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 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.
Larry Gordon
June 26, 2020
State Senate action allows California voters to decide on affirmative action
Strong campaigns ahead for and against the measure to revoke Proposition 209 after 24 years. It will be on the same Nov. 3 ballot as the presidential election.
Larry Gordon
June 24, 2020
California universities prepare for possible return of affirmative action in admissions
If voters repeal the state ban on affirmative action in college admissions, some expect only moderate change among racial groups at UC and CSU while others predict significant shifts to match California's overall population.
Larry Gordon
June 22, 2020
Endangered: large university lecture hall classes
Very large classes are less common than often thought. Technology and new in-the-round designs will alter teaching experience.
Larry Gordon
June 16, 2020
In historic action, UC moves to drop SAT/ACT and develop a replacement exam for admissions
Ending the SAT/ACT as a requirement for freshman admission at UC will likely get attention nationally. Supporters of the move expect it will result in more ethnic and income diversity on campuses. Critics fear it will backfire.
Larry Gordon
May 21, 2020
UC may allow partial campus reopenings in the fall
Decisions would be made in the months ahead. If they reopen, campuses would at first require face coverings, limit class sizes, ban audiences at sports events.
Larry Gordon
May 20, 2020
New calls to eliminate the fully online Calbright College in budget crisis
The new college’s funding should go to other schools, legislators say. Defenders insist the school will help the newly unemployed retrain.
Larry Gordon
May 19, 2020
CSU chancellor explains decision to keep most fall classes online
White's action at the nation's largest system of four-year universities may start a trend across the country. Some CSU campuses may offer more in-person classes than others.
Larry Gordon And Michael Burke
May 14, 2020
UC president wants SAT/ACT mandate suspended through 2024 and new exam created
UC's Napolitano plan conflicts in part with faculty position and could be very influential nationally. UC regents are to vote on the issue next week.
Larry Gordon
May 11, 2020
Fewer international students expected to return to colleges in California and nation, hurting finances
Problems with visas, money and travel may block international students’ return. Colleges fear the lost revenue will reduce academic programs and staffing.
Larry Gordon
May 8, 2020
Will others follow UC San Diego's plan to widely test for coronavirus?
Testing starts with 5,000 on-campus students and later expands to 65,000 people. Students who test positive for the virus will be offered isolated dorm rooms with meals.
Larry Gordon
May 7, 2020
Even if California college campuses reopen, will most students still come?
Worried about finances and health, some high school seniors are deciding to stay closer to home for college.
Larry Gordon
April 28, 2020
University of California faculty leaders want admissions tests restored after health crisis
Requirements for SAT or ACT are suspended for a year and UC faculty votes to keep the exams in the future. Regents will have the final say.