Michael Burke
Michael covers higher education. Prior to joining EdSource, he was a reporter in Washington, D.C. He received a B.A. in journalism from Syracuse University.
All articles by Michael Burke
California community colleges eye a different future amid pandemic disruption
The record pandemic-fueled loss in enrollment has put California Community Colleges at a turning point amid student demands for flexible classes, jobs training and easier paths to universities.
Michael Burke, Daniel J. Willis, EdSource; Debbie Truong, Los Angeles Times
November 18, 2022
Supreme Court conservative majority signals opposition to affirmative action
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments Monday in two affirmative action cases. The six conservative members signaled they may overturn decades of precedent and rule that race-conscious admissions are unlawful.
Michael Burke
October 31, 2022
As Supreme Court considers affirmative action case, University of California offers cautionary tale
Unable to consider race in admissions, the University of California has tried and failed to increase diversity through race-neutral policies. Eliminating standardized test scores from admissions could be the latest effort to fail.
Michael Burke
October 14, 2022
How should California address college student housing crisis?
Tens of thousands of college students in California are homeless or without stable housing. During an EdSource roundtable, panelists said more dorms will help but called for other solutions too.
Michael Burke
September 30, 2022
How California is responding to dire student housing shortage
Rising costs have exacerbated California's student housing crisis. The state is responding with plans for more on-campus dorms, and a new bill could make it easier for colleges to expand housing. Some campuses turned to short-term solutions.
Michael Burke, Ashley A. Smith, Betty Márquez Rosales, And Ashleigh Panoo
September 28, 2022
New program to give ineligible University of California applicants a path to admission
Each year, many students apply to the University of California but didn't take all the high school classes required for admission. A new program will give them the chance to still get a spot in the system.
Michael Burke
September 23, 2022
Dozens of community colleges offer remedial classes; bill to ban them awaits Newsom’s signature
Five years after California adopted a law transforming remedial education, some colleges still have remedial classes. New legislation would make it difficult to keep them.
Michael Burke
September 6, 2022
California colleges open for fall term with relaxed Covid rules
The fall term has arrived at California's public colleges, where Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. It's a stark contrast to last fall.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
August 23, 2022
University of California accepts record number of in-state students, but only at some campuses
Responding to pressure to prioritize California residents, UC accepted fewer out-of-state applicants and about 1,000 more in-state students for fall 2022.
Michael Burke
August 10, 2022
University of California faces calls to reduce barriers for transfer students
Momentum is building to bolster admission guarantees for community college students trying to transfer to the University of California.
Michael Burke
August 8, 2022
UC tracking drop in students returning after Covid start, especially for low-income and first-generation students
UC's board of regents learned Thursday that retention rates declined last year, a trend that President Michael Drake said he's closely monitoring.
Michael Burke
July 22, 2022
UC board of regents asks for review of UCLA's decision to move to Big Ten athletics
UC board of regents calls for review of UCLA's planned move to the Big Ten following closed door meeting with Gov. Gavin Newsom who said UCLA must explain how the move will benefit students and preserve its relationship with UC Berkeley.
Michael Burke
July 21, 2022
UC plans to expand enrollment with more online, summer programs and transfer students
UC wants to add another 23,000 students by 2030. This week, the university's regents will learn how the system plans to achieve that.
Michael Burke
July 19, 2022
Newsom’s bid to make textbooks free delayed in community colleges central office
Colleges are eager to get a piece of $115 million that was approved last year for free textbook programs. Chancellor's office officials say applications will be available within the next month.
Michael Burke
July 18, 2022
Dozens of California community colleges planning to offer remedial classes in violation of law, report says
The California Acceleration Project found that 47 colleges are planning to offer remedial math classes this fall. The group says AB 1705, newly proposed legislation is needed to address that trend.