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
Legislators crafting deal to reduce numbers of out-of-state students at University of California
Lawmakers expect to vote soon on a proposal to gradually reduce the share of out-of-state students who enroll at the University of California.
Michael Burke
May 28, 2021
California’s community colleges move to require ethnic studies
Soon, any student pursuing an associate degree at a California community college will likely need to take an ethnic studies class.
Michael Burke
May 24, 2021
University of California must drop SAT, ACT scores for admissions and scholarships
New settlement keeps UC from using SAT or ACT in admissions or scholarship decisions through 2025. UC has no plans to use them beyond that.
Michael Burke
May 15, 2021
Tuition increase back on the table at University of California
After shelving a similar proposal last year, UC is considering increasing tuition for each class of freshmen beginning in fall 2022.
Michael Burke
May 14, 2021
Many colleges require vaccines immediately, but CSU and UC stick with plan to wait on FDA
CSU and UC will wait for full FDA approval before requiring Covid-19 vaccinations, but it's unclear if that will happen by the fall terms.
Michael Burke
May 6, 2021
California public universities’ vaccine requirement could impact more than 1 million students, faculty and staff
The requirements could affect more than 1 million students and staff, but will only take effect if the FDA gives full approval to a vaccine.
Michael Burke
April 23, 2021
Masks on, temperatures checked: Lucerne Valley students embrace school five days a week
The small district in Southern California’s high desert is among the latest where all students can attend classes in person, five days each week.
Michael Burke, Sydney Johnson, And Jennifer Molina
April 22, 2021
California universities plan a mix of in-person, virtual commencement ceremonies
Campuses including Fresno State, UC Riverside and California State University, Northridge will include in-person elements in their commencement ceremonies.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
April 14, 2021
California's community colleges at critical crossroads as more students opt not to attend
Enrollment at California's community colleges has plummeted during the pandemic creating uncertainty for some colleges. Online classes, job loss and child care are among the reasons students have not enrolled.
Michael Burke And Daniel J. Willis
April 12, 2021
California Community Colleges chancellor urges caution in reopening
Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the chancellor overseeing California's 116 community colleges, discusses fall 2021 classes and enrollment declines in interview with EdSource.
Michael Burke And Louis Freedberg
April 9, 2021
Enrollment declines at California’s community colleges far greater than earlier predictions
California's community colleges enrolled 12% fewer students in the fall compared to the previous year, according to the state's estimates.
Michael Burke And Louis Freedberg
March 19, 2021
California universities urge students to opt for a spring break staycation
Campus leaders across California are asking students to help lower the risk of spreading Covid-19 by staying local during spring break.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
March 17, 2021
California educators want Congress to double the maximum Pell Grant award
California higher education leaders support President Biden’s proposal to double the maximum amount of the Pell Grant, the main source of federal financial aid available to students.
Michael Burke
March 9, 2021
California community colleges should do more to identify, support student parents, researchers say
New research from UC Davis offers one of the most comprehensive looks to date at student parents in California’s colleges and universities.
Michael Burke
March 5, 2021
California lawmakers propose Cal Grant reforms to help low-income students
Lawmakers have introduced legislation to make it easier for low-income students to access Cal Grants by changing eligibility standards.