Top Higher Education Conferences 2026: Trends & Challenges
Explore top higher education conferences in 2026 addressing challenges like policy shifts, funding, enrollment, and public perception. Focus on innovation, leadership, and student success.
University Presidents: Departures, Appointments & Transitions
Recent university president changes: resignations (Texas A&M), appointments (New Jersey City), retirements (Westminster), and controversies impacting leadership across institutions. Includes leadership transitions.
First-Generation College Students: Challenges & Success
Report reveals first-generation students face hurdles in college completion despite academic preparedness & financial aid. Completion rates vary based on university spending. Barriers beyond finances impact success.
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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.