Michael Burke
Michael covers higher education, including California’s community colleges and the University of California. Since joining EdSource in 2019, he has covered major stories including the steep enrollment declines at community colleges; the elimination of standardized tests in university admissions; efforts to improve California’s community college transfer system; and more. He graduated from Syracuse University in 2018, where he studied journalism and political science. He lives in Los Angeles.
All articles by Michael Burke
Why enrollment is rebounding at California's community colleges
Driven largely by dual enrollment and interest in career training programs, enrollment at many California community colleges is on an upswing after the pandemic.
Michael Burke
September 27, 2023
University of California to offer college classes to low-income high school students
UC is partnering with the National Education Equity Lab to expand access to college courses to students who don't otherwise have that option.
Michael Burke
September 21, 2023
Improve community college transfer with dual admissions, clearer pathways, say college leaders
Representatives from California's public higher education segments discussed ways to smooth the transfer process during a PPIC panel Tuesday.
Michael Burke
September 13, 2023
Lawmakers, Newsom and UC agree on new community college transfer plan, legislative leader says
New compromise creates a pilot program to ease transfers from community colleges to the University of California.
Michael Burke
September 11, 2023
As California community colleges struggle with transfer, some find success
In California, transfer rates to four-year universities are low at most community colleges, but some colleges are doing it better than most.
Michael Burke
August 30, 2023
Changes to student housing program threaten ‘viability’ of affordable housing projects
The state is now requiring community colleges to use local revenue bonds to pay for new housing, but that may not be tenable, officials say.
Michael Burke
August 18, 2023
Cal State makes some progress on graduation but lags on key graduation and equity goals, report finds
CSU is not on track to meet most of its goals for increasing graduation rates by 2025, a new report finds. Progress is uneven among different campuses and achievement gaps also persist.
Michael Burke
August 3, 2023
Student leaders, lieutenant governor urge Cal State to delay vote on tuition increase
CSU student leaders and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis urged CSU leaders to take time to study the impact of tuition increases before voting on them.
Michael Burke
July 28, 2023
What to know about bachelor's degrees at California Community Colleges | Quick Guide
Bachelor's degrees are now offered at 27 of California's community colleges, giving students a more accessible, lower-cost option for a four-year degree.
Michael Burke
July 27, 2023
Seven proposed community college bachelor's degrees flagged by CSU as being duplicative
Under state law, CSU can object to proposed community college bachelor's degrees if the programs are duplicative of what its campuses offer.
Michael Burke
July 24, 2023
University of California opposes bill aimed at simplifying transfer process
UC is at odds with the Legislature. Assembly Bill 1749 would force UC to admit students who complete an associate degree for transfer, but UC officials argue many students would arrive underprepared.
Michael Burke
July 20, 2023
University of California looks to ‘share expertise’ after decades without affirmative action
After the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions are unlawful, the rest of the nation now faces the same reality that California's public colleges have experienced since 1996.
Michael Burke
June 29, 2023
Supreme Court rules against affirmative action in college admissions
The Supreme Court's ruling will force universities across the country to revisit admissions policies, including some private universities in California that consider race as a factor.
Michael Burke
June 29, 2023
Sonya Christian on her ambitious goals as California's new community colleges chief
Sonya Christian sat down with EdSource to discuss her plans for California's system of 116 community colleges.
Michael Burke
June 29, 2023
How Imperial Valley’s effort to create a ‘college-going culture’ garnered national recognition
Imperial Valley College was recently awarded the Aspen Prize, one of the nation's top awards for community colleges.