Here are six predictions for the fall semester of 2025 for higher education:
1. Intensifying Protests: Anticipate an increase in protests, demonstrations, and encampments this fall. The ongoing war in Gaza and the presidential election will be significant focal points, likely escalating campus activism.
2. Enrollment Roller Coaster: The chaos surrounding FAFSA will persist, continuing to impact enrollment numbers. Institutions will focus on boosting spring 2025 enrollments and enhancing efforts for student re-enrollment to address shortfalls.
3. Shrinking Budgets: Expect budget reductions and cuts as institutions grapple with lower-than-expected enrollments. With COVID-19 funding depleted and no increases in state funding, financial constraints will become more pronounced.
4. Regulations on Hold: Count cases have already led to injunctions on new Title IX regulations. The Supreme Court's decision to end the Chevron precedent suggests further court changes to regulations throughout the fall.
5. AI in Limbo: While generative AI advances rapidly, institutions are not yet up to speed. Despite student usage, policies and regulations lag behind, and operationalizing AI requires significant resources that many institutions currently lack.
6. Human Capital at Capacity: The "do more with less" management approach is no longer acceptable to higher education employees. With staff reductions and increased pressures, expect higher turnover and growing challenges in filling open positions.