short paper

HEA 610 Module Two Short Paper Rubric

Overview: Higher education is a very complex segment of our society that must consider the influences of economic, political, and societal forces. Some would argue that an educated citizenry is the cornerstone of a democratic society, which is what our country’s roots were founded on. In 1862, the Morrill Act ensured that every state would have an institution of higher education on public lands that would be eligible for federal support (from Handbook of Strategic Enrollment Management, 2015). Since then, access to higher education has resulted in huge economic benefits, provided a skilled workforce, and has been the gateway to success for generations. However, all of this is not without cost. Even with robust student financial support from the government and private entities, higher education faces substantial financial challenges at the state and local level, at a time when advanced training and education are most needed. New demands for smaller and leaner governmental operations have found their way to college campuses, with increased requirements for accountability and transparency. While there is no movement to eliminate higher education, there are forces and tensions that pull at the goals of access, affordability, and retention.

Prompt: Submit a short paper analyzing the landscape of higher education. Conduct research on current events in higher education from at least two publications on higher education (e.g., The Chronicle of Higher Education, Higher Ed, Inside Higher Ed, Ed Tech Magazine, Today's Campus, etc.) and select one political, economic, or societal issue currently impacting higher education. Summarize your findings and reflect on the issue's importance. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:

I. Current Issue. Why is this issue part of the national conversation on higher education? Who are the stakeholders? Summarize the political, economic, or societal issue currently impacting higher education. How does this issue address access, affordability, or retention? Reflect on the issue’s importance to higher education, with an emphasis on the stakeholders and how this issue affects access, affordability, or retention.

II. Impact on Institution. How does this issue impact your institution? Explain how this issue impacts your institution, with special consideration of the resources, efforts, and programs that may be required to support or ensure compliance.

III. Implication for the Future. What are the implications of this issue on the future of higher education? Describe how this issue has implications across the spectrum of higher education. How do you see higher education being changed by this issue in 10 or 20 years?

Guidelines for Submission: This short paper should follow these formatting guidelines: 2–4 pages in length with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and discipline-appropriate citations.

Rubric Critical Elements Proficient (100%) Needs Improvement (75%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Current Issue Provides an in-depth analysis of a current issue and cites examples and resources to support analysis

Identifies a current issue but analysis is minimal

Does not identify a current issue 15

Impact on Institution Explains the impact the issue has on institution and provides evidence to support explanation

Explains the impact on institution but the explanation is minimal or not supported

Does not explain the impact on institution

15

Implications for the Future Describes the implications the issue has for the future and provides evidence to support description

Describes the implications the issue has for the future but does not provide support or description is minimal

Does not describe the implications for the future

15

Critical Thinking Draws logical conclusions that are justified with evidence

Draws logical conclusions, but does not defend with evidence

Does not draw logical conclusions 20

Research Incorporates scholarly resources that effectively reflect depth and breadth of research

Incorporates very few scholarly resources that reflect depth and breadth of research

Does not incorporate scholarly resources that reflect depth and breadth of research

15

Articulation of Response Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax that prevent understanding of ideas

20

Earned Total 100%