Study Shows Less than 60 Percent Enroll in Top Option; Expert Provides 3 Criteria to Consider

Tens of thousands of high school students will be receiving their college acceptance letters in April. It's an anxious time - students, and their parents, want to believe their school holds the promise that attendance will be their "Golden Ticket" to eventual financial success.  So, if they are trying to get from "Point A" (here and now) to "Point B" (financial independence), how do they select the school that will deliver that return on their investment?

"Young people tend to quickly fall in love with a school, and parents tend to quickly wear their son's or daughter's acceptance as a badge of honor, or at least validation as a successful parent,'' says David Porter, social architect, consultant to colleges and universities throughout North America and author of "The Porter Principles," a guide to college success through social engineering, (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"Students and parents should be skeptical and consider all of what a college has offer, and how it will deliver on the implicit promise of financial independence. Which school will nurture and grow the prerequisite face-to-face problem-solving skills required to secure gainful employment and financial independence upon graduation?"

According to the most recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles's Higher Education Research Institute, only 58 percent of the surveyed 204,000 college freshmen enrolled at their first-choice college, the lowest percentage to do so since the question was first asked in 1974.

The major factors behind the decline are cost and financial aid. A 2012 study by the research group Ipsos and the student loan giant, Sallie Mae, indicates that roughly 70 percent of families are ruling out colleges based on cost.

First choice or otherwise, Porter says students and their families should consider a variety of factors in estimating the most value to be had at a campus. Some are more relevant than others:

• A school's ranking: According to one of the world's leading public intellects who regularly weighs in on academic issues, Malcom Gladwell, the national ranking a school receives doesn't necessarily reflect the needs of individual students. Just like an expensive sports car is valued, in part, from an arbitrary, expensive price tag, so too are colleges. The various needs a young adult will have are by no means fully represented by the seven variables used by the U.S. News rankings, run by Robert Morse. The variables include undergraduate academic reputation, financial resources and alumni giving.

• On-Campus culture and community: In addition to academics and the rigors thereof, a college offers (or fails to offer) a unique on-campus college experience.  Will the environment foster success (post-graduate financial independence) or, will it essentially be a few more years of high school under the guise of "college"?  Look for safe, wholesome campus venues, like a student union or a next generation dining learning commons that invites student interaction, collaboration, problem-solving, and dining 24/7.  Social architecture - the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal - is a ground-breaking approach that social architecture visionary Porter is successfully introducing to more campuses across North America every day.

• Parent-student understanding: Move out and stay out (because you can). Mom and dad, we want a nice home, a nice car, nice vacations, nice stuff, nice meals, etc. etc. etc.  It costs tens of thousands of dollars per year to attend most colleges. Whether or not a student assumes massive debt to follow her dreams, or a parent shares the burden should be moot if the student can identify, pursue and secure gainful employment upon graduation. Having debt is an enourmous burden at any stage of life if you are unemployed. Choosing a school is a great opportunity for parents to lead by example on how to make a purchase decision for any "big ticket" item.  Do your homework.  Buyer beware. Coach them using some of the same skills you would use to buy a house or purchase a car or invest in a new business.

About David Porter

David Porter, author and social architect, is CEO and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. He is the author of "The Porter Principles, Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch," (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com). Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

It's not every day a Quad City 2nd grader gets to meet Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds!  Brandon Hu, 2nd grade student at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf, had just this opportunity last Monday, March 10th when he was honored as a recipient of the Governor's Award as part of Youth Art Month.  Brandon, the son of Edward Hu and Marian Lee of Davenport, was honored with a tour of the Capital Building, as well.

As part of Youth Art Month, Brandon's work will be on display in the Governor's offices through the month of March.  Each year, art educators in the state of Iowa are given the opportunity to submit 10 pieces of student work from their district to be included in the Youth Art Month exhibit at the State Historical Building in Des Moines.  The exhibit features artwork from over 200 students from across Iowa.  6 Rivermont students, including Brandon, were selected to have their work exhibited.  Brandon received the additional honor of the Governor's Award - he is the only student in the Quad Cities to receive this additional honor as part of Youth Art Month.  Those selected for the Governor's Award have their work specially featured in the Governor's offices, as well as the opportunity to meet Governor Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds and tour the Capital Building.

