Welcome to this week’s Monday Musings! Explore key updates influencing higher education, from enrollment corrections to policy shifts impacting student rights. Here are the stories defining this week in higher ed.

1. Error in Fall First-Year Student Count Revealed

The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center uncovered a reporting error in its preliminary fall 2024 enrollment data, which initially showed a 5% decline in first-year student enrollments. The mistake involved misclassifying freshmen as dual enrollees. Corrected data now indicate an increase in freshman enrollment. The center plans to release final figures on January 23 and implement measures to avoid similar mistakes.

Key Takeaway: Accurate data is vital for understanding trends and making informed decisions in higher education.

2. Federal Judge Strikes Down Biden Administration’s Title IX Rule Nationwide

A federal judge vacated the Biden administration's Title IX rule, which extended protections to LGBTQI+ individuals by prohibiting gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination. The ruling declared this expansion unconstitutional and a violation of the First Amendment, creating uncertainty for how institutions handle sexual misconduct and discrimination cases.

Quick Insight: The decision reshapes Title IX enforcement, leaving institutions to reassess their policies.

3. Colleges Where Pell Students Thrive

An analysis of 2023 Department of Education data highlights institutions excelling at supporting Pell Grant recipients. While Pell students often graduate at lower rates, schools like Arizona State University lead by enrolling high numbers of Pell students and achieving better-than-average outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of targeted strategies for low-income student success.

Key Action: Expand initiatives that provide financial, academic, and social support for Pell students.

4. Supreme Court to Examine Biden Administration’s Borrower Defense Rule

The U.S. Supreme Court will review the blocked borrower defense rule, which aimed to simplify debt relief for students defrauded by colleges or affected by institutional closures. Legal challenges from private career schools halted the rule’s implementation. The court’s decision will shape the future of loan forgiveness policies.

Key Takeaway: The ruling could significantly impact students seeking debt relief due to institutional misconduct.

5. Undocumented College Students Face Growing Concerns

As President-elect Donald Trump’s term approaches, undocumented students are experiencing heightened fear of deportation. Protections like FERPA safeguard student data, but many students and families remain anxious. This climate underscores the need for colleges to support undocumented students and assess protective measures.

Quick Insight: Institutions must address undocumented students' concerns to foster a safe and inclusive environment.

6. At Large Online Colleges, Students Struggle to Earn Degrees

Students at large online colleges face significant barriers to degree completion, including insufficient support, isolation, and balancing academic and personal responsibilities. The findings point to the importance of robust engagement strategies and tailored support for online learners.

Key Action: Online colleges must prioritize student engagement and build stronger support networks to improve completion rates. Tools like OnlineLingo can help bridge these gaps by providing students with essential resources on academic success, time management, and strategies for thriving in online learning environments.

Published: January 20, 2025