Best of 2016: Top stories in higher ed over the past year

If 2015 was the year of protests and campus unrest in higher ed, 2016 may go down as the year of uncertainty. 

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 30, 2016

'Publish or perish' mandate leaves door wide open for fraudulent publishers

A recent article in The New York Times highlights a growing industry around 'fake academe' — which consists of booming business for fraudulent scholarly journals and conferences.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 29, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Mental Health and Wellness

This Trendline examines how colleges can address rising mental health concerns and support at-risk groups, such as transgender students and college athletes. 

By Higher Ed Dive staff

Economists quantify higher ed's foreign enrollment balancing act

A new working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research found a 10% reduction in higher ed budget allocations from states resulted in a 12%-17% jump in international student enrollment at public research universities in the U.S.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 28, 2016

4 CIOs share higher ed tech predictions for 2017

A number of issues, developments and trends promise an interesting year ahead.

By Roger Riddell • Dec. 26, 2016

Can colleges better leverage their brands, output for revenue?

A campus director of professional development examines the ways in which colleges can better present and utilize their brands to pair with industrial trends. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 23, 2016

Yale to expand first-year student cohort by 15% in 2017

The elite private institution expects new construction to grow its undergraduate enrollment by nearly 800 students by 2020. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 23, 2016

Study suggests increased independence for faculty can lead to higher gains in learning

A new study suggests that greater autonomy for faculty members in course design and more professional freedom can support higher retention rates.

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 23, 2016

Survey: Student success tops institutional priorities for 2017

A new survey of college presidents and administrators reveals interesting data about how campuses are approaching educational access and student development. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 23, 2016

White House cabinet pick questions value of sponsored research

The potential head of the agency overseeing federal budget management has shown little faith in the financial value of supporting research on issues like the Zika virus. What are the implications for colleges and universities?

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 23, 2016

UNC app store system offers solution to centralized LMS woes

A new "app store" model for education technology will be deployed to its 17 campuses, giving individual campus leaders more autonomy over the technology used at their institutions.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 22, 2016

As rural America struggles, so do its colleges

The Wall Street Journal reports on declining populations in the rural South, which have led to enrollment decreases in area colleges dating back longer than those many in the sector are facing.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 22, 2016

Top schools seek to balance extracurricular activity and student service for future admissions

This admissions consideration could be an equalizer for students from low-income backgrounds, and could ultimately promote the kinds of diversity higher ed leaders say is necessary for the success of the enterprise. 

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 22, 2016

Office Hours: Miami U President Gregory Crawford discusses value of liberal arts education

The career physicist explains how the school's unique liberal arts core is designed to produce the leaders of tomorrow.

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 22, 2016

It's time for higher ed to take back the value narrative

A viral Facebook post from a Kansas State freshman has raised questions about the value of higher education that should be non-starters.

By Autumn A. Arnett • Dec. 22, 2016

Could secondary textbook inaccuracies lead to gaps in college readiness?

A recent analysis of learning materials suggests that curriculum is negatively impacted by out-of-date information, and could lead to gaps in knowledge for entering college students. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

Skin in the game: Policy wonks propose ways to hold colleges accountable for student debt

The Trump campaign alluded to the idea that institutions should share the risk associated with high tuition costs, and the Center for American Progress released a set of proposals to that end.

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

To make the grade in college rankings, Simmons College defends fake data

The school maintains its badge for making a national ranking list, even after being removed from the list for inaccurate data submission.

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

With US dramatically behind in language fluency, should colleges fill the gap?

Some are considering ways to build language capacity to help students keep pace in globalized economy.

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

Study: Wage gap flattens between college, high school graduates

New research suggests that the proliferation of technology in the workforce has limited increases in the earning potential between the two groups. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

ABA sues Dept of Ed over loan forgiveness denials

Four plaintiffs are accusing the Department of Education of baiting and switching on its loan repayment agreement for graduates working in public service. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 21, 2016

Which is better strategy for revenue generation: Increasing enrollment or fundraising?

In a joint post for Education Dive, an institutional affairs professional and academic affairs professional offer guidance on balancing the top institutional priorities. 

By William Broussard and Donovan Outten • Dec. 20, 2016

ED publishes final rules on distance education

Colleges and universities will have to seek authorization from states where learners are earning degrees. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 20, 2016

Can faculty productivity be predicted with an algorithm?

MIT professors have developed a data-driven model to predict the success of faculty — a system which could reshape conversations about tenure and research. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 20, 2016

For-profit law school latest blocked from receiving fed. student aid

The U.S. Department of Education takes down another for-profit institution accused of predatory practices in enrollment and job placement for graduates. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 20, 2016

NC political shell game set to impact higher ed in the state

Outgoing governor Pat McCrory and North Carolina lawmakers attempt to strip trustee appointing power from the incoming administration in what some are calling a play to create a one-party state. 

By Jarrett Carter • Dec. 20, 2016