Takeaways from How Are Political Changes Shaping Higher Ed?
And how quickly are things changing?
Colleges and universities are generally expected to stay out of politics, but even they cannot help but be affected by sweeping new policies. Amy and Mike invited educator Dominique Padurano to explore how political changes are shaping higher education.
Listen to the full episode HERE before or after you review the key takeaways, topic breakdowns, and questions answered from this episode.
Key Takeaways
Recent political events (e.g., SFFA case, campus protests, Trump administration policies) have significantly impacted higher education admissions, funding, and academic programs.
International students face increased challenges with visa processes and potential restrictions, affecting university demographics and finances.
Students must be more cautious about social media presence and flexible in academic planning due to potential program cuts and changing campus cultures.
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Topical Breakdown
Recent Events Catalyzing Change in Higher Education
Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) Supreme Court case struck down affirmative action
Gaza war sparked nationwide campus protests, leading to resignations of university presidents
Trump administration proposed changes to higher education system
Targeted actions against specific universities (e.g., Harvard, Columbia) affecting funding and administration
Biggest Changes in U.S. Universities
Potential new Supreme Court case for greater admissions transparency
Targeting of DEI initiatives and funds
Existential threats to certain academic departments (e.g., Middle Eastern studies, African-American studies, women's and gender studies)
Elimination of specific majors at some universities (e.g., Indiana University)
Impact on science research funding
Impact on International Students
Student visa interviewing process halted at embassies abroad
Visa renewal challenges for students at certain universities (e.g., Harvard)
Potential aggressive revocation of student visas for Chinese students
Trickle-down effects on domestic students (e.g., reduced PhD students teaching courses)
Considerations for Current Applicants
Increased importance of social media caution
Need for flexibility in academic planning and major selection
Greater emphasis on campus visits and connecting with current students
Utilizing resources like Inside Higher Ed for updates on higher education changes
Considering state and campus political climates when building college lists
Next Steps
Students should carefully monitor and manage their social media presence
Applicants should research alternative majors at prospective universities in case of program cuts
Families should prioritize campus visits when possible to assess campus culture
Students should reach out to admissions officers for updates on specific programs of interest
Applicants might consider subscribing to Inside Higher Ed for ongoing updates on higher education changes
Q&A
Recent Events Shaping Higher Education
What major events have catalyzed change in higher education over the past two years?
Students for Fair Admissions Supreme Court case struck down affirmative action
Gaza war sparked campus protests, leading to resignations of 3 university presidents
Trump campaign proposed changes to higher education system
Targeted actions against certain universities (e.g. Harvard, Columbia)
How are these changes impacting admissions?
Common App no longer transfers demographic/ethnic info to colleges
Potential new Supreme Court case for greater admissions transparency
Efforts to remove DEI considerations from admissions process
Changes to Academic Programs
What academic programs are under threat?
Departments facing "existential threats": Middle Eastern studies, African-American studies, women's/gender studies
Some universities (e.g. IU) eliminating certain majors
Closure of LGBTQ student centers at some schools
Potential impacts on science research funding
How should students research programs given these changes?
Contact admissions officers about plans to support specific fields of study
Consider schools with large endowments that can sustain threatened departments
Be aware smaller/regional schools may struggle to maintain certain programs
Impact on International Students
How are international students affected?
Student visa interview process halted at embassies abroad
Some students (e.g. at Harvard) warned not to leave US due to visa renewal issues
Potential aggressive revocation of visas for Chinese students
What are the broader implications?
Reduced international enrollment threatens university finances
Potential cuts to science courses taught by international PhD students
Some schools (e.g. Columbia) heavily reliant on international students may face crisis
Advice for Applicants
What should current applicants consider?
Be extremely cautious about social media posts
Think flexibly about major choices in case programs are cut
Prioritize campus visits to assess campus climate
Connect with current students online if unable to visit
Subscribe to Inside Higher Ed for updates (Liam Knox's columns)
Consider writing to representatives for advocacy
Any social/cultural considerations?
Evaluate campus and state political climates carefully
Be cautious about plans for explicit political activism, especially for international students
Consider less inflammatory forms of engagement (e.g. writing representatives vs. masked protests)