Academe Today: What’s really behind the view that higher ed isn’t worth it

The rise of institutional neutrality; how sociology can save itself; more steps against legacy admission; tackling plagiarism in class; 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](. 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 LEADERSHIP [Is Institutional Neutrality Catching On?]( By Michael Vasquez [STORY IMAGE]( A growing number of college leaders are swearing off taking stances on current events, or at least being more cautious about it. 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. SPONSOR CONTENT | The University of Oklahoma Price College of Business [OU's Business School Fuels Growth of Local Economy]( BACKGROUNDER [What Removing Sociology as a Core-Course Option Means for Florida’s Students]( By Beckie Supiano [STORY IMAGE]( The discipline has been “hijacked by left-wing activists,” according to the state’s education commissioner. Professors say their field has been unfairly targeted. ENROLLMENT [A Potential Shakeup Looms in Admissions as Movement Grows Against Legacy Preferences]( By Forest Hunt [STORY IMAGE]( Lawmakers in Massachusetts advanced a bill on Wednesday that would ban the practice at public and private colleges. Connecticut and Virginia are considering bans, too. TEACHING [Professors Share Ideas for Tackling Plagiarism in the Classroom]( By Beth McMurtrie [STORY IMAGE]( Instructors take a variety of approaches to the problem, but think students should learn from their mistakes. 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. Virtual Events: Tune In Live STUDENT SUCCESS [Creating Summer-Bridge Programs]( [STORY IMAGE]( UPCOMING: February 13, 2024 | 2 p.m. ET. The summer before students start college is an ideal time to lay foundations for their 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 emerging tech. Join us to learn more from a Chronicle survey. With Support From HP. [Register here.]( 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. Views IN CASE YOU MISSED IT [A Candidate’s Guide to Today’s Job Interviews]( By Jennifer S. Furlong and Stacy M. Hartman [STORY IMAGE]( The interview process for tenure-track positions used to be fairly predictable. Not anymore. SPONSOR CONTENT | New Jersey Institute of Technology [Innovations Shaping the Backbone of Modern Society]( Whether we realize it or not, the essential features of daily life were all designed, tested, and built by engineers. ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE CHRONICLE STORE [The Athletics Advantage - The Chronicle Store]( [The Athletics Advantage]( For tuition-driven institutions, sports are often a key recruiting tool. [Order this report]( for insights on how small colleges are using athletics to drive student enrollment, engagement, and retention. Upcoming Workshop [The Chronicle's Crash Course in Academic Leadership | Practical Tools for the 'Admin-Curious'] [Join us this winter]( for a virtual professional development program on preparing for a transition into the academic administration. This four-hour workshop will provide key insights for new and aspiring academic administrators on the inner workings of taking on a new role—from application all the way through the transition. [Reserve your spot today!]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Dean for General Education]( KIMEP University [Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor]( Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences [Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Education (specialization in Elementary Education)]( Hofstra University [Assistant Professor, Psychology]( Pace University [Vice Provost for Academic Affairs]( The University of Texas at Arlington [Search other jobs.]( CAREER RESOURCES [Career Resources]( [Read the February collection]( to learn the secrets behind mastering the final stages of the interview process. You'll receive insights into giving teaching demos, job talks, guest lectures, 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