Hinds Community College in Jackson, Mississippi.
Stephen M. Vacik, president of Hinds Community College, Raymond, Mississippi, has voiced opposition to the proposed “Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement” (ACTS) reporting requirements issued by the National Center for Education Statistics within the U.S. Department of Education. The college, the largest institution of higher education in Mississippi, argues that the new requirements place an unjustified burden on open-enrollment institutions, which are crucial for providing accessible education to diverse populations.
In a public comment letter addressed to the acting commissioner, the college expressed concerns that the proposal would require institutions like theirs to gather and report extensive data that is not currently collected. This includes data on high school GPA, parental education levels, family income, and disaggregated demographic information. The college noted that implementing these requirements would necessitate significant operational changes, including hiring additional staff and overhauling data systems, placing an immense financial strain on limited resources that are vital for student support and success.
Hinds Community College emphasizes that its mission as an open-access institution is at odds with the ACTS framework, which seems more tailored to selective institutions. The college does not employ selective admissions practices, nor does it engineer student demographics through financial aid. The proposed changes would create barriers to access for students by introducing requirements that contradict the institution’s commitment to inclusivity and community support.
Moreover, the college highlighted that the Department of Education’s stated goal of assessing the equitable distribution of financial aid is already addressed by existing legal compliance measures. The institution insists that community colleges are already adhering to established policies that ensure fair financial aid distribution. The proposed reporting requirements are seen as redundant and an inefficient use of resources that detracts from educational priorities.
by Carter Struck
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