Afternoon Update: Replace striking grad students with AI, Boston U. dean suggests

Walden U. settles class action over predatory practices; Oak Point U. will close abruptly; after year of turmoil, Harvard applications drop; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Afternoon Update Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. TEACHING [Replace Striking Graduate Students With AI, Boston U. Dean Suggests]( The 3,000-member BU Graduate Workers Union [walked out]( on Monday over such issues as wages, benefits, and workloads. On Wednesday the dean of arts and sciences, Stan Sclaroff, a computer-science professor, suggested making up for missing TAs by using “generative AI tools to give feedback or facilitate ‘discussion’ on readings or assignments.” (The Daily Beast, The Daily Free Press) ADVERTISEMENT JUST UPDATED [DEI Legislation Tracker]( By Chronicle Staff [STORY IMAGE]( We’ve updated the tracker with bills in Arizona, Idaho, and Kansas that seek to dismantle colleges’ diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. 'REVERSE REDLINING' [Walden U., Accused of Preying on Black Students, Reaches $28.5-Million Settlement]( The class action alleged that the for-profit university had made millions of dollars in excess tuition and fees by lengthening projects required for a business degree. It also alleged that the program had targeted some 3,000 female and Black students with false advertising about how long it would take them. A court will review the settlement for it to take effect. (Associated Press) CLOSING TIME [Oak Point U., a Health-Sciences University in Illinois, Will Close Abruptly]( In an email on Wednesday to students and faculty members, the private university’s president said it would close on April 19, in just three weeks. As of the fall of 2022, its total enrollment was just 429. Employees apparently will not receive severance pay. Lewis University, which is nearby, has agreed to serve as a teach-out institution. (WGN) ADMISSIONS [After a Year of Turmoil, Harvard’s Applications Drop]( Undergraduate applications fell 5 percent from last year, after waves of [bad publicity]( hit the university, including the [loss of a major affirmative-action case]( at the Supreme Court, [turmoil]( over [responses]( to the Israel-Hamas war, and [plagiarism accusations]( that led its [president to quit](. But Harvard still [accepted just 3.6 percent]( of applicants. (The New York Times, The Harvard Crimson, The Chronicle) DANGEROUS WORDS [Michigan Legislator Misidentifies Gonzaga U. Team’s Buses as ‘Illegal Invaders’]( The men’s basketball team flew from Spokane, Wash., to Detroit on Wednesday to play in the NCAA tournament. But Matt Maddock, a Republican state representative with a history of promoting conspiracy theories and lies, said on X that the athletes and coaches were undocumented immigrants. The team will travel with a police escort to today’s game. (The Spokesman-Review) NEWSLETTER [Sign Up for the Teaching Newsletter]( Find insights to improve teaching and learning across your campus. Delivered on Thursdays. To read this newsletter as soon as it sends, [sign up]( to receive it in your email inbox. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Virtual Events: Tune In Live SAFETY AND SECURITY [What It Takes to Improve Campus Safety]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: April 10, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Amid growing threats to physical campuses, administrators must prioritize safety efforts and do so ethically. Join us for a virtual forum on campus safety. With Support From AT&T. [Register here.]( EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING [Experiential Education for All]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: April 11, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Programs like experiential education help expand creativity and independence. Join us to discuss how to re-engage students with such programs. With Support From the Illinois Institute of Technology. [Register here.]( LEARNING MODELS [Global Leadership Perspective]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: April 16, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Research shows many learning models are outdated, but Southern Cross University’s model has succeeded. Join us for more from SCU’s vice chancellors. With Support From Southern Cross University. [Register here.]( ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Fostering Students' Free Expression - Buy Now]( [Get 12 Months]( [of Chronicle Reports]( [Order our new]( Digital Reports Bundle and save on a year’s worth of in-depth reports. Buy before March 31 to secure a copy of our latest release, Higher Education in 2035, plus The Athletics Advantage and A Toolbox for Deans as a one-time bonus. JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Search jobs on The Chronicle job board]( [Find Your Next Role Today]( Whether you are actively or passively searching for your next career opportunity, The Chronicle is here to support you throughout your job search. Get started now by [exploring 30,000+ openings]( or [signing up for job alerts](. NEWSLETTER FEEDBACK [Please let us know what you thought of today's newsletter in this three-question survey](. This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2024 [The Chronicle of Higher Education]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037