Entering the Second Decade (of the 21st Century)

As we prepare to enter the second decade of this new century, we are confronted with a wholly new world. And, that's not all good. There is a new reality. We are in a deepening recession. No discussion of higher ed or continuing ed can be held without setting the new context which is far different than a couple of years ago.

Linked to the title is a new blog in which I chronicle the emerging environment.

The profile of institutions is changing:

• State institutions face layoffs, furloughs, cuts in classes
• Endowments down 30% - enrollments down among private institutions
• community college enrollment boom - lower budgets

The profile of continuing education students is changing:

• Obama: possibility of devastating unemployment rate
• The "real unemployment rate" from BLS is already 12.5%
• Savings gone; corporations drop tuition reimbursement
• Student loans - particularly private loans - are less available
• Urgency and less stability as workers face losing homes
• Interim positions - can't come to campus - no regular schedule