Here are some new resources and news for the field of higher education.

College is too expensive for many in the middle class. Rather than blockbuster new investments in 2016, states are expected to pursue tuition freezes, tweaks to scholarship programs, and policies that push institutions to do more with existing funding. Even changes, such as free community college, likely will be targeted to limit state spending. (Stateline, January 25).

Implementation of High School-to-College Transition Courses in Four States. A growing number of high schools across the country are offering transition courses, which aim to improve college readiness while students are still in high school. This report describes findings from a qualitative study examining the implementation of transition courses in four states: California, New York, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The implementation of transition courses varied across states, incorporating different curricular activities and pedagogical approaches. (Source: Community College Research Center)

The Illinois Board of Higher Education, in conjunction with the Illinois Community College Board and iTransfer/the Illinois Articulation Initiative, is conducting two special meetings on February 19 and 26 in Bloomington for the IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) GECC (General Education Core Curriculum) panels to review their descriptors and identify possible matches to AP exams. In response to the enactment of the College and Career Success for All Students Act (P.A. 99-358), the IAI integration of AP meetings will primarily be attended by faculty members as well as academic representatives from several IAI-participating institutions, with expected attendance to be between 150 and 200 total for the two meetings. The College Board has provided sponsorship funding to make this important event possible. In addition to the panel members, Rep. Mike Fortner (R-49) and College Board staff also will be present at the meetings.

College enrollment: Geography matters when picking a college. 
Most public college students enroll within 50 miles of home, so location is more influential than policymakers think, a new study finds. And the farther students live from any particular college, the less likely they are to enroll. (Inside Higher Ed, February 3)