Afternoon Update: What’s really behind the view that higher ed isn’t worth it

How sociology can save itself; just a sixth of community-college students transfer and earn a bachelor's; your niche in foreign admission; 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](. PARSING THE NARRATIVE [What’s Really Behind the View That Higher Ed Isn’t Worth It?]( By Scott Carlson [STORY IMAGE]( Yes, the sector has a lot that it needs to fix. But criticisms that seem to dismiss the value of college altogether often miss key details. ADVERTISEMENT THE REVIEW | OPINION [How Sociology Can Save Itself]( By Philip N. Cohen [STORY IMAGE]( The recent political attacks in Florida represent a threat to the discipline — but also an opportunity. LATITUDES [How to Find Your Niche in a Competitive International-Admissions Market]( By Karin Fischer [STORY IMAGE]( They’re not brand names, but these colleges attract students from abroad. COMMUNITY COLLEGES [Just 16% of Community-College Students Transfer and Earn a Bachelor’s Degree]( One-third of students who started at a community college moved to a four-year institution, and less than half of them earned bachelor’s degrees in six years, according to [new research]( on fall-2015 enrollees by the Community College Research Center, the Aspen Institute, and the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Higher Ed Dive) LEADERSHIP [‘Gaslighting, Retaliation, and Intimidation’ Forced Me Out, Former President Says]( In a lawsuit filed on Monday against Seton Hall University, Joseph E. Nyre said his tenure at the Roman Catholic institution in New Jersey had also been marked by sexual harassment of his wife. Nyre, who resigned last year, said Seton Hall had retaliated against him for raising concerns about possible crimes at the university. Seton Hall has [denied]( the allegations. (NJ.com, News12) ACADEMIC SCHEDULES [Faulkner U. Moves to 4-Day Class Schedule]( The Alabama university said the shift, effective this fall, would enhance instruction and campus life, allowing students to work, serve as interns, or do community service. It will also improve work-life balance, help with sports scheduling, and appeal to prospective students. (WSFA) 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. SPECIAL OFFER FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for less than $20 and get unlimited access to essential reporting, data, and analysis. And as a special bonus, you'll get the 2024 Trends Report, our annual issue on the major trends shaping higher education — coming in March. Virtual Events: Tune In Live CYBERSECURITY IN HIGHER ED [The Rise of the CISO in Higher Ed]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: February 8, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. In this forum, experts will discuss how the role of the chief information-security officer is changing and how smaller colleges, with smaller budgets, are handling it. With Support From HP. [Register here.]( STUDENT SUCCESS [Creating Summer-Bridge Programs]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: February 13, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. The summer before starting college is an ideal time to lay foundations for student success. Many colleges have programs to help. Join us to explore how they work best. With Support From Mongoose. [Register here.]( HIGHER-ED WORK FORCE [Managing the Hybrid Work Force]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: February 15, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. Leaders face challenges in a hybrid workplace, including communicating with staffs as tasks shift under AI and other tech change. Join us to learn more from a Chronicle survey. With Support From HP. [Register here.]( ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [The Future of Campus Safety - The Chronicle Store]( [The Future of Campus Safety]( Colleges can’t foresee and avoid every possible safety concern. Yet students, parents, and others are demanding that colleges do more to keep campuses safe. [Order this report]( to explore strategies colleges are employing to counter threats to their communities’ well-being. 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