College classrooms of yore were often fortresses reinforced with concrete floors and walls. Listening to a lecture in such hard-surfaced rooms was like trying to decipher sound in an echo chamber. After years of complaints from students and faculty, many colleges and universities have begun upgrading classrooms and lecture halls by installing ceiling baffles, fabric-covered […]

Colleges and universities are witnessing a growing number of transgender students—and faculty—struggling to find their way. The term describes any gender identity that does not fit the male and female binary. While some institutions promote trans-inclusive policies and practices, others have not kept pace. For example, students who transition while in college may face a […]

When Cathy Stickney first arrived in Northbridge as the superintendent of Public Schools, she was that candidate whose eyes were wide open. After all, Stickney knew going in that the Northbridge Public Schools had a low college-bound aspiration and admission rate; and importantly, a low four-year graduation rate than the statewide average. Worse yet, 25 percent […]

At some colleges, students are playing an important role in developing high-tech transportation tools, including driverless shuttles. These four institutions provide hands-on experience in the transportation technology of the future. Stanford University: The Center for Automotive Research at Stanford has been including students in autonomous vehicle research since its 2008 launch. As part of a […]