From President the hen the World Health Organization declared the end of the pandemic phase of COVID in May 2023, leaders in higher education heaved a collective sigh of relief and looked forward optimistically to a year of normalcy. The academic year 2023-24, however, has instead been filled with crisis and turmoil. We have witnessed the closure of a record number of colleges and universities, budget crises leading to significant employee layoffs, tension prompted by the War in Gaza, congressional hearings that have led to presidential resignations, and the “FAFSA debacle” that became yet another adverse factor affecting enrollment. The headwinds currently facing higher education certainly rival those of any other period defined by significant challenges and threats. W 2 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2024 FALL MAGAZINE
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