As the national presidential election campaigns were heating up, the topic of access to higher education was in the media spotlight. Following student protests against undocumented students, the discussion of access to higher education became the center point at Washington State University. The institution’s president, Kirk Schulz, issued an email to all students, staff, and faculty members, followed by a press release. Washington State University’s vocal commitment to provide access to higher education to all individuals, regardless of legal status, impacts the entire university. The following sections will discuss the institution’s vow to access through the lens of an admissions counselor, financial aid officer, and the executive director
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In the state of Washington, one of the main factors stopping students from accessing higher education is lack of social capital (“Educational Attainment For All…”, 2013, pg. 23). According to “Educational Attainment For All…” (2013), there are seven statewide initiatives in place to counteract the issue of social capital (pg. 23). Admissions counselors should be aware of those initiatives and use them as resources when meeting with perspective students. In trying to expand access to the institution, utilizing the resources and initiatives already in place is …show more content…
65). Accessing higher education, and choosing to attend, may be impacted by family members. The admissions counselor for Washington State University should be successful at effectively working with all families, especially those of first generation, low income, or undocumented status. Being able to predict concerns the family may have, rather than wait for them to be voiced, will help families who are not sure of what questions to ask or how to ask them. When working with undocumented students and access to higher education, it is important to note that the higher education system in the United States of America may differ than what family members are used to. Additionally, culture will impact how families view higher education (Berg, 2010, pg. 69). Understanding that higher education is not viewed in the same regards by everyone will help admissions counselors better tailor their conversations with perspective
In the state of Washington, one of the main factors stopping students from accessing higher education is lack of social capital (“Educational Attainment For All…”, 2013, pg. 23). According to “Educational Attainment For All…” (2013), there are seven statewide initiatives in place to counteract the issue of social capital (pg. 23). Admissions counselors should be aware of those initiatives and use them as resources when meeting with perspective students. In trying to expand access to the institution, utilizing the resources and initiatives already in place is …show more content…
65). Accessing higher education, and choosing to attend, may be impacted by family members. The admissions counselor for Washington State University should be successful at effectively working with all families, especially those of first generation, low income, or undocumented status. Being able to predict concerns the family may have, rather than wait for them to be voiced, will help families who are not sure of what questions to ask or how to ask them. When working with undocumented students and access to higher education, it is important to note that the higher education system in the United States of America may differ than what family members are used to. Additionally, culture will impact how families view higher education (Berg, 2010, pg. 69). Understanding that higher education is not viewed in the same regards by everyone will help admissions counselors better tailor their conversations with perspective