Ashley A. Smith
Ashley A. Smith covers higher education and other student success reforms for EdSource. She joined the publication in July 2019 after covering community colleges, for-profit schools and non-traditional students for Inside Higher Ed, in Washington D.C. Her work has appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press, the Marshfield News-Herald, The Flint Journal, USA Today and the Detroit Free Press. Ashley grew up in Detroit and is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University. In 2020, Ashley was selected to join the first class of journalists in the ECMC Foundation Higher Education Media Fellowship at the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, to report on career and technical education.
All articles by Ashley A. Smith
New report recommends Cal State plan for a tuition increase for fall 2024
Facing financial pressures, Cal State may consider a tuition increase. Since 2011, tuition at CSU has increased just once, by 5%, in 2017.
Ashley A. Smith
May 26, 2023
Cal State lacks resources and staff to handle sexual harassment and discrimination complaints, outside firm reports
A law firm visited all 23 campuses and interviewed students, faculty, staff and administrators about their experiences handling and reporting complaints.
Ashley A. Smith
May 24, 2023
Despite decades of calls to action, California community college students face roadblocks to transfer
The California dream of going to community college and transferring to a UC or CSU is broken, experts and researchers say. Few students transfer in two years. Most take six years with many more courses than needed. Others drop out.
Ashley A. Smith
May 17, 2023
Survey: Hurdles to transferring into California universities
Despite decades of legislation and calls to action to improve the transfer process, the transition from the state’s community colleges to its universities continues to be a difficult and complicated task for many. We want to hear from you. Transferred? Chose a different path? Tell us about your experiences by taking this survey and sharing it with others.
Ashley A. Smith
May 17, 2023
Calbright College launches first apprenticeship partnership
Despite multiple attempts to shut it down, Calbright College shows signs of life with new apprenticeship partnership.
Ashley A. Smith
May 10, 2023
California sees boost in student applications for college financial aid
A new state law has led to an increase in applicants after declines during the pandemic.
Ashley A. Smith
March 27, 2023
CSU faculty salary study shows wide dissatisfaction despite pay being at national averages
Faculty feel they aren't paid fairly in CSU, despite study revealing wages are at national averages.
Ashley A. Smith
March 23, 2023
Cal State to debut new dual admission transfer program this fall
Cal State reveals details of the new dual admission program that will guarantee seats to community college transfers. The goal is to increase transfer enrollments.
Ashley A. Smith
March 22, 2023
Financial aid access has worsened for California's undocumented students
A new report describes how campuses, the state and federal lawmakers can improve financial aid access for undocumented students.
Ashley A. Smith
March 1, 2023
Billions are needed to repair, renovate and maintain Cal State’s buildings
Students have complained about unbearable heat waves in classrooms without air conditioning and canceled classes due to flooded buildings, but funds are not available to maintain and renovate academic facilities.
Ashley A. Smith
February 15, 2023
Cal Poly Humboldt is anticipating an influx of new students — and housing woes
Cal Poly Humboldt's new majors are attracting a lot more applicants. With that growth, on-campus housing may be in short supply.
Ashley A. Smith
February 9, 2023
Cal State officials approve much-needed affordable housing plans for students
Cal State approves plans for three student housing projects that officials say will help them attract students.
Ashley A. Smith
January 27, 2023
Cal State contends with 'unprecedented' enrollment declines
Enrollment decreases across CSU mean some campuses could see budget cuts.
Ashley A. Smith
January 25, 2023
Cal State teaching assistants and other student employees could follow UC to a strike
Struggling with living expenses, 11,000 CSU student academic workers prepare to bargain for better pay and working conditions.
Ashley A. Smith
January 5, 2023
California’s early college high schools can improve dual enrollment diversity
Early college and middle college high schools have existed in California for decades, but they often haven’t reflected the state’s K-12 diversity or high school population. Efforts to change that are underway.