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
More vaccine mandates coming to California colleges following full approval of Pfizer vaccine
With the FDA fully approving the Pfizer vaccine, more students and staff at California colleges will need to be vaccinated this fall.
Michael Burke And Diana Lambert
August 23, 2021
After mixed experiences with distance learning, disabled California college students want flexibility
Entering the fall, college students say they want the flexibility to learn how they're most comfortable, whether that's in person or remotely.
Michael Burke
August 10, 2021
California community colleges begin to mandate vaccines as Covid-19 cases surge
With no statewide mandate, local colleges decide whether to require Covid-19 vaccinations. The delta variant is prompting more to do so.
Michael Burke
August 5, 2021
A spotlight on California's community colleges as chancellor starts unpaid federal adviser role
Chancellor Oakley says helping achieve President Biden's agenda is a "once in a generation opportunity."
Michael Burke
July 28, 2021
Annual tuition increases coming to University of California
UC on Thursday approved a new tuition model that will increase tuition for each class of incoming students beginning in fall 2022.
Michael Burke
July 22, 2021
University of California makes more admission offers following big spike in applications
After receiving a record number of applications, UC admits more students than ever but also accepts a lower percentage of them.
Michael Burke
July 19, 2021
University of California finalizes plan to require vaccines regardless of full FDA approval
Reversing from previous policy, UC says students and staff must be vaccinated this fall even if no vaccine receives full FDA approval.
Michael Burke
July 15, 2021
In LA, secretary of education says students need help with social and emotional health
Cardona was in Los Angeles to emphasize the need for students to reconnect with one another after a year spent mostly in isolation.
Michael Burke
July 15, 2021
California community colleges must do more to help students avoid remedial courses
Out of 115 community colleges, 79 aren't fully implementing AB 705, the law that transformed remedial education in the community college system.
Michael Burke
July 14, 2021
California community college students will soon be required to take ethnic studies
The community college system's board of governors voted to amend the system's general education requirements and add an ethnic studies class.
Michael Burke
July 13, 2021
Budget deal invests in financial aid, enrollment growth at California's colleges and universities
The budget approved by lawmakers will grow enrollment of California residents at UC and CSU while also expanding financial aid access.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
June 29, 2021
How community colleges can better prepare adult workers
More career counseling and work-based learning would prepare students for the workforce, experts say during an EdSource roundtable on role of community colleges in preparing a post-pandemic workforce.
Michael Burke
June 25, 2021
Quick Guide: Ethnic studies requirement coming to California community colleges
California's community colleges plan to require many students to take an ethnic studies class. Here's what you need to know.
Michael Burke
June 9, 2021
California State University campuses in Los Angeles County awarded grants to increase transfers
California State University's Dominguez Hills and Northridge campuses are partnering with nearby community colleges to increase transfers.
Michael Burke
June 3, 2021
Legislature looks to expand financial aid at California's colleges
Reform to state's Cal Grant program would expand eligibility to an estimated 173,000 students while also increasing award amounts.