Academe Today: Can small, struggling colleges survive? (opinion)

How one such college survived, for now; college alone can’t save women, sociologist says; the AI robot that spoke at commencement; and more. ADVERTISEMENT [Academe Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. THE REVIEW | ESSAY [Can Small, Struggling Colleges Survive?]( By Robert Kelchen [STORY IMAGE]( There are paths forward, but they all require acting early. ADVERTISEMENT [Can Small, Struggling Colleges Survive?]( BACK FROM THE EDGE [This Small College Warned of Imminent Closure. Here’s How It Kept the Lights On.]( By David Jesse [STORY IMAGE]( Lake Erie College told creditors it might have to shut down. But leaders got it on steady financial footing — for now. BACKGROUNDER [The College Was Out of Options. Would Its Creditors Give It a Break?]( By David Jesse and Dan Bauman [STORY IMAGE]( Lake Erie College found itself staring down possible closure. “I don’t want to be another story in The Chronicle,” the president told its bondholders, pleading for relief. SPONSOR CONTENT | Washington State University [Facing the Climate Challenge]( 'PART OF THE EQUATION' [College Alone Can’t Save Women]( By Beckie Supiano [STORY IMAGE]( A sociologist who studied families during the pandemic discusses how her new book connects to higher ed. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT [This University Had an AI Robot as Commencement Speaker. Yes, It Was Weird.]( By Sonel Cutler [STORY IMAGE]( Some students and parents were skeptical. The speaker herself, Sophia, wasn’t bothered: “I don’t have time for hate.” UPCOMING PROGRAM [The Chronicle's Strategic-Leadership Program for Department Chairs | June 2024] [Join us in June]( for a professional development program tailored to the needs of department chairs. Experienced academic leaders will provide insights on the current trends in higher ed, effective ways to manage a department, strategic planning, and more. [Register today!]( Virtual Events: Tune In Live RURAL COLLEGES [College Partnerships to Fuel Rural Development]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: June 11, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Rural colleges are often hundreds of miles from other higher-education institutions, so they must form partnerships outside the sector to achieve their goals. With Support From Ascendium. [Register here.]( STUDENT SUCCESS [Improving the First-Year Experience]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: June 12, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Freshman year is make or break for many students, especially those with social, emotional, or logistical challenges. Join us to explore how to make the first year great for them. With Support From Mongoose. [Register here.]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to essential news, analysis, and advice. Views IN CASE YOU MISSED IT [Obituaries of Historians Show What We Value, and It’s Not Teaching]( By Peter Burkholder and Lendol G. Calder [STORY IMAGE]( A study of eulogies underscores what academics think is important in a faculty career. ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [Overcoming Student Loneliness - The Chronicle Store]( [Overcoming Student Loneliness]( Students are especially vulnerable to loneliness, which can be difficult to measure and hard to combat. [Order this report]( for expert insights to foster stronger social connections on your campus. JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Hindu Chaplain - Assistant Chaplain Emory University]( Emory University [Lecturer of Business]( Lander University [President]( Linfield University [Search other jobs.]( Stay ahead of the game and upload your resume to our job board. You'll be visible to hiring managers who are actively seeking top talent like you. [Upload your resume today.]( CAREER RESOURCES [Read the June collection]( for advice on finding a job as a new PhD grad. Learn how you can manage job market expectations, dually apply for industry and academic roles, and more! 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