are worried about the federal program after the Department of Justice refused to defend it in court.
The Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College lost several million dollars of federal funds. Director Thomas Brock describes how the center is pushing forward.
Community College Research Collateral Damage at Columbia
The Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College lost several million dollars of federal funds. Director Thomas Brock describes how the center is pushing forward.
www.insidehighered.com
August 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Community College Research Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College lost several million dollars of federal funds. Director Thomas Brock describes how the center is pushing forward.
Trump has yet to pick an executive director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs and other advisory roles. Some HBCU advocates say the wait is normal. Others worry about a lack of representation at a time when higher ed policy is rapidly shifting.
HBCUs Await Trump’s Pick to Lead White House Initiative
Some advocates for historically Black colleges and universities worry about the lack of representation at a time when the government is shaking up education policy.
www.insidehighered.com
August 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Trump has yet to pick an executive director for the White House Initiative on HBCUs and other advisory roles. Some HBCU advocates say the wait is normal. Others worry about a lack of representation at a time when higher ed policy is rapidly shifting.
The DOJ sued the state of Oklahoma over a state law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates. It's the fourth state subjected to such a lawsuit. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is taking the federal government's side.
After DOJ Sues, Okla. Ends In-State Tuition for Noncitizens
The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state of Oklahoma Tuesday over a state law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates.
www.insidehighered.com
August 6, 2025 at 7:29 PM
The DOJ sued the state of Oklahoma over a state law that allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates. It's the fourth state subjected to such a lawsuit. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is taking the federal government's side.
A new book argues for a renewed focus on the strengths of first-generation students.
The Resilience of First-Generation Students
A new book argues for a renewed focus on the strengths of first-generation students, not just their challenges.
www.insidehighered.com
August 6, 2025 at 3:54 PM
A new book argues for a renewed focus on the strengths of first-generation students.