Check out this week’s advancement news worldwide, the latest CASE news, trending discussions on CASE communities and content shared by member institutions. Have something to share? Add it in the comments.

Advancement News

• Online enrollment growth slows, but still outpaces brick-and-mortar—The number of higher education students taking at least one online course in 2014 is up 3.7 percent over the previous year — however, “While the rapid pace of online learning growth has moderated, it still accounts for nearly three-quarters of all U.S. higher education’s enrollment increases last year,” said study.
• Dorms help give 2-year colleges a 4-year feel—Dorm living is a rite of passage for students at most four-year colleges. But community college students have largely missed out on that experience – until recently.
• Bill aims to help prospective students in college decision-making process—A recently introduced bill in Virginia would require state colleges and universities to publish financial and academic institutional information in a more accessible format on their webpages to assist students and their families in the college decision-making process.
• Giving by top fifty donors jumped 27.5 percent in 2014, report finds—The nation’s top 50 donors gave a total of $9.8 billion in 2014, up 27.5 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

CASE News and Resources

• CASE Appoints New Executive Director of CASE Europe
• Twitter Chat Recap: Best Practices and Social Media. The Feb. 10 chat was co-moderated by Nick DeNardis, director of digital communications, Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.
• Even if community college were free for many students—as President Obama proposed last month—chief fundraisers at two institutions whose students already benefit from local free-tuition programs say their jobs wouldn’t change significantly. Read more in the latest issue of Community College Advancement News.

Trending on CASE Communities

• Acknowledgement of Chinese Families’ Gifts
• Brand/Marketing Study Recommendations
• Affinity Reunions instead of Class Year Reunions

What CASE Members Are Sharing

Appalachian State University holds a Positive Post-It Note Day, in which “anyone on campus can write something encouraging on a post-it note and stick it somewhere on campus to remind others they are worthy and loved.” Read details in the HuffingtonPost.

Nate’s Audition Tape for the Big Game Halftime Show. Northeast Ohio Medical School’s mascot, Nate the Walking Whale, auditions for the halftime show.

University of New Hampshire share their love for the school, just in time for Valentine’s day, with UNH Social #UNHLove.

Northern Michigan University’s new president, Fritz Erickson, leaves the ski slopes for his investiture ceremony.