Extensive research demonstrates that the gender pay gap exists, but there are many skeptics who still think otherwise.

We look at the social media movement, #blackandhooded, which has grown from a hashtag on social media into a scholarship fund and network for black academics. We talk with one founder and then talk to an analyst about why minority students are so underrepresented in graduate studies.

In an opinion piece published last week, Julie R. Posselt and Casey W. Miller, made the argument that the “test-optional” movement not only has merit but must be a conversation in doctoral programs across the country. We agree that “a serious conversation about current admissions” in graduate education is necessary. We agree that this conversation requires critical introspection and candid conversations. But, we caution faculty members and admissions committees to look beyond what may seem a simple solution of going test-optional before addressing the hard work of analysis and introspection.

Private lenders hold just a fraction of the outstanding student loan debt in the U.S. -- about 7.7 percent as of last year. But those companies have plans to grow their student loan holdings. And they argue that with the help of Congress, they could play an even bigger role in the student loan marketplace -- as they formerly did.

The U.S. is a popular destination for international graduate students, especially those pursuing degrees in fields like engineering and business. But that interest may be waning. In fall 2017, international applications to U.S. graduate schools and first-time international student enrollment both declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to a survey of 377 U.S. institutions from the Council of Graduate Schools. Applications were down 3 percent from fall 2016, and new international student enrollment dropped 1 percent.

Donald Trump’s travel ban could be responsible for a fall in the number of applications and enrolments from international students to the US – the first decline in both numbers since 2003. New figures from the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) show that first-time enrolments have dropped by 1%, and final application counts by 3%.

Applications have jumped at journalism schools across the country. After five years of “consistent” application numbers, Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism saw a 10 percent increase for the 2017-2018 school year, a spokeswoman said. (Graduate schools in the US have seen applications rise about 1 percent annually in recent years, according to a report from the Council of Graduate Schools.)

International enrollment in science and engineering graduate programs in the United States saw a 6 percent decrease from fall 2016 to fall 2017, said Diane Souvaine, National Science Board vice chair and professor of computer science at Tufts University. However, the University saw nearly a 10 percent increase in enrollment of international graduate students in science and engineering programs, said Ethan Bernstein, director of admissions and operations. International graduate applications for all fields also saw a national decline, with 3 percent fewer applications submitted between fall 2016 and fall 2017, according to a Council of Graduate Schools report.

Two major news organizations are reporting that the Trump administration is considering restrictions on visas for Chinese citizens, including students, as part of a forthcoming package of tariffs and investment restrictions against China.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Katherine Hazelrigg  (202) 461-3888 / khazelrigg@cgs.nche.edu

Washington, DC —Today the Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) announced that Lauren Inouye has been named the Council’s vice president for public policy and government affairs. Her tenure at CGS begins May 1, 2018. She succeeds Beth Buehlmann, who had served in the role since 2013.

Inouye comes to CGS from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), where she was the director of government affairs. In her prior role, Inouye served as AACN’s primary liaison to Congress on workforce, research, higher education, and practice issues. She also led their University Government Relations Collaborative, working to bolster unified advocacy on issues impacting nursing schools, and developed their Principles for Higher Education Act reauthorization.

CGS President Suzanne T. Ortega commented, “Lauren Inouye has a deep understanding of the contributions of graduate institutions to our country and workforce and is equally attune to the challenges faced by institutions of higher education. CGS members will benefit from her experience and knowledge as the organization continues to advance the graduate education agenda in Washington.”

In accepting the appointment, Inouye emphasized the role of elevating CGS’s voice in the federal sphere. “I look forward to helping CGS members speak with a powerful and unified voice for graduate education,” Inouye said. “I value the opportunity to use my skills as a leader, collaborator, and coalition builder while developing a policy agenda that moves our country forward.”

Inouye holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan. Prior to her public policy work, Inouye served as a registered nurse in the medical intensive care unit at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.

###