Daily Lumina News 011224

Deep-diving probes into antisemitism, plagiarism, and university leaders signal a dangerous new era in congressional oversight, experts and scholars say.
Some believe the investigations are an overstep of Congress’s role in higher education policy and could curtail the independence of colleges and universities.

More universities like Texas Southern University are working alongside local groups in marginalized communities to advance environmental justice.
It’s called the ‘communiversity’ model, and when it goes smoothly, schools provide community-based organizations with access to data and help in advocating for themselves; students and scholars get opportunities to do applied research with a clear social mission.

In an effort to increase diversity among faculty members, Compton College and USC’s Race and Equity Center are joining forces to launch a new program that aims to help community college graduates become community college professors.
Dubbed the Compton College Faculty Prep Academy, the effort pairs participants with faculty “coaches” who serve as mentors. Project leaders say the goal is to demystify the job hunt and create a pipeline for candidates who’ve been historically excluded.

The arrival of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT has been swift and immediate—and met by people in multiple industries with both skepticism and enthusiasm. But how promising is the technology when it comes to teaching and learning?
In a recent convening held by the American Association of Colleges and Universities, higher ed scholars and others weigh in on the potential and challenges that AI tools may bring to their field.

Oklahoma now joins other states, like Florida and Texas, in a move to limit or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programming in higher education institutions. Proponents of DEI say courses and trainings have a crucial role in fostering understanding and inclusivity in academic and work settings.
But for Skye Latimer, a local DEI instructor and community advocate, the reality is more personal. She’s concerned the dismissal of DEI will only widen the disparities felt among students and professionals.

And then there was one.
After a disastrous congressional hearing brought down two university leaders—Claudine Gay of Harvard University and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania—can Sally Kornbluth, president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, weather the continuing attacks?