Afternoon Update: One key to student success? Socializing in class.

Presidents of Linfield U. and Bluefield State U. to step down; S.C. colleges team up on transfer; two former inmates begin again in college; 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](. THINKING TOGETHER [One Key to Student Success? Socializing in Class.]( By Beckie Supiano [STORY IMAGE]( It’s one of the rare places where people who might have little in common are asked to learn together, and from one another. [‘I Don’t Have to Hide’: After Prison, 2 Students Begin Again]( [STORY IMAGE]( The stories of two second-generation sons of immigrants who made choices that led them down a path to incarceration. After prison they are getting the rare chance to start anew. CAMPUS SAFETY [U.S. Agency That Helps Colleges Thwart Attacks Is Overwhelmed With Requests for Help]( As antisemitic and anti-Muslim threats grow on campuses in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, part of a [federal effort announced this week]( says it lacks the staff to meet the demand. (NBC News, The Chronicle) STUDENT LIFE [Pro-Palestinian Activists at American Universities Say Free Speech Isn’t Free for Them]( Since the latest war began, student supporters of [Palestinian rights]( have faced [accusations]( of [antisemitism]( and been [targeted]( for [criticizing]( the Israeli occupation. (Middle East Eye, The Chronicle) LEADERSHIP I [President of Bluefield State U., in West Virginia, Will Retire at Year’s End]( Robin C. Capehart, who has led the [majority-white historically Black university]( since 2019, said his resignation would be effective on December 31. He won plaudits from his board but [exacerbated strained ties]( with his faculty — and drew criticism from academic-freedom advocates — by attacking professors on his Substack newsletter. (WVVA, The Chronicle) LEADERSHIP II [Linfield U. President Says He Will Step Down Over Family Concerns]( Miles K. Davis, who has led the Oregon university since 2018, said he would return next year to his family home, in Virginia. Davis drew national attention in 2021 by [firing a tenured professor]( who had accused him and his board of abuse of power, including sexual harassment and antisemitism. Linfield later [settled with the professor]( for more than $1 million. (OPB, The Chronicle, The Oregonian) STATE POLICY [South Carolina Colleges Unite on Comprehensive Student-Transfer Agreement]( More than 20 public institutions in the state have agreed to devise a system that will help students avoid extra coursework, save money, and graduate on time. [Problems in transferring credit]( can be a [stubborn barrier]( for community-college students. (WCIV, The Chronicle) CAMPUS CUTS [Vermont State Now Expects Only One Faculty Layoff but Deepens Program Cuts]( Enough instructors retired or took buyouts that the public university did not need to take more drastic steps. It had earlier said [up to 33 faculty layoffs were possible](. But it will now seek to eliminate 11 degree programs, not 10. (Higher Ed Dive, VTDigger) 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 STUDENT SUCCESS [Student Success: the New Year Ahead]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: November 7, 2023 | 2 p.m. ET: As colleges try to improve post-pandemic student retention and graduation rates, join us to discuss what students need on campus. With Support From University of South Florida. [Register here.]( INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT [International-Student Recruitment Trends]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: November 15, 2023 | 2 p.m. ET: As global student trends shift and recruiting in China falls, colleges must consider alternative targets. Join us to explore the latest data. With Support From World Education Services. [Register here.]( RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES [Recruiting for Cybersecurity Programs]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: November 16, 2023 | 2 p.m. ET: Job openings in the field have grown by 350 percent in the last decade. Join experts to discuss programs colleges can create on evolving threats and specialized areas. With Support From ACI Learning. 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