Colleges and universities are rapidly renaming their diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, often replacing "DEI" with terms like engagement, culture, community, opportunity and belonging. These changes are frequently announced via mass emails, downplaying the impact of the rebranding. Jeni Hebert-Beirne, a public voices fellow of The OpEd Project, writes that the renaming is significant, as it alters the scope and substance of the work these offices can accomplish. Hebert-Beirne argues that shifting away from explicit DEI language undermines long-standing commitments to social justice and may weaken the institutional infrastructure that supports equity-focused initiatives.

Colleges are urged to create clear pathways for military-affiliated learners by translating military training into academic credit, offering flexible academic models, and providing comprehensive support services. National University's Meg O'Grady emphasizes the need for institutions to build military-centered engagement models and culturally responsive campuses, which can drive enrollment and long-term alumni engagement.

Brandeis University is overhauling its humanities curriculum to emphasize workforce readiness and relevance. The revamped approach integrates skill-building and real-world application, aiming to ensure students gain communication, digital literacy, and critical thinking abilities alongside traditional academic knowledge. This initiative addresses concerns about the value of higher education among students and the market. It is part of a broader trend among universities seeking to make liberal arts degrees more relevant in a rapidly changing job market.

Classic holiday shows and movies, such as "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "It's a Wonderful Life," offer entertainment, but also provide leadership lessons, including the profound impact of a change of heart and how our leadership influences others, writes speaker and author Skip Prichard. "Christmas movies endure because they show people rediscovering connection, courage and clarity. They remind us that progress is never only about plans and goals. It is also about heart," Prichard writes.

International student enrollment at Florida universities has shown mixed trends this fall, with the University of South Florida and Florida State University experiencing declines, while the University of Central Florida and the University of Tampa reported increases, according to data from the schools. The national decline in new international students, highlighted by a 17% drop this fall, is attributed to federal policies restricting visas and travel, as well as state laws limiting partnerships with certain countries.

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