Recent actions by President Donald Trump targeting Harvard University and other institutions are an attempt to erode the independence of higher education, writes Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University. Roth argues that the administration's demands for ideological conformity from institutions receiving federal funding threaten the core values of American freedom and independence. While the administration claims to combat "woke" liberal values and antisemitism, Roth says the measures are a broader effort to centralize power and suppress dissent, which should concern conservatives as well as progressives.

Empathy has become a watchword for leaders lately, but Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore, in their book, "The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact," argue that compassion is a better goal because it leads to action to alleviate suffering instead of simply wanting to understand. Cultivate compassion by pausing to be mindful of our shared human experience, being present with others, listening to them and setting aside judgment or trying to fix the problem for them, Hull and Moore write.

The number of F-1 and J-1 visas issued by the State Department dropped significantly in May 2025 compared to the previous year, with F-1 visas down by 22% and J-1 visas by 13%. This decrease, representing 12,689 fewer F-1 visas, has sparked concerns among educators and policy experts about a possible decline in international student enrollment for the upcoming academic year. While some fluctuations may be attributed to temporary pauses in visa processing and ongoing administrative changes, the overall trend suggests growing obstacles for prospective international students.

US universities are increasingly opening campuses in India and the Gulf to address enrollment pressures, diversify revenue and navigate geopolitical uncertainties. Institutions such as the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Southampton are taking advantage of India's National Education Policy 2020, which allows top global universities to establish autonomous campuses. This trend offers Indian students world-class education locally at lower costs, though challenges such as affordability and maintaining academic standards remain.

Student housing satisfaction has dropped nearly 7%, according to StarRez's State of the Student Housing Industry Report, which notes that staffing shortages, budget constraints and evolving student expectations are major challenges. The report highlights the need for technology adoption to improve operational efficiency and student experiences, with many institutions already automating processes and exploring digital tools.