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Education specialist tips: How to support displaced families
The California wildfires have devastated the Los Angeles region as families have lost their homes, places of work and schools. With expertise in housing insecurity and social work, University of Delaware faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) explain how community members can support these families. Ann Aviles and Ohiro Oni-Eseleh, both CEHD faculty, share resources for displaced families and guidance for parents, educators and other community members who want to support them. Aviles, an associate professor, said an unexpected displacement can be unsettling for anyone, but they can have greater impacts on certain populations. "Populations that are especially vulnerable include those from low-income families, families of color (in particular, Black and Latiné communities), unaccompanied youth and undocumented families," she said. "These families often have less access to economic resources for temporary housing such as hotels or short-term rentals." She notes that the main way educators and community members can assist these populations is to first and foremost treat them with respect and dignity. "Priority should be given to short-term solutions that are informed directly by the people most impacted. Educators, community leaders and others wanting to provide families support should ask them what is most important and needed, and then respond accordingly," she said. Oni-Eseleh, an assistant professor and director of the master of social work program at UD, notes that there are multiple hotlines and community groups dedicated to assisting families that are displaced. "Many communities have emergency hotlines that provide immediate support and connect individuals to social workers or mental health professionals. These hotlines often operate 24/7 and can be a valuable resource during a crisis," he said. For more tips from both of these experts, please reach out to mediarelations@udel.edu.
Lingam, Mirsayar, van Woesik Recognized as ‘Top Scholars’ by ScholarGPS
Florida Tech faculty members Manasvi Lingam, Mirmilad Mirsayar and Robert van Woesik were named “Top Scholars” by ScholarGPS for their contributions to academia over the last five years. Lingam, who studies astrobiology in the Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, was ranked No. 9,562 in the world across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.06% of the platform’s scholars globally. He faired strongly in other areas, including: No. 1,919 (0.1%) among 1.9 million scholars in physical sciences and mathematics No. 491 (0.09%) among 545,000 scholars in physics No. 42 (0.31%) among 13,590 scholars in the specialty area planets ScholarGPS cited Lingam’s strong publication record, the impact of his work and the notable quality of his scholarly contributions. He’s published 50 times since 2020, exploring the possible origins, evolution and future of life in the universe. Mirsayar, who studies aerospace engineering, was ranked No. 35,155 across all disciplines and nearly 15 million ranked scholars, placing him in the top 0.24% of scholars globally. He’s published 11 times between 2020-2023, covering topics such as fracture mechanics and solid mechanics. Other highlights include: No. 6 (0.06%) among 8,601 scholars in fracture mechanics No. 49 (1.7%) among 2,879 scholars in solid mechanics No. 315 (1.8%) among 16,847 scholars in reinforced concrete Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Van Woesik, who studies coral reef ecology, was ranked No. 58,081 across disciplines, putting him in the top 0.39% of nearly 15 million scholars globally. He’s had 22 publications since 2020, covering topics such as coral bleaching, thermal stress and climate change. Other highlights include: No. 5,282 (0.32%) among 1.7 million scholars in life sciences No. 336 (0.38%) among 88,930 scholars of ecology and evolutionary biology No. 191 (0.95%) among 19,998 scholars of global change. ScholarGPS uses artificial intelligence and data mining technologies to rank individuals, academic institutions and programs. Scholars are ranked by their number of publications, their citations, their h-index and their ScholarGPS® Ranks, which includes all three metrics. If you're interested in connecting with Manasvi Lingam, Robert van Woesik and Mirmilad Mirsayar- simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
The Rev. Randall Meissen, LC, Florida Tech’s chaplain and director of the Catholic Campus Ministry and an adjunct faculty member of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts, has published a new book chapter, “Contemplating Bats and Bees,” in the academic compendium, “In The Dominicans in the Americas and the Philippines (c. 1500-c. 1820),” edited by David Thomas Orique, Rady Roldán-Figueroa and Cynthia Folquer. The book was published online in August by Routledge. Meissen’s chapter examines the man credited with preserving the only surviving Mayan language texts, Friar Francisco Ximenez, and examples of the influences of Dominican spirituality on natural history. He conducted research in the rare book archives of Guatemala and Spain, and the chapter developed from a presentation Meissen gave at the International Conference on the History of the Order of the Preachers in the Americas several years ago. Ximenez was an 18th century Dominican priest and missionary linguist known for his preservation of the Maya–K’iche’ creation myth the Popol Vuh. He also had a keen interest in the plants and animals of Guatemala during his ministry, Meissen highlights, and recorded observations in his manuscript, “La historia natural del reino de Guatemala.” Meissen’s chapter examines Ximenez’s observations of nature and explores the cultural factors inspiring Ximenez’s research of the region. Those include: “the Dominican tradition of collecting anecdotes about animals as exempla for use in preaching, the expansive highland Mayan vocabulary for naming native organisms, the Mayan religious myths about animals in the Popol Vuh, the practice of using mission churches as spatial reference points and the material need of the Order of Preachers in Guatemala for items such as beeswax,” the abstract reads. Meissen’s research also connects back to the classroom. He is teaching a World Religions course this spring. If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with Father Randall Meissen - simply contact Adam Lowenstein, Director of Media Communications at Florida Institute of Technology at adam@fit.edu to arrange an interview today.
