The pandemic, a looming recession, the presidential election — these combined pressures are proving to challenge the higher education system like never before.
The Chronicle'sThe Post-Pandemic Collegehighlights how colleges who were already reeling from dwindling public support and enrollment challenges are working to improve, especially as they face changes in academic programs and structural organization.
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.