Other Rivermont students with work in the Youth Art Month exhibit include Keira Stone (1st grade), Melissa Tilden (1st grade), Ashlann Fee (2nd grade), Kadin Shaheen (5th grade), and Grace Sampson (6th grade).  We are extremely proud of our student artists and the strength of Rivermont's art program, led by Visual Arts faculty member Colleen Tomlinson.  Congrats to all!

For a complete list of student artists on exhibit, visit http://www.artedia.org/yam/youthartmonth.html#winners

ROCK ISLAND, IL (03/11/2014)(readMedia)-- In today's competitive job market, college students recognize the value of high-impact learning experiences, like internships, study abroad and research.

From your area:

Sarah Althaus from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in political science, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Hiba Ansari from Clinton, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-international business, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jaime Balderas from Rock Falls, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Michael Hoover from Bettendorf, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in Augie Ages undecided, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Jakob Leathers from Tampico, Ill., a senior majoring in classics, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at the Mississippi Valley Blood Center.

Amanda Smet from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in sociology-social welfare, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at World Relief.

Samantha Tonn from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in religion, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Anthony TouVelle from Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior majoring in German, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in East Asia.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at UnityPoint Health - Trinity.

Ashley DeVolder from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Haley Fox from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-management, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Catherine Margenthaler from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship in Australia.

Robert Holmquist from East Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in physics, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Ingrid Schneider from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in music general, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Japan.

Steven Trent from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in geology, took advantage of an opportunity to conduct research in geology in Hawaii.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in elementary education, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Breann Nelson from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Guatemala.

Amanda Wood from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology, took advantage of an opportunity to do an internship at Hand and Hand.

Jaime Rehmert from Sterling, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

Christine Wiersema from Morrison, Ill., a junior majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication, took advantage of an opportunity to study abroad in Dominican Republic.

"These experiences broaden the horizons of our students. As they prepare to graduate, opportunities like these make Augustana students even more attractive candidates for graduate school and career opportunities," explains W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president of Augustana College, in Rock Island, Ill.

Barnds notes that Augustana is helping more students take advantage of these "powerful, real-world learning experiences" thanks to Augie Choice.

Focused on advancing student learning in the liberal arts, Augie Choice provides students a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the expenses of an internship, study abroad or research project.

Augie Choice was launched in 2009. To date, the program has helped 1,588 Augustana students through the distribution of $3,176,000. The program is a visible symbol of the college's commitment to preparing students to stand out.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released a report from the Government Accountability Office that shows serious integrity issues with the Optional Practical Training program.

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows foreign students to obtain temporary work in their major area of study during and after completing an academic program in the United States.  The number of students approved annually for this program has more than quadrupled in the last six years.

Grassley requested the Government Accountability Office report after hearing concerns that employers were targeting foreign students with OPT status and learning that there was an atypical upward trend in participation.  The report is a follow-on to previous studies about the Student Exchange Visitor Program, which the GAO has evaluated and found serious flaws for several years.

In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Grassley wrote, "The GAO report reveals extensive and alarming DHS mismanagement of the OPT program, proving serious program integrity issues that bring to light potential risks to national security.  I'm writing today to ask that you place an immediate moratorium on the program until these serious problems are fixed."

The report highlights several deficiencies in the program.

·         Foreign students, sometimes aided by school officials, are currently abusing the OPT program to acquire unauthorized employment in the United States.

·         The federal government does not know where tens of thousands of foreign students in the OPT program are located, who they are working for, or what they are doing while staying in the United States.

·         There is a lack of coordination within ICE, inconsistent collection of information by ICE, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure program compliance.

