The Chronicle's latest report, The Post-Pandemic College, explores how all aspects of the 2020-21 college experience have transformed, especially research. Deep cleaning has become essential in order for faculty to use the tools of their discipline. Lab spaces are significantly less convivial because of masks, social distancing, shielding, and generalized dread of infection. Planning travel has become more difficult, if not impossible, because of public-health measures.
The Academic Enterprise:Futurist and senior scholar at Georgetown University Bryan Alexander predicts a bumpy ride that could include intensive campus testing for Covid-19, heavier teaching burdens, college closures, and possible layoffs.
The Student Experience:Gen Z has been deeply affected by the pandemic and the national reckoning over racial violence as they face a tough job market and increased mental-health issues, as explored with higher-education reporterKarin Fischer.
The Business Models of Colleges: The pandemic gives academe the push it needs to plan for a more sustainable future, as argued by Rick Staisloff, founder of the consulting firm rpk GROUP.
Enrollment:Colleges are facing increased challenges to survive in a hyper-competitive recruitment race, according toCornell B. LeSane II, the vice president for enrollment and dean of admissions at Allegheny College.
