More than a year into a pandemic that has upended much of higher education, college administrators say they see the advantages of online counseling and plan to preserve it as an option post-pandemic. 

The global health crisis is reshaping campus mental health care in other ways, too. With many students still studying remotely, colleges have had to rely on faculty to recognize and respond to signs of student mental distress. To better prepare them for this role, some colleges are adding or expanding training to help faculty members identify students who are struggling and connect them with counselors. 

There are no surprises in the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s latest report on college enrollment. Spring enrollment was down. For community colleges, way down.

By now, double-digit enrollment declines in the community college sector have been well documented and reported. If anything, the new information cements the fact that lawmakers, policymakers, higher education leaders, and other stakeholders must work together to brainstorm ideas that bring students back to the classroom.