In today's issue, we take a Deep Dive into how governing boards can increase student success.
We also look at
✨How a college is condensing courses
✨How a class helped solve a cold case
✨How a musician doesn't let the cold silence her

Education Secretary Linda McMahon has characterized the outsourcing of education-related grant programs to other federal departments as a "proof of concept" as she works toward the larger goal of closing the Education Department and "returning education to the states where it belongs." McMahon says the outsourcing is temporary and, if successful, would require congressional approval to be permanent. Inside Higher Education obtained a recording of the closed-door meeting for all staff.

The new study from the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges underscores how governing boards can move beyond traditional oversight to become active drivers of student success. By positioning student achievement as the central framework for governance, planning, and budgeting, boards at four profiled public institutions demonstrated measurable improvements in student outcomes. The report emphasizes that sustained, intentional board engagement is essential for institutional transformation and long-term student achievement.

Long Beach City College has rapidly expanded its accelerated 8-week course offerings, now making up a third of all classes as of fall 2024. Designed to compress a semester's worth of material into half the time, these courses are attracting students balancing education with work and family responsibilities. By fall 2026, the college plans to have at least half of its courses in this condensed format, reflecting a major institutional shift in response to student needs and statewide interest in shorter courses.

Improve your emotional resilience and rational decision-making skills by adopting the philosophy of the Stoics, writes LaRae Quy, who highlights the importance of maintaining calm during crises, focusing on controllable factors and living a meaningful life based on personal values. "Stoicism in leadership involves managing your circumstances and emotions, rather than allowing your emotions to control you," Quy notes.