Five good-news nonelection stories about higher education

The day many of us thought couldn’t arrive soon enough is here: Election Day 2024. After more than a year of disinformation, divisive claims, relentless fundraising texts and one very big plot twist, you’d be forgiven for feeling election fatigue.

For some in the higher education community, Election Day 2024 comes with additional unease. Each election sparks its own set of campaign issues, but higher education has been thrown into the fray this cycle, becoming a topic to debate or dispute. Having a college degree has become an indication of how someone will vote. Polls show Americans are losing faith in the value of a higher education. Meanwhile, Congress has put university presidents on public trial, and several have failed.

If you just need a break from it all or want to be reminded that higher education can change someone’s life for the better, here is a list of good-news stories from Inside Higher Ed to distract you from the fever pitch of election coverage—if only for one day.

From Lone Star College Custodian to Dean

Reyna Gómez Tippetts says community colleges are “the gateway for education” and provide an opportunity “to help you get to the next step.”

Reyna Gómez Tippetts | Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed

The Scientists Fighting Misinformation One Fire Breath at a Time

Scientists have the knowledge to combat misinformation online, and now some are receiving the institutional support to communicate with a broad public audience.

University of Notre Dame

Colleges Fights Homesickness With Pet-Friendly Policies

Administrators hope the new policies not only address student health and wellness concerns but also help recruit animal-loving learners.

Nazar Rybak/E+/Getty Images

College Is Worth It to Black, Latino and Indigenous Students

New research from the Pell Institute finds that, despite challenges and setbacks students of color face in pursuit of a college degree, BIPOC learners see value in higher education. The report offers 13 recommendations to improve success for these learners.

kate_sept2004/E+/Getty Images

Expanding Access to the Microcredential Generation

A fast-growing number of traditionally college-age students are bypassing degrees to pursue cheaper and faster alternative credentials. Why are so many choosing this path, and will the journey pay off?

Sara Weissman/Inside Higher Ed