The new California State University chancellor will take over the nation’s largest public university’s helm at a precarious time, but that’s one reason why Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro wanted the job.

Castro, a grandson of Mexican immigrants, will become CSU’s first chancellor of color and first native Californian to hold the position when he takes over in January.

He explains his plans for the future in this interview.

Utah State University announced a new admissions policy this week aimed at increasing access for students who lack the grades or test scores to normally be considered. The Earned Admission program will guarantee first-year applicants a spot at the university if they pass three self-paced courses in English, math, and study skills.

The goal is to give students an alternate way to show their college readiness, plus an academic boost ahead of enrollment.

The pandemic and ensuing recession leave higher education with more questions than answers on the transfer front. On the one hand, experts say, colleges need to work together to survive. On the other hand, some smaller four-year colleges are just struggling to survive, which could breed more competition than collaboration.