By Renee L. Bowling, Laura Dahl, and Matthew J. Mayhew
The topic of diversity in education elicits strong feelings across the political spectrum, yet religious, secular, and spiritual (RSS) diversity is often left out of the conversation despite its importance to students’ lives. Reactions seen on university campuses in response to the Israel-Hamas war have underscored the importance for educators, administrators, and counselors to engage with this underrepresented form of diversity and its intersections with history, culture, and politics to understand how to support diverse worldview communities on campus.
The Interfaith Spiritual, Religious, and Secular Index, or INSPIRES Campus Climate Index, measures an institution’s efforts to establish a welcoming climate for students of diverse RSS identities. Built by researchers at The Ohio State University and North Carolina State University, INSPIRES is grounded in data gathered through the Interfaith Diversity Experiences and Attitudes Longitudinal Survey (IDEALS). The project first began in 2020 and is now in its third intake. It is funded by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, an organization committed to courageous multi-faith efforts.
Preparation is key for all college-bound students, but thinking through what you’ll need to be successful is especially important for students with disabilities.
Here are some ideas and insights to help you settle into college.
COVID-19 has set back the financial situations of many college students and created a tough learning environment for everyone. There’s been a lot of media attention highlighting that students can request more aid if their financial circumstances change.
So what’s the deal? Yes, you can appeal your financial aid.
During this global crisis, many students already are facing significant economic hardships and challenges and need additional financial aid to stay in school. Let your college know how you’ve been affected by filing a “special circumstance appeal” to communicate a job loss or significant change in financial situation. You can also request support for dependent care, child care, or disability-related expenses.
The number of colleges still accepting applications for fall 2020 continues to grow.
More than 770 institutions have openings, financial aid, and housing available to qualified freshmen and/or transfer students, according to NACAC’s College Openings Update.
When survey data was first posted on May 5, the list included roughly 700 colleges and universities. Since that time, dozens of additional institutions have added their information. The update, which includes public and private schools, continues to be modified by colleges and universities. It will remain on NACAC’s website through June 30.
Does the enrollment deposit present an insurmountable barrier to college attendance for the students you serve?
A new form from NACAC can help them signal their need for support.
Similar to NACAC’s application fee waiver, the enrollment deposit waiver is used by students to request a fee waiver or deferral. A supplemental document outlines additional ways students can advocate to get the support they need.
A new college-going guide created for Native students by Native students is now available.
The 36-page Indigenous College Planning Guidebook was published by the College Board this fall and features advice and insights from Native college students regarding the admission process.
The free resource includes information about college prep programs, scholarships, and on-campus resources aimed specifically at Native students. It also offers step-by-step instructions to help students select challenging high school classes, apply for financial aid, and complete college applications.
If you don’t know how to change a tire or curl your hair or even make a soufflé, you can YouTube it.
So, it stands to reason, if you don’t know how to apply for college, you would turn to the video-sharing website for the answers you seek.
What started as a trend of college-bound teens sharing their college decision letters has grown into a way for teens to broadcast their experiences and advice throughout the process.
Teen Vogue recently interviewed several of these YouTube vloggers about their growing channels.
Editor’s note: A version of this post originally appeared on Admitted in June 2016. It’s being republished as part of NACAC’s Best of the Blog series.
After visiting a few college campuses, most people begin to think that they are all alike — and in some ways they are right. Most colleges offer students a variety of factors that seem similar: rigorous academics, varied social activities, and meaningful ways to connect with the community.
Advising and supporting undocumented students through the college admission process can be difficult in these uncertain times.
To answer your questions and offer a bevy of resources, Gaby Pacheco of TheDream.US, the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers, will join NACAC for a Facebook Live broadcast on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
By Renee L. Bowling, Laura Dahl, and Matthew J. Mayhew 
