This week in college admissions, Brown, Penn, USC, and MIT reject the Trump administration’s offer for special funding treatment, Syracuse opens an academic center for podcasters and influencers, Temple receives a major gift to support public health, and Dartmouth builds an AI chatbot to support mental health and student well-being.
The University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, Brown University, and MIT have rejected the Trump administration’s “Compact for Excellence in Higher Education,” which promised special consideration for funding in return for supporting the administration’s higher education agenda. Of the original nine universities who were offered the compact, MIT was the first to reject it last week, with Brown, Penn, and USC following this week. The administration has subsequently indicated that the compact will be open to all higher education institutions.
Syracuse University has established a new Center for the Creator Economy, the first academic center on a college campus to focus on content creators such as influencers, podcasters, and digital artists. Syracuse will offer classes in creative content, audience engagement, and digital strategy, among other topics.
Temple University has received a $55 million donation to support their College of Public Health. The gift, from alumnus Christopher Barnett, reflects his belief that “by strengthening the public health workforce, we can help shape a healthier, more equitable future for all.” All students, faculty, and staff in Temple’s public health program will now be housed in one newly renovated building.
Dartmouth College is developing an AI chatbot intended to help support mental health and well-being on campus. A team of student researchers are working with faculty to develop the app, which is intended to provide personalized interventions for students. It will focus on health-related topics including exercise, diet, time management, and sleep.
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