The Key with Inside Higher Ed

In the final Key episode of 2025, IHE’s news editor Katherine Knott and federal policy reporter Jessica Blake join editor in chief Sara Custer to discuss the three stories that encapsulate the year in state and federal policy.

In her final episode of Voices of Student Success, Inside Higher Ed reporter Ashley Mowreader walks through some of the latest trends in student success in higher education including generative artificial intelligence tools, mental health resources for students, affordability in higher education and internship requirements for students. Later, hear from Joshua Bay, Inside Higher Ed’s new Student Success reporter, who started Dec. 4. This episode is sponsored by TimelyCare.

This series of Voices of Student Success focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals.  Central New Mexico Community College is deploying a new AI-powered predictive analytics tool, CampusLens, part of CampusWorks, to improve data visibility in student retention, early alerts and career outcomes.   In the latest episode of Voices of Student Success, Tracy Hartzler, president of Central New Mexico Community College, discusses the risks with taking on new tools, the college’s approach to change management and the need for more responsive data.   Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success reporter Ashley Mowreader, this episode is sponsored by TimelyCare.  Read a transcript of the podcast here. 

This series of Voices of Student Success focuses on the use of generative artificial intelligence in higher education and how technology can support student success goals.  Since 2022, there’s been a surge in the number and types of applications using generative AI, but not all tools are the same. So how can faculty, staff and students learn to identify the differences and determine when it’s appropriate to leverage these tools?  Colby College developed a platform, called Mule Chat, that allows users to explore several large language models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and LLaMA. The platform provides a safe “on ramp” into GenAI usage and relies on student tutors to disseminate information to their peers.   In the latest episode of Voices of Student Success, David Watts, the Director of Colby College's Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Michael Yankoski, Davis AI research and teaching scientist, discuss the college’s AI institute and how Mule Chat works.  Hosted by Inside Higher Ed Student Success reporter Ashley Mowreader, this episode is sponsored by TimelyCare.  Read a transcript.

In this episode, Katherine Knott, Inside Higher Ed’s news editor, is back to help us unpack the latest higher ed news out of Washington. She speaks with editor in chief Sara Custer about the Trump administration’s higher ed compact—who’s said no, who’s said yes please and who’s artfully dodging the question. We’ll give you the latest on the current round of negotiated rule making. Plus: the TRIO funding cuts affecting 40,000 students, UVA’s zero-dollar settlement that still cost them their president and looking for signs of life at the Department of Education.   Track how institutions have responded to the Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education  "Reading Between the Lines on Compact Responses", Inside Higher Ed, Oct. 24, 2025