Effective ITSM, often AI-powered, is crucial for modern higher education. It streamlines student onboarding, support, and campus operations, meeting digital-native student expectations. Despite cost pressures, ITSM improves student experience and institutional efficiency, exemplified by Kent State's success.
Jisc concluded talks with 'large five' academic publishers for UK universities. While most accepted deals, several, including Sheffield and Surrey, rejected Elsevier's offer due to 'financially unsustainable' terms and a need to reduce spending.
Higher education leaders face complex decisions adopting AI, balancing innovation with ethical use, data privacy, and IT challenges. Tools like NotebookLM and Gemini aid learning, but clear policies, funding, and data governance are crucial for responsible integration.
College presidents champion culture, data, and support for student success. Strategies include micro-level data analysis, boosting graduation rates to improve earnings, and offering services like food pantries, especially for low-income & marginalized students.
Brown University granted $3M for Rhode Island's workforce development, fulfilling part of a Trump administration settlement to recover research funds. A mandated campus climate survey revealed discrimination, prompting planned anti-discrimination education.
Higher education faces intense government pressure and policy shifts in 2026, including accreditation overhauls and legal battles over student tuition. The Trump administration's strategy of freezing federal grants and pushing for policy changes will continue to challenge institutions.
