Welcome back! We hope everyone had a wonderful and rejuvenating Thanksgiving break with family and friends and feel recharged to wrap up the fall semester strong. In this week’s issue, we celebrate the positive momentum behind rising six-year completion rates, now at their highest levels since 2007. From there, we spotlight a new report on digital courseware and the associated risks to student privacy, before closing with insights and reflections from a recent European edtech conference.  

After reading today’s issue, use the comments section to share how your institution prioritizes and safeguards student data and privacy when using digital courseware. 

Completion Trending Upwards 

From College Completion Rates Trending Up | Inside Higher Ed  

According to a new report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC), six-year college completion rates have reached a record high of 61.1%.   

Our Thoughts 

These findings from the NSCRC are welcome news, reflecting both progress and opportunities to advance student success further. With six-year completion rates reaching their highest levels, the data highlights the tangible benefits of strategies such as dual enrollment, improved academic planning, and targeted interventions. Notably, low-income and minority students showed significant gains, demonstrating how institutions can address and mitigate longstanding equity gaps.  

What stands out most is the strong link between early academic planning and improved outcomes. Dual enrollment not only boosts degree completion rates but also gives students a clearer sense of direction while reducing their risk of stopping out. As institutions work to increase enrollment and address workforce needs, this evidence reinforces the importance of scaling effective practices. Ensuring access to dual-enrollment opportunities, guided pathways, co-requisite remediation, and comprehensive advising will be essential for sustaining and building on these gains. 

Privacy Risks from Digital Courseware 

From New Report Highlights Hidden Costs and Privacy Risks of Digital Courseware for Higher Education Students | Diverse: Issues In Higher Education  

A new report from the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse highlights significant deficiencies in protecting student privacy when using digital learning tools in higher education.   

Our Thoughts 

As “Restoring Trust” takes center stage in the 2025 EDUCAUSE Top 10 trends, I believe student privacy and data protection will become even more prominent topics of concern for institutions. Students are increasingly wary of how their data is being collected, stored, and used. With the rise in data breaches, students are more skeptical than ever about trading their personal data for access to educational technologies.  

This report highlights the need for institutions to revisit their policies, renegotiate edtech vendor contracts, and push for modernized legislation that better protects student privacy. Institutions must balance prioritizing privacy with ensuring access to education. Doing so is critical for maintaining student trust, upholding ethical standards, and navigating the challenges of a digital-first academic environment. 

European EdTech Conference 

From OEB 2024 Conference Notes | On EdTech  

Glenda Morgan shares her reflections after attending OEB, a leading edtech conference in Europe.  

Our Thoughts  

You might wonder why a European edtech conference is relevant for our primarily U.S.-based audience, but Morgan’s insights offer valuable perspectives on the global edtech landscape. While educational norms and policies differ significantly across countries, higher education is increasingly influenced by global trends, particularly given that edtech vendors operate across multiple continents.  

As skills-focused education gains traction in the U.S., the lessons from OEB about microcredentials and e-portfolios are particularly timely. European institutions are making strides in aligning their educational offerings with workforce needs, and U.S. institutions could draw inspiration from these approaches as they expand their own initiatives.  

The potential resurgence of e-portfolios reflects a growing emphasis on flexible, learner-centered tools that enhance employability. By providing students with portable, skills-based learning records, institutions can better position their graduates to succeed in a competitive, global job market.