A report from the Center for American Progress highlights the increasing politicization of university governing boards and its impact on academic freedom. The report cites examples from states such as Florida and Indiana, where boards have influenced curriculum and research. Recommendations to prevent overreach include limiting board authority in academic matters, depoliticizing appointments and ensuring faculty representation.

The United States now stands at a crossroads where democratic principles and academic independence are under growing strain. The encroachment of political agendas into higher education threatens not only intellectual freedom but also the democratic values that sustain it.

Setting boundaries at work to prevent others from overloading you with tasks involves developing professional assertiveness, which entails respectfully voicing your needs, defending your boundaries and requesting what you deserve, all while maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, writes Steve Keating. "The best part? You won't become 'difficult.' You'll become the colleague everyone wishes they had more of: clear, reliable and unafraid to speak the truth kindly," Keating notes.

Colleges and universities are increasingly using AI tools to review application essays and transcripts, aiming to speed up the admissions process and reduce errors. Virginia Tech has introduced an AI-powered essay reader to inform students of admissions decisions a month earlier, while the California Institute of Technology is using AI to assess the authenticity of student research projects.

Texas State Technical College has received an $850 million endowment after nearly 70% of voters supported a constitutional amendment to create it. The endowment is expected to generate up to $50 million annually for capital improvements. The endowment was supported by groups such as the Texas Association of Manufacturers and the Texas Economic Development Council, but faced opposition from some groups concerned about fiscal oversight.

Universities nationwide are rapidly adding AI majors, departments and concentrations as student interest soars and tech companies invest billions in AI development and training. At institutions like M.I.T., where the "A.I. and decision-making" major is now the second most popular, students say the new programs feel timely and offer broader career prospects amid declining computer science enrollment and a tightening tech job market.

The University of Washington has received an anonymous donation expected to exceed $50 million, which will cover tuition for medical laboratory science students for 50 years. The donation will cover two quarters of tuition for senior-year clinical rotations, benefiting about 100 students annually.