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ED panel signs off on new earnings test — federal oversight moves forward
A Department of Education advisory panel voted to approve a new earnings test for programs that award undergraduate certificates, clearing a major step toward stronger federal oversight of...
Connecticut proposes graduate loan program — state steps into federal gap
Connecticut lawmakers proposed a state-level graduate loan program to replace borrowing capacity lost after federal changes to Grad PLUS, offering up to $30 million in initial capital and $10...
One-third of grads say degree wasn’t worth it — employers and outcomes questioned
A new report found roughly 30% of college graduates say their degrees did not deliver financial returns, with many carrying $25,000–$50,000 in loans and delaying retirement and homeownership. The...
Professors warn many undergraduates can't read a sentence — literacy crisis hits colleges
College professors are reporting a drop in basic reading proficiency among incoming undergraduates, with some instructors saying a sizeable share of first-year students struggle to read assigned...
Trustee fights and rushed presidencies — governance tensions surface at public universities
Two governance flash points surfaced this week: text messages from University of Virginia board members showed trustees blasting lawmakers and faculty amid campus tensions, and the University of...
Small college campus sale — Wells College to transfer property to Indigenous nonprofit
Wells College's board agreed to sell the Aurora, N.Y., campus to the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge, with the bidder signaling plans to use the site for educational programs focused...
Colleges push data and proven tactics to lift graduation rates — case studies emerge
Higher‑education leaders are deploying evidence-based interventions to raise completion rates: intrusive advising, curricular redesign, targeted financial supports, and early-alert analytics. A...
AI friction in classrooms and admissions — campuses tighten authenticity checks
Faculty and admissions officers are pushing back on unstructured AI use: a higher‑education practitioner who is a heavy AI user argued generative tools should be barred from classroom learning to...
CTE faculty shortage threatens workforce pipeline — states and colleges scramble
Career and technical education programs are facing a critical faculty shortage that jeopardizes vocational training pipelines and local workforce development, federal and sector reports show....
Universities face a choice: negotiation or resistance — an argument for compromise
An opinion piece argued universities should sometimes negotiate with an illiberal administration rather than reflexively resist, saying rigid non‑engagement can harm institutional missions and the...
Trump grants push colleges to switch accreditors — watchdogs flag inexperienced winners
A federal incentive program is directing millions to organizations and campuses that agree to change accreditors, a rapid policy shift that could redraw the regulatory map for colleges. The awards...
Board fights and rushed searches — trustees reshape campus leadership
Two governance flashpoints surfaced this week as trustees at separate public universities took decisive actions that drew faculty objections. The University of West Florida’s Board of Trustees...
States and campuses scramble for funds — graduate loans and completion get priority
Connecticut Democrats unveiled a state graduate‑loan proposal that would deploy up to $30 million — $20 million from CHESLA funds and $10 million in state support — to plug gaps left by federal...
Course‑sharing gains traction — small colleges cut costs and expand offerings
Small, tuition‑dependent colleges are increasingly adopting course‑sharing consortia to preserve program breadth while trimming academic budgets. Adrian College reported a 13% reduction in its...
MBA admissions pivot — video, AI and online programs reshape candidate pools
Business schools are recalibrating admissions as applicants use AI and schools add video assessments to detect inauthentic, over‑polished applications. Admissions consultants predict 2026 will be...
Analytics and targeted messaging — institutions chase enrollment with data
Universities are deploying analytics to personalize the student experience and revamp recruitment messaging. The University of St. Thomas described how attendance, engagement and other KPIs feed...
Faculty and districts push back on classroom AI — policy catches up to practice
Faculty and K‑12 district leaders are tightening rules around classroom AI use even as some professionals embrace the technology for workflow gains. A veteran AI power‑user warned against bringing...
Reading gaps and talent timelines — professors and new research clash on preparation
Professors report that many incoming students lack basic reading stamina and comprehension, forcing pedagogical changes in first‑year courses. Instructors described shifting classroom...
Small college sells campus to Indigenous nonprofit — regulatory approvals pending
Wells College’s trustees signed an agreement to sell the Aurora, N.Y., campus to the Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge, subject to a two‑month due diligence window and approvals from...
CTE faculty shortage threatens vocational pipeline — credential recognition at center
Career and technical education programs nationally face a growing instructor shortfall that jeopardizes the pipeline of skilled workers. Shortages stem from a small pool of qualified candidates,...