New workforce data points to a notable shift in who is working on college campuses, with tenure-track faculty numbers rising while staff counts decline. This week's Monday Musings also looks at new student success research, proposed accreditation changes, college application trends, and the growing importance of preparing graduates for an AI-shaped workforce.
Monday Musings
College Costs Climb As Affordability Pressures Mount
College affordability takes center stage this week as families report a 10% increase in the cost of attending college. Also making headlines: colleges rethink orientation, elite institutions return to standardized testing, Michigan experiments with first-semester grading, and a federal loan rule lands in court.
Fall Enrollment Is Coming Into Focus
With fall approaching, colleges are getting a clearer picture of enrollment, and many institutions are finding reasons for optimism alongside areas that need attention. This week’s higher ed news highlights the strategies shaping enrollment, institutional sustainability, AI and assessment, support for student parents, and connections between college and the workforce.
When Research Becomes A Target: Federal Funding Cuts Reshaping Higher Education
Federal funding decisions are placing new pressure on research institutions, while lawmakers debate the future of the Department of Education. This week’s news also highlights how colleges are redesigning degree pathways, reconnecting with stopped-out students, and responding to changes in graduate financial aid.
The New Rules of Institutional Sustainability: Four Trends Every College Leader Should Watch
Higher education continues to navigate a period of rapid change. This week's top stories examine the strategic challenges influencing enrollment, financial sustainability, student success, and institutional operations, offering insights every campus leader should have on their radar.
From Summer Melt to Career Readiness: Building Better Student Pathways
From preventing summer melt to embedding career readiness throughout the student journey, this week's higher education news highlights how institutions are rethinking student success. Discover the strategies colleges are using to strengthen enrollment, improve persistence, and better serve today's learners.
