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ithakasr.bsky.social
Ithaka S+R
@ithakasr.bsky.social
580 followers 270 following 140 posts
Ithaka S+R provides research and strategic guidance to help the academic and cultural communities navigate economic, demographic, and technological change.
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ithakasr.bsky.social
For #AdultLearners, the path back to a degree is often fraught with challenges. We created a playbook—based on insights from our community of practice—to help #HigherEd institutions engage adult learners from pre-enrollment through graduation.

Discover the guide: sr.ithaka.org/publications...
Text reads: Re-Engaging Adult Learners with Some College but No Credential in Pennsylvania. Includes image of three college graduates walking on campus in cap and gown.
November 3, 2025 at 4:49 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
What does #WorkforcePell mean for students and colleges?

A new Ithaka S+R blog post discusses the economic value of certificate programs for students—and why it’s critical not to lose sight of the long-term benefits of a #LiberalArts education. sr.ithaka.org/blog/keeping...
The question for poilcymakers is not, "do certificates have value or not?" but rather, "why certificates have value, in which fields, and for whom?"
October 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
What does the future of the #LiberalArts look like in today’s uncertain climate?

On October 22 at 11am, we’re hosting a #webinar that will bring together a panel of #HigherEd leaders and share findings on the economic value of the liberal arts. Register today: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
The Liberal Arts in Challenging Times. October 22, 2025 at 11AM ET. Catharine Bond Hill, Elizabeth Davidson Pisacreta, Andrew Delbanco, Kaye Husbands Fealing, Lynn Pasquerella.
September 25, 2025 at 7:46 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
How can colleges support #FirstGen students in times of crisis?

An issue brief explores how the #KesslerScholars Program, which provides holistic support to first-gen, low-income students at 16 colleges & universities, helped students thrive despite the pandemic. sr.ithaka.org/publications...
Supporting First-Generation Students in a Time of Crisis: Lessons from the Kessler Scholars Program Response to COVID-19. Includes image of student in a virtual class in a dorm.
September 24, 2025 at 4:26 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’re launching a Rural Student Success Network to improve and expand postsecondary opportunities for rural learners across the US.

Learn more about the new initiative in collaboration with @aascu.org: sr.ithaka.org/blog/launchi...
Launching the Rural-Serving Institution Student Success Network. Request for Participation due October 3, 2025.
September 23, 2025 at 4:04 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’re excited to participate in a project tackling textbook affordability, with Empire State University, Buffalo State University, & @fredoniau.bsky.social.

Thanks to support from ECMC Foundation, the effort will evaluate and pilot affordable course material models: sr.ithaka.org/blog/tacklin...
Tackling Textbook Affordability: New Project with Empire State University, Buffalo State University, and SUNY Fredonia. Image of pile of textbooks.
September 18, 2025 at 3:27 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’re working with states across the country to improve opportunities for #AdultLearners with some college but no credential.

In Pennsylvania, we’re helping 50 #HigherEd institutions to make progress toward the goal of re-enrolling adult learners. sr.ithaka.org/blog/reflect...
Reflections from the Pennsylvania Adult Learner Re-Engagement Community of Practice. Includes photo of students in a student center of a college.
September 15, 2025 at 5:43 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’re excited to share a special issue of the Peabody Journal of Education, featuring original #research on strategies to support lower-income #StudentSuccess at high-graduation-rate institutions.

Read insights from the studies, with an introduction from Ithaka S+R: sr.ithaka.org/blog/student...
Student Success Research Featured in Special Edition of Peabody Journal of Education.
September 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
In August, the US Department of Education proposed revisions to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System #IPEDS to expand data collection on college #admissions and applicants.

Our new blog post explores implications for colleges and universities: sr.ithaka.org/blog/what-th...
Any proposed revisions to IPEDS must be approached thoughtfully, with an emphasis on accuracy, feasibility, and strong engagement with both data providers and users.
September 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Sustainability is a major challenge for even the most successful #OpenSource software. We took on the issue in a one-day workshop of 40 open source software leaders and researchers, cohosted with @apereofoundation.bsky.social.

Read a recap: sr.ithaka.org/blog/sustain...
Reflections on Sustaining Open Source Software in the Research Enterprise. Includes photo of workshop session.
September 8, 2025 at 6:16 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
The US Census Bureau’s Postsecondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) program provides public data that creates a more complete picture of the labor market outcomes of #graduates.

Learn how the data can guide state and #HigherEd decisions: sr.ithaka.org/blog/how-sta...
PSEO is helping to shift the conversation from anecdotal evidence of workforce relevance to data that is helpful for students and families, institutions, and policymakers.
September 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Working together, academic & public #libraries have the potential to meet community needs in powerful and often overlooked ways.

We brought together library leaders, advisors, and stakeholders to brainstorm ideas for #library partnership. Learn more: sr.ithaka.org/blog/buildin...
Building Stronger Library Partnerships: Lessons from the Library Partnership Development Institute
August 27, 2025 at 4:37 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
“Since February, the Data Rescue Project and over 500 volunteers have identified and preserved public access to over 1200 vulnerable federal reports, datasets, and resources.”

