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 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.
Michael Burke
June 13, 2022
Community colleges required to hand over data in timely manner under new rule
After several colleges neglected to turn over data on application fraud and enrollment, systemwide chancellor's office will force their hand.
Michael Burke
May 23, 2022
How can California improve the working conditions of community college adjuncts?
During an EdSource roundtable, panelists discussed new ideas for improving working conditions for the 37,000 part-time faculty at California's community colleges.
Michael Burke
May 19, 2022
Newsom reaffirms commitment to annual increases for UC, CSU; imposes annual progress reports
In exchange for five years of promised steady budget increases, UC and CSU commit to making progress toward key equity and efficiency goals and will publicly report on their progress.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
May 13, 2022
Advocates of major changes to Cal Grant look to Newsom
After California Gov. Gavin Newsom last fall vetoed an overhaul of the state's main financial aid program, advocates for change are hopeful he will support their proposals this year.
Michael Burke
May 12, 2022
Lawmakers want strict rules so students avoid no-credit remedial courses
A bill in the California Assembly would add to previous legislation by further restricting when a community college can require students to take remedial classes. Faculty association says it goes too far.
Michael Burke
May 5, 2022
Letter grades on way out? Why some University of California departments may use alternatives
Advocates argue letter grades aren't a good measure of student learning and that pass/no pass grading in certain courses could be a better alternative for first-year students at the University of California.
Michael Burke
April 26, 2022
Cost, emotional stress leading to enrollment challenges at colleges, study finds
With colleges in California and elsewhere suffering from enrollment drops, a new survey offers insight on why students aren't attending.