If anyone still thought we could gaze, soothsayer-like, into the future in order to meet it fully prepared, Covid-19 humbled us. But we can try to understand the forces shaping higher ed, what’s behind them, and how we can meet this moment effectively. We hope this annual issue will help you do just that.
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Opening the GatesCongrats! You Didn’t Apply, but We Admitted You Anyway.
New experiments are short-circuiting the admissions process. Here’s why they matter. -
The Changing Classroom
Students Demand Endless Flexibility — but Is It What They Need?
There are limits — practical and philosophical — on how much faculty members can bend. -
The Gloves Are Off
Flagships Across the Country Prosper While Regional Colleges Wither
The gap is widening. Who wants to attend a hollowed-out college? -
Chasing a Feeling
Everyone Is Talking About ‘Belonging,’ but What Does It Really Mean?
It’s everywhere: in college swag, job titles, grants, training. Yet a sense of belonging is elusive. -
A 21st-Century Curriculum
The Climate-Conscious College
Faculty members across disciplines are updating curricula in ways that inspire action, not just fear. -
Trends of Note
Other Developments You Should Watch
The Chronicle covers trends year round. Along with those highlighted in our special issue, here are some others we’re tracking.