Here is a copy of Grassley's letter to Johnson.  Here is a copy of the signed letter.  The GAO report can be found here

 

March 5, 2014

Via Electronic Transmission

 

The Honorable Jeh Johnson

Secretary

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Washington, DC 20528

 

Dear Secretary Johnson:

On February 27, 2014, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its report on the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) management of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program - an immigration benefit that allows foreign students to obtain temporary work in their major area of study during and after completing an academic program in the United States. The GAO report reveals extensive and alarming DHS mismanagement of the OPT program, proving serious program integrity issues that bring to light potential risks to national security.  I'm writing today to ask that you place an immediate moratorium on the program until these serious problems are fixed.

The use of the OPT program has increased dramatically over the years.[1] In 2008, just 28,497 students were approved for OPT.  In 2013, 123,328 were approved. In the last six years, more than 560,000 students received OPT.  Only 2.6% of those who applied in 2013 were denied.  Only .06% of those approved in the last 6 years have had their OPT revoked.  This data shows that there's an upward trend in applications while denials and revocations are minimal.  I asked the GAO to review the OPT program to better understand the use of OPT, including who uses it and how students are tracked, determine what weaknesses exist, and suggest ways to improve the procedures and policies that govern its administration.

Notably, the GAO's public report highlights that (1) foreign students, sometimes aided by school officials, are currently abusing the OPT program to acquire unauthorized employment in the United States, and (2) due to lack of oversight by DHS, no one in the Federal Government presently knows where tens of thousands of these foreign students are located, who they are working for, or what they are doing while staying in the United States.  The GAO concluded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement "has not analyzed available information to identify and assess potential risks specific to OPT posed by schools and foreign students."[2] The report also highlights the lack of coordination within ICE, the inconsistent collection of information by ICE, and the inadequate monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure program compliance. Without effective oversight of the OPT program, it is impossible to know if foreign students are complying with the rules and regulations.

The findings of the recent GAO report are all the more disconcerting given the fact that the GAO has warned your Department of risks involving the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for years.  For example, in April 2011, the GAO reported that some schools were attempting to exploit the immigration system by knowingly misreporting that foreign students were fulfilling their visa requirements.[3] In June 2012, the GAO reported that ICE had not developed a process to identify and analyze risks across SEVP-certified schools, in accordance with internal controls and risk management guidance.[4] In this same 2012 report, the GAO said that officials at both SEVP and ICE's Counterterrorism and Criminal Exploitation Unit (CTCEU) had expressed concerns about the fraud risks posed by schools that did not comply with regulatory requirements.[5] Thus, even prior to receiving the GAO's report last week, DHS had clear notice of the vulnerabilities in the program.

It is especially alarming and perplexing that SEVP officials consider OPT to be a low-risk employment benefit for foreign students.[6] Many other government officials interviewed provided a starkly different opinion. For example, senior CTCEU officials interviewed for the GAO report stated that "OPT is at risk for fraud and noncompliance, in part, because it enables eligible foreign students to work in the United States for extended periods of time without obtaining a temporary work visa."[7] Likewise, ICE field agents interviewed for the GAO report acknowledged that "foreign students approved for OPT present a risk for becoming overstays because they are allowed to work and remain in the United States for 12 to 31 months after graduation from school."[8] Immigration enforcement agents and designated school officials (DSOs) interviewed for the report pointed out that "DSOs face greater challenges in monitoring foreign students in post-completion OPT because the students are no longer attending classes."[9] Moreover, officials from CTCEU provided SEVP's compliance officers on multiple occasions from 2011 to 2013 with position papers expressing concerns about vulnerabilities and risk indicators associated with OPT.[10]

The recent GAO report confirms the fact that OPT is vulnerable to abuse.  As of September 2013, SEVP had identified 17 of the 133 schools on SEVP's compliance log as potentially noncompliant with ICE regulations related to OPT.[11] The report elaborated on some particularly disturbing cases to demonstrate the non-compliance.  For instance, ICE investigators reported that DSOs were allegedly falsifying documents in order to authorize students for OPT.  One school charged students for an OPT recommendation and for keeping students in status without requiring student attendance.  Other ICE field agents identified cases in which designated school officials were recommending OPT for foreign students to work outside their major area of study (e.g., a nursing student working in a pizza parlor), which is disallowed by ICE regulations.[12]

