In today's issue, we delve into the financial challenges facing higher education in a new report from the Pew Research Center.
We also look at

✨ How the new visa restrictions affect immigrant moms
✨ The value of embedding mental health services
✨ Pushing the boundaries of AI

The longest government shutdown in US history has ended, and the newly passed legislative package temporarily funds the Education Department through Jan. 30 using a continuing resolution, maintaining last year's funding levels. While this averts an immediate funding crisis, it does not provide long-term certainty for education programs or staff. Key services, such as financial aid disbursement and student loan servicing, remained operational during the shutdown, but some grant programs and support services were disrupted. The short-term nature of the funding means that uncertainty persists regarding future education department operations and program stability. The bill mandates the reinstatement of Education Department employees laid off during the shutdown, but Rachel Gittleman, president of the department's union, is concerned that the bill's language does not adequately protect public servants.

Immigrant mothers in the US face significant barriers to higher education and employment due to visa restrictions, unrecognized foreign credentials and financial obstacles. Reem Alzaeem, a Palestinian mother with a degree in computer engineering, is unable to work as a pharmacy technician despite completing training because her H-4 visa doesn't permit employment. Research by Elika Dadsetan highlights that immigrant mothers must balance caregiving with studies, face institutional inflexibility and struggle to obtain transcripts from home countries.

State funding for higher education is facing renewed pressure as lawmakers in at least 15 states have proposed or enacted budget cuts for public colleges and universities. These reductions are often among the first to be considered when states face stagnating tax revenues and rising spending demands, as higher education funding is more flexible compared to K-12 education and Medicaid. Some states, such as Virginia, Washington and South Dakota, have paused or reduced major infrastructure and maintenance projects. In contrast, others have implemented flat or minimal increases that don't keep pace with inflation. University systems are responding with cost-cutting measures, including tuition hikes, hiring freezes, and potential layoffs. The resulting budget constraints are compounding the financial strain on higher education, making it increasingly difficult for institutions to maintain operations and services.

Effective leadership requires self-editing, a skill that involves self-control, adaptability and continuous improvement, according to Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, the chief science officer at Russell Reynolds Associates. Self-editing helps leaders create psychological safety, manage complex challenges and evolve beyond their natural tendencies, Chamorro-Premuzic writes.

Virginia Tech's embedded counseling model integrates mental health professionals directly into residence halls and academic departments, making support easily accessible and fostering a sense of community. By situating counselors in familiar student spaces and encouraging their involvement in daily activities, the university normalizes seeking help and weaves well-being into everyday campus life.