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February 09, 2021

Bridges to Success Equity Webinar to focus on the Student Experience
White paper highlights transfer enrollment during COVID-19 pandemic

 

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) will host a webinar, Thursday, Feb. 11, as part of its Bridges to Success Equity Webinar series. A corresponding white paper covering transfer enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic was published today by MDHEWD’s Office of Postsecondary Policy. 

Thursday’s webinar is the latest in a series of monthly presentations given by leading educators and advocates aimed at promoting equity throughout Missouri’s colleges and universities. This week’s webinar will focus on the equity gaps that exist across the entire education experience.

Dr. Angie Besendorfer, chancellor of Western Governors University Missouri, and Dr. Jason Levin, executive director of Western Governors University Labs, will present on “Understanding Equity across the Student Experience.”

“As we continue to work toward making education more equitable in Missouri, our department is examining all aspects of campus life, including the challenges students face when transferring from one school to another,” said Dr. Mara Woody, assistant commissioner of the office of postsecondary policy.

National data indicates a steep enrollment decline in Fall 2020 for transfer students compared to non-transfer students. The decline was even more pronounced among marginalized, low-income, and first-generation students. The newly published white paper examines transfer enrollment and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on existing transfer issues.

Monthly equity webinars are scheduled to take place from now until June. Download the white paper, register for the upcoming webinar, and see future webinar dates at https://dhewd.mo.gov/equity_project.php.

About the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development: The department works to empower Missourians with the skills and education needed for success. More information about MDHEWD can be found at https://dhewd.mo.gov or on Facebook and Twitter @MoDHEWD.

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