We spoke with @datarescueproject.org to learn about efforts to protect vital public data: sr.ithaka.org/blog/preserv...
Federal data are an essential public good, enabling cutting-edge research and underpinning decision making by governments, businesses, and individuals.
August 21, 2025 at 7:28 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Why does data matter for #HigherEd in prison?

Our latest report uncovers how #PrisonEducation programs are tracking student enrollment and outcomes, and highlights why a strong data infrastructure can help programs better support student success inside: sr.ithaka.org/publications...
Investing in data is not just a compliance necessity--it is essential to ensuring educational equity, program quality, and long-term success for students who are incarcerated.
August 20, 2025 at 5:03 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Are you attending #SXSWEDU 2026? Learn about Ithaka S+R sessions on supporting first-generation student success, AI literacy in #HigherEd, and a meetup on credit mobility strategies to support transfer students.

Cast your votes with #PanelPicker by August 24! sr.ithaka.org/blog/panelpi...
SXSW EDU 2026. Vote for my PanelPicker Idea. Community voting - August 5-24, 2025.
August 19, 2025 at 2:51 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) coordinate and nurture open source software adoption across an organization. How can OSPOs advance #OpenSource research for #HigherEd?

Our new report shares insights from 12 university OSPOs funded by @sloanfoundation.bsky.social: sr.ithaka.org/publications...
What strategies are Open Source Program Offices using to promote open source software on campus? What challenges are they encountering?
August 14, 2025 at 5:43 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
How can institutions strengthen #transfer pathways to help students get credit for their learning—from military experience to training programs?

Lisa Holstrom, Ben Parrot, & Jared Shank discuss non-credit to credit initiatives at the Ohio Department of #HigherEd: sr.ithaka.org/blog/strengt...
"We want to be a national leader in credit mobility and acknowledging learning that happens through experience and working."
August 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’d love to see you at #SXSWEDU!

We’re proposing sessions on fostering #FirstGeneration student success across campuses, transfer policies to support mobile learners, AI literacy, and more. Learn more about Ithaka S+R panels and vote with #PanelPicker by August 24! sr.ithaka.org/blog/panelpi...
Vote for my PanelPicker Idea. Community Voting. August 5-24, 2025. SXSW EDU 2026.
August 6, 2025 at 3:09 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
We’re launching a new national survey of academic #researchers!

The survey will capture a snapshot of researchers’ attitudes and practices, with perspectives on methodologies, current challenges, and support needs in a time of profound disruption. Learn more: sr.ithaka.org/blog/announc...
Announcing the US Researcher Survey
July 30, 2025 at 4:42 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Could a #library partnership help bridge the digital divide?

Our latest case study shines a light on a collaboration between a community college and two public libraries in Illinois, working together to advance #DigitalLiteracy and expand technological access. sr.ithaka.org/publications...
"If we can make that sort of difference in their life, even if it is just one person at a class, I think that's a successful partnership."
July 25, 2025 at 2:55 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Between 2004 and 2020, the number of students with disabilities enrolled in #HigherEd increased from 1 in 10 to 1 in 5 students.

How can institutions use #IPEDS and other national data to better understand these students’ needs, and how can those data be improved? sr.ithaka.org/publications...
There is still a lack of robust information and a consistent understanding of how students with disabilities navigate the academic landscape.
July 23, 2025 at 3:16 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
Did you attend this year’s NASPA Student Success in Higher Education #NASPASSHE Conference? #AcademicSky

Ithaka S+R sessions focused on supporting student navigation of college services and empowering first-generation #StudentSuccess. Read our recap: sr.ithaka.org/blog/reflect...
Reflections on the NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Ed.
July 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
How can we quantify exposure to a #LiberalArts education? Traditional metrics, like student’s major and institution, fall short.

A new Ithaka S+R study offers a novel approach, measuring students' exposure to key features of a liberal arts and sciences education. sr.ithaka.org/publications...
Measuring the Economic Value of a Liberal Education
July 16, 2025 at 5:22 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
A new @aacrao.bsky.social ebook features actionable research on credit mobility, with perspectives from institutional leaders, administrators, and researchers.

Read Ithaka S+R’s chapter, “Institutional and System Approaches to Holistic Credit Mobility”: go.aacrao.org/l/407842/202...
Learning Mobility: Empowering Educational Journeys Beyond Traditional Pathways. AACRAO introduces the first comprehensive exploration of learning mobility in US higher education.
July 15, 2025 at 8:13 PM
ithakasr.bsky.social
At @utaustin.bsky.social, a bold, data-informed strategy aims to remove key barriers to access for low-income #students.

Dr. Matt Giani shares early outcomes from the pilot, combining automatic admissions with proactive #FinancialAid guarantees. Learn more: sr.ithaka.org/publications...
"This intervention, where you directly guarantee financial aid to students before they had applied to college, resulted in significant increases in students' likelihood of applying, being admitted to, and enrolling at UT Austin."
July 10, 2025 at 5:40 PM