States facing a shortage of resources to support a yearlong influx of migrants are turning institutions' gymnasiums and shacked-up dorms to shoulder some of the weight. Responses from the schools and their communities have been mixed.

A Department of Education memo in 2021 stated that disbursing Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans "could continue for a very limited time," but "these operations could also experience some level of disruption due to a lapse" during a shutdown.

President Joe Biden's education chief said he's open to using "whatever levers" are available—including federal money—to discourage colleges from giving admissions preference to the children of alumni and donors. In a step beyond his previous comments, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said he would consider taking stronger action to deter the practice. "I would be interested […]

College presidents come in all shapes and sizes, but these last two weeks illustrate institutional boards' confidence in hiring academics with battle-tested experience in higher education.