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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Ono Hired by Ellison Institute: Global President Role
Santa Ono appointed Global President of Ellison Institute in Oxford after leaving Michigan and unsuccessful UF presidency bid. Focus: science programs and research advancement. Ono previously led Universities of Cincinnati & British Columbia.
Geographic Distribution: Labor, Education, and Market Dynamics
Geographic distribution impacts labor markets, especially in education. Community colleges spread across regions create monopsonies, affecting job options and employee leverage. Clustering offers advantages but carries risks. Market and education dynamics analyzed.
Early Decision Lawsuit: College Admissions & Financial Aid
A lawsuit targets 32 universities over early decision admissions, alleging unfair financial aid practices and reduced competition for students. Plaintiffs claim inflated costs and inequality.