Michael Burke
Michael covers higher education. Prior to joining EdSource, he was a reporter in Washington, D.C. He received a B.A. in journalism from Syracuse University.
All articles by Michael Burke
California Community Colleges 'will have a difficult time' meeting transfer goals without big changes
Amid a decline in the number of students earning an associate degree for transfer, the system's interim chancellor said significant changes are needed if the colleges want to reach their goals for increasing transfer.
Michael Burke
May 23, 2023
UC signals support for hiring of undocumented students; vote will follow six-month study
UC's board of regents took a step toward allowing undocumented students to work across the 10-campus system. With a legal challenge possible, regents launched a six-month study to consider legal strategies.
Michael Burke
May 18, 2023
Newsom’s budget keeps promised funding bumps for UC and CSU
California's public universities will get funding increases despite the state's revenue shortfall, but they are being asked to borrow money for housing projects.
Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
May 12, 2023
University of California’s undocumented students push for right to campus jobs
The University of California's board of regents next week will consider allowing undocumented students to work at UC, a move that challenges interpretations of a 1986 federal statute.
Michael Burke
May 12, 2023
California's next community colleges chief pushed key reforms and now faces new challenges
Sonya Christian's supporters say her track record of influencing statewide change prepares her for her new role: chancellor of California's community college system.
Michael Burke
April 26, 2023
California Community Colleges moving forward with bachelor's degree approvals despite lawmaker objections
Following complaints from California State University, lawmakers had asked community college officials to pause applications for new baccalaureate programs.
Michael Burke
April 25, 2023
Q&A: With May 1 enrollment deadline approaching, an insider’s view of UC admissions
Ahead of college decision day, a UC San Diego admissions official discusses the process, including what waitlisted students should expect and how the campus plans to enroll more California residents.
Michael Burke
April 24, 2023
UC’s new plan to simplify transferring could have opposite impact, critics say
University of California officials have proposed a new transfer pathway for community college students. Critics say it would make a complicated process even more complex.
Michael Burke
March 29, 2023
UC approves housing projects but goals for new beds may be too ‘optimistic’
UC wants to add 22,000 beds by 2028, but a top official said that goal may be overly optimistic, given challenges such as lawsuits seeking to stop construction.
Michael Burke
March 16, 2023
Expansion of college financial aid in California may be at risk
Lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed last year to make major changes to Cal Grants, contingent on available revenue. But now the state faces a bleak budget forecast.
Michael Burke
March 15, 2023
Students at rural community college can earn a bachelor’s and help prevent wildfires
Feather River College is the latest of California's community colleges to get approval for a bachelor's degree program.
Michael Burke
March 7, 2023
Biden’s plan to forgive student loans may be in jeopardy after Supreme Court arguments
Conservative majority on U.S. Supreme Court expressed doubts about canceling $400 billion in student loan debt.
Michael Burke
February 28, 2023
California community colleges rely too much on part-time faculty and misspend funds, audit finds
California's state auditor says community colleges are misspending money meant to hire full-time faculty and is calling on the chancellor's office to provide better oversight.
Michael Burke
February 27, 2023
Sonya Christian named chancellor of California Community Colleges
Christian, chancellor of the Kern Community College District, will be the 11th chancellor in the system's history and the first woman in the role.
Michael Burke
February 23, 2023
Key lawmaker endorses transfer admissions guarantee across University of California
Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, said during an Assembly subcommittee hearing Tuesday that UC should participate in the Associate Degree for Transfer program.