
Larry Gordon
Larry Gordon was a higher education writer at the Los Angeles Times, where he covered colleges and universities in California and nationwide. He won the first place award for education reporting in 2014 from the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Larry previously was a reporter and editor at the Bergen Record in his home state New Jersey. He was a mid-career Fulbright Fellow, teaching journalism at the American University in Bulgaria. He earned a master’s degree at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and a bachelor’s at Georgetown University. He is co-author of the hiking guide “Stairway Walks in Los Angeles.” He is based in Los Angeles.
All articles by Larry Gordon
California's colleges and universities will receive $5 billion from federal rescue plan
California colleges and universities will share in $5 billion from the federal aid: Half will help students cover tuition and basic needs such as housing. The other half will ease campus losses in pandemic and costs of online classes.
Larry Gordon
March 12, 2021
Should California get another science-focused university?
Humboldt State has seen sharp enrollment drops. A Cal Poly designation could attract more prestige, funding and students.
Larry Gordon
February 12, 2021
California private colleges could get reprieve tied to transfer students
Without the change, students could have seen their Cal Grants cut by $1,028 a year. Enrollments at many private colleges in California already have declined in the pandemic.
Larry Gordon
February 4, 2021
There’s still time: California State University extends some application deadlines
Facing pandemic problems, students get an extra two months or so at some campuses to figure out their college plans. Some universities fear enrollment drops.
Larry Gordon
January 26, 2021
Proposition 16 lost. Now what? Ideas to boost diversity at California universities
Experts suggest reforms in admissions, financial aid and transfer policies to legally increase diversity among students and faculty.
Larry Gordon
December 29, 2020
How counseling aims to help CSU freshmen graduate in four years
New advising programs focus on freshmen. Goal is for first year students to take 15 units a term.
Larry Gordon
December 17, 2020
Freshman year can be tricky; the pandemic makes it worse
Amid online classes and other tumult, will freshmen return for sophomore year? CSU campuses show mixed results so far.
Larry Gordon
December 4, 2020
With test scores out, college essays count more
Since SAT/ACT exams are optional, colleges in California and nationwide want to know more about students and their pandemic challenges.
Larry Gordon
October 30, 2020
College recruiting of California students turns virtual during pandemic
Access may be improved as college fairs and visits to high schools go online. But some zoom-fatigued students skip sessions.
Larry Gordon
October 12, 2020
Many California high school seniors still want to take SAT/ACT even though they are optional at many colleges
Many testing sessions for the SAT and ACT were canceled in pandemic. Some remain scheduled for the fall, with social distancing and masks required.
Larry Gordon
September 8, 2020
California colleges increase online mental health services to serve expected student need
More isolation and depression anticipated as students return to mostly online courses.
Larry Gordon
August 31, 2020
UC students could face discipline for gatherings that violate health regulations, officials warn
UC system president Drake and regents board chairman Pérez discuss state funding, affirmative action and the future of online learning.
Larry Gordon
August 27, 2020
California colleges, fearing enrollment loss this fall, are trying hard to bond with students this summer
T-shirt giveaways, free summer classes, virtual concerts, flexible deadlines are new pandemic efforts. Schools don’t want the usual attendance melt turning into a flood.
Larry Gordon
July 21, 2020
California’s top higher education officials urge voters to support affirmative action in hiring and admissions
California’s higher education leaders appear together for what may be their last public gathering in an online forum, entitled “New Realities for Higher Education."
Larry Gordon
July 17, 2020
Napolitano says farewell to UC, advocates for affirmative action and Covid-19 research
UC’s first female president helped expand enrollment and successfully pushed to end testing as admissions requirement.