ICE regulations require OPT employment to be in a job directly related to the foreign student's area of study. However, the GAO report reveals that "ICE has not provided guidance to DSOs to help determine and document whether the student's job is related to his or her area of study."[13] Moreover, "ICE does not require DSOs to input into [the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS)] any information on how DSOs arrived at the determination that students' jobs related to their studies" - a concern that raises the risks that DSOs are inappropriately recommending students for OPT.  GAO discovered at least 35 cases in which students in economics, liberal arts and psychology were working in food service; and 9 cases in which students with degrees in computer science, engineering, and international studies were working in retail.  Accordingly, the GAO advised that properly guiding DSOs and requiring them to collect and provide such information in SEVIS "could help provide ICE with reasonable assurance that foreign students engaged in OPT are working in jobs directly related to their area of study."

Even more alarming is the GAO's finding that "ICE cannot fully ensure foreign students working under optional practical training are maintaining their legal status in the United States."[14] The GAO report found that ICE does not consistently collect information as to the type and timing of foreign students' employment, despite the fact that such information "could help ICE to better ensure that foreign students are maintaining their legal status in the United States and to identify and assess potential risks to OPT." According to the report, as of August 2013, 65 percent of pre-completion OPT and 48 percent of 12-month post-completion OPT student records did not contain an employer name.[15] This means that ICE is in the dark as to where these students are and for whom they might be working.  Likewise, ICE regulations and policy do not require students to report to their DSOs when they begin or stop working, and do not require DSOs to enter such dates into the SEVIS.  Without this information on employers or employment start and end dates, the GAO report found that "ICE's ability to oversee requirements for OPT is limited." In other words, the relevant components of DHS presently lack the information necessary to effectively fulfill their mission of protecting the homeland.

The GAO found other management issues with OPT that prove the program is susceptible to fraud and abuse.  Because of a lack of oversight by ICE, officials cannot determine if foreign students with OPT are unemployed longer than ICE regulations allow.  Furthermore, the GAO also found that DHS does not monitor "whether DSOs and foreign students are complying with requirements that students (1) have been in their program of study for at least one academic year prior to receiving authorization and (2) complete their OPT within certain time frames established by the type of OPT."[16] In other words, thousands of foreign students are working in the United States in violation of DHS regulations.

The OPT program, which has never been approved by Congress, was created to allow foreign students to obtain temporary work in their field of study.  It was created to be a benefit to employers and students alike.  Yet, due to gross lack of oversight by DHS, foreign students can be undetected from enforcement.  Employers have very little responsibility when employing foreign students and no requirements to pay them a certain wage.  Some employers even target foreign nationals with OPT, putting American workers and students at an unfair disadvantage.

The problems with OPT are extensive and serious.  The report not only calls into question the Department's oversight of the program, but also whether such lack of oversight is a serious national security risk.  At least one terrorist, Faisal Shahzad, a foreign national from Pakistan, may have utilized OPT prior to planning out an attempted terrorist attack on U.S. citizens in Times Square, New York.  While it is difficult to know how many other potential terrorists may have exploited OPT to remain in the United States, it is clear that the program requires an immediate overhaul before another potential terrorist exploits it.  The SEVP program, including the OPT program, needs serious leadership that will consider enforcement a top priority and will work diligently to close loopholes and reduce risks associated with it.

 

The gross lack of oversight of this program is inexcusable and should be immediately addressed by you and the Department.  Therefore, I urge your Department to swiftly incorporate all of the GAO's "Recommendations for Executive Action" in their entirety so that ICE can begin effectively identifying, assessing, and then addressing OPT risks.  Moreover, I implore you to place an immediate moratorium on the OPT program until you can personally certify that the program is secure and that the Department can locate all foreign students with OPT authorization.

Finally, the GAO provided me with a law enforcement sensitive (LES) report in January.  However, due to concerns of officials in your Department, the GAO was instructed to redact certain information and worked with the GAO to publish a public report.  I would appreciate being kept apprised of the issues that were raised in the LES report but not in the public report. Please send updates and information to XXX of my staff at XXX.

I look forward to a speedy response.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member

[16] GAO Report, page 25.