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  • affect higher education
  • Trump administration
  • Education Department
  • community college students
  • academic freedom
  • American National University
  • departments
  • 2025 September


    Tenure Under Attack: Academic Freedom and Social Media

    Tenure Under Attack: Academic Freedom and Social Media

    Tenure faces increasing attacks, particularly regarding social media speech and academic freedom. Debate on its impact and job security value are discussed, highlighting the erosion of tenure protections.


    FAFSA Update: Challenges and Improvements in Student Aid

    FAFSA Update: Challenges and Improvements in Student Aid

    The Education Department faces challenges with FAFSA system updates and contractor oversight, yet shows improvements in form launches and user experience. GAO raises concerns over contract management.


    Graduate vs. Professional Programs: Education Funding Debate

    Graduate vs. Professional Programs: Education Funding Debate

    Education Department faces challenges in defining 'professional' vs. 'graduate' programs for student loan limits. Stakeholders debate program inclusion, debt concerns, and economic impact. Funding caps slated for 2026.


    Confidence in Higher Education Rises in US: Survey

    Confidence in Higher Education Rises in US: Survey

    A recent survey shows increased American confidence in higher education, exceeding trust in police and big tech. Cost and political bias are major concerns, but most see college as crucial for success.


    Precourse Meetings: Engaging Students & Course Selection

    Precourse Meetings: Engaging Students & Course Selection

    Precourse meetings allow students to sample courses & connect with faculty, fostering informed choices beyond rote memorization. Interaction resists easy forecast and helps students choose course.


    College Affordability: Pell Grants & Rising Costs

    College Affordability: Pell Grants & Rising Costs

    NCAN data shows college affordability challenges for low-income students. Pell Grants help, but rising housing costs & HEERF funding loss impact community colleges. Unmet financial need persists.


    College Completion Gaps: Socioeconomic Disparities Persist

    College Completion Gaps: Socioeconomic Disparities Persist

    College completion rates show socioeconomic gaps. Cost perception and alternative options impact decisions. High-poverty schools see lower rates, with non-degree interest rising. Students may not feel ready for postsecondary path.


    McNair Scholars Program: Grant Delays & Legal Challenges

    McNair Scholars Program: Grant Delays & Legal Challenges

    Delays in McNair Scholars Program grants & a legal challenge raise concerns. Advocates fear for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students seeking graduate degrees, potentially impacting future researchers.


    UC Faculty Coalition Sues Trump Admin Over Academic Freedom

    UC Faculty Coalition Sues Trump Admin Over Academic Freedom

    California faculty coalition sues the Trump administration over alleged attacks on academic freedom at the University of California system and civil rights violations. Funding, data access, and transgender rights are at stake.


    Nebraska-Lincoln Budget Cuts: Program & Department Mergers

    Nebraska-Lincoln Budget Cuts: Program & Department Mergers

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln faces $7.7M budget cut. Proposed solutions include merging departments and eliminating programs to save $2M. Impact on staff, morale, and academics is a major concern.


    UW-Stevens Point & NTC Partnership: Expanding Access

    UW-Stevens Point & NTC Partnership: Expanding Access

    UW-Stevens Point partners with Northcentral Technical College (NTC) in Wausau, aiming to expand degree programs and offer student support. Some UW campuses have shuttered recently, but new collaborations are sought.


    DOL to Revisit Overtime Policies Under FLSA

    DOL to Revisit Overtime Policies Under FLSA

    The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) plans to revisit overtime policies under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), including wage levels for U.S. territories. A regulatory schedule update is expected.


    College Teachers Fired Over Charlie Kirk Comments

    College Teachers Fired Over Charlie Kirk Comments

    Several college employees fired for comments on Charlie Kirk's death. Clemson teacher faces pressure. Utah suspect arrested. Universities emphasize respectful environments. Free speech debate intensifies.


    Academic Freedom & Student Retribution: A College Instructor’s Perspective

    Academic Freedom & Student Retribution: A College Instructor’s Perspective

    Reflections on academic freedom, student retribution, and the chilling effect of online harassment on college instructors. Includes insights on fostering critical thinking and the vulnerability of educators.


    HBCU Threats & University Lockdowns: A Wave of Campus Concerns

    HBCU Threats & University Lockdowns: A Wave of Campus Concerns

    Multiple HBCUs and universities nationwide faced threats, triggering lockdowns and class cancellations. Investigations are underway, with calls for federal action against these acts targeting Black communities and educational institutions.


    Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Founder, Dies: Reactions & Legacy

    Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Founder, Dies: Reactions & Legacy

    Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA founder, died after a shooting. Trump, Obama & others reacted. Kirk's conservative activism & controversies sparked debate on higher ed. Violence condemned.


    Texas Universities: Free Speech Restrictions & Student Lawsuit

    Texas Universities: Free Speech Restrictions & Student Lawsuit

    Texas universities face a lawsuit over new regulations restricting student expressive activities from 10 PM to 8 AM. The rules impact free speech, political expression, and religious gatherings on campus.


    College Board Ends Landscape Tool Amid Race-Based Admissions Concerns

    College Board Ends Landscape Tool Amid Race-Based Admissions Concerns

    College Board discontinues Landscape tool after concerns it was a 'masked proxy for race' in college admissions following Supreme Court ruling. Decision addresses geographical recruitment scrutiny.


    University of Chicago: Budget Cuts & Financial Challenges

    University of Chicago: Budget Cuts & Financial Challenges

    The University of Chicago faces budget cuts due to rising expenses and policy changes, impacting staff, programs, and construction projects. Focus on financial 2024, Ph.D. programs and Trump administration's policy.


    Higher Education Governance: Board Engagement & Challenges

    Higher Education Governance: Board Engagement & Challenges

    University boards face increased scrutiny. Focus on financial health, faculty governance, and AI impact. Enhance communication, board education, and address financial worries for strategic focus.


    Harvard Funding Restored: Court Blocks Trump’s Freeze over Antisemitism Claims

    Harvard Funding Restored: Court Blocks Trump’s Freeze over Antisemitism Claims

    A court restored Harvard's funding, blocking Trump admin's freeze over antisemitism claims. The court cited First Amendment concerns and arbitrary actions. Harvard is now taking steps to combat antisemitism.


    Trump Admin Probes George Mason Over Diversity Initiatives

    Trump Admin Probes George Mason Over Diversity Initiatives

    The Trump administration increased pressure on George Mason University with multiple probes into diversity initiatives, leading to legal disputes and political tensions. Focus on university president.


    House Republicans Propose Education Funding Cuts Aligned with Trump’s Plan

    House Republicans Propose Education Funding Cuts Aligned with Trump’s Plan

    House Republicans propose a 15% cut to the Education Department's budget, aligning with Trump's plan. Cuts target grants, NIH, and Pell Grants, while preserving some programs. Budget debate intensifies with potential government shutdown.