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
Community colleges on track for $100 million to improve cybersecurity
California community colleges may be in line for a $100 million cybersecurity upgrade to thwart scammers who have attempted to fraudulently enroll and get financial aid.
Michael Burke
April 5, 2022
In visit to Los Angeles, Cardona says colleges must help students with housing
In a visit to California, Miguel Cardona, the U.S. secretary of education, encouraged the state "to meet students where they are" as it relates to housing.
Michael Burke
March 29, 2022
Dorms eyed for community colleges to ease California housing crunch
California community college students are slated to get new housing if the state Legislature approves a significant expansion of scarce on-campus housing.
Michael Burke And Emma Gallegos
March 28, 2022
California community college officials eye new rule forcing districts to hand over data
Recently, some California community colleges have not handed over data on enrollment and application fraud to state officials, who are now looking to force their hand.
Michael Burke
March 22, 2022
Newsom signs bill saving UC Berkeley from enrollment cuts this fall
After lawmakers unanimously approved a bill to save UC Berkeley from enrollment cuts this fall, it was quickly signed by Newsom on Monday.
Michael Burke
March 14, 2022
Legislation would save UC Berkeley from court-ordered enrollment cuts
New California legislation would prevent courts from immediately forcing a campus to cut enrollment over population concerns and could be retroactively applied to UC Berkeley.
Michael Burke
March 11, 2022
Castro to receive $400,000 salary for one year following resignation as CSU chancellor
Joseph Castro's settlement with California State University follows his resignation last month as the system's chancellor amid allegations he mishandled cases of sexual harassment while president at Fresno State.
Michael Burke
March 4, 2022
Lawmakers want University of California to enroll 7,000 new students this fall; UC balks
Lawmakers want the University of California to add 7,000 new students this fall, but UC has indicated it will only add 2,000 more students compared with last fall.
Michael Burke
March 4, 2022
Lawmakers may offer reprieve after state Supreme Court court forces UC Berkeley to turn away thousands of students
The California Supreme Court upheld an order that UC Berkeley cut enrollment by 3,000, but the Legislature may soon negate the ruling.
Michael Burke
March 3, 2022
Lack of support leads to achievement gaps for Black, Latino students in Los Angeles
Black and Latino students in Los Angeles are less likely than white peers to go to college and earn a degree, and more needs to be done to close the gap, new report finds.
Michael Burke
February 10, 2022
Why Newsom’s offer of years of funding increases to California universities faces criticism
The Legislative Analyst's Office says California Gov. Gavin Newsom sidestepped lawmakers with his January higher education budget proposal.
Michael Burke
February 4, 2022
New classrooms at UC Riverside let students attend remotely or in person
UC Riverside has upgraded one-third of its classrooms with new technology that give students flexibility in how they attend.
Michael Burke
January 19, 2022
Why Covid disruptions at California colleges and universities differ from March 2020
With the omicron wave of Covid-19 cases likely to peak soon, officials are optimistic that the pause on in-person classes will be temporary.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
January 14, 2022
Newsom offers new money if California college systems meet equity goals
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed $39.6 billion for California's three public higher education segments and the California Student Aid Commission.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
January 11, 2022
New Long Beach City College president helps students overcome obstacles
As a community college student, Mike Muñoz struggled to find stable housing. As the next president of Long Beach City College, he wants to help students facing similar challenges find success as he did.