Los Angeles wildfires: Experts address health concerns and evacuation strategies
Major wildfires are once again raging in California, this time in Los Angeles County. According to news reports, they have so far been responsible for two deaths, 1,000 damaged structures and the evacuation of more than 30,000 residents. Experts from the University of Delaware's Disaster Research Center can comment on health impacts, evacuation strategies and how to manage pets and animals during disasters. Below are three of the Disaster Research Center core faculty and the topics they can discuss related to the current wildfires: Jennifer Horney, founding director of UD’s epidemiology program: Health impacts of disasters (mental and physical) as well as evacuation. Additionally, exposure to wildfire smoke which increases risk of respiratory infections; the scale of these fires during a very high period for these infectious diseases (flu, RSV, COVID) may also put pressure on public health and health care systems. Tricia Wachtendorf, co-director of the Disaster Research Center and professor of sociology and criminal justice: Disaster donations, social vulnerability and evacuation. Sarah DeYoung, associate professor of sociology and criminal justice: Pets and animals during evacuations.
Georgia Southern cuts ribbon for Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center
Georgia Southern University officials cut a ceremonial ribbon to open the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, affectionately known as “The Hill,” in a celebration on Dec. 4. At 95,000 square feet, it is the largest event venue space between Savannah and Macon and serves as the signature building on the University’s south campus, fronting Veterans Memorial Parkway (US 301 Bypass). “It’s more than a building; it’s a place of opportunity,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. “Inside ‘The Hill,’ our students will learn, our athletes will compete and our community will come together. From classrooms to research labs, from strength and conditioning spaces to media rooms, every inch of this facility is designed with our future in mind.” The exterior of the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center, which evokes the image of a soaring eagle’s wings, illustrates the University’s commitment to supporting students as they soar beyond. Inside the center, there is approximately 8,000 square feet of new space for a Waters College of Health Professions sports psychology lab, a satellite research lab, faculty offices, a conference room and classrooms. The community will be afforded space for community activities and access to a new strength and conditioning area for research and other programs. The arena, which will serve as the new home court for Georgia Southern Eagles NCAA basketball games, provides more than 5,500 in seating capacity, a 50% increase over Hanner Fieldhouse. The arena has chairback seats along both sidelines and behind one baseline, and allows future opportunities to add additional programming to the building, such as more premium seating, suites and club areas. “It is an honor to officially welcome all of Eagle Nation to the gorgeous Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center with today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony,” Georgia Southern Director of Athletics Chris Davis told the crowd. “We look forward to christening the facility with women’s and men’s basketball games on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. I especially want to thank Gov. Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, Dr. Kyle Marrero, the University leadership and our generous donors for this unprecedented opportunity to elevate the stature of our basketball programs with this outstanding facility that will provide an exciting venue to watch the Eagles soar on the court. Hail Southern!” The center also houses the men’s and women’s basketball program and includes spaces for coaches’ offices, locker rooms, laundry/training room, equipment room, strength and conditioning space, fueling station, media room, visiting team locker room and a media green room. Senior Grace Drawdy, who is a multimedia journalism major, member of the swimming and diving team and president of the Georgia Southern Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, is grateful for this contribution. “If I could describe my time here at Georgia Southern, both individually and as a student-athlete, the one word I would use is transformational,” said Drawdy. “Through the opportunities and resources provided to me by Georgia Southern, I have transformed from a young girl who was unsure of her future to a confident woman who is poised for success wherever she may go. I’ve also had the pleasure of watching the University transform while I’ve been here. And what I’m most excited for is the transformation of our athletic training and physical therapy programs. “This space will enhance athletic training and sports psychology for students within the major, but also the student-athletes who access these services every single day. I’m so thankful to be a part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony today, but I’m even more thankful to be a part of a University that continually helps me grow and be successful as a student, as an athlete, and most importantly, as a person.” The new Hall of Fame for Eagle Athletics is located in the building’s concourse. The seating capacity for the events space is more than 5,900 (including nearly 970 seats on the floor). Event-level space also includes a ticketing office, security command center, a Coca-Cola micro market featuring checkout-free technology, and four dividable classrooms that can convert into additional flexible spaces. Marrero thanked the partners who helped to make this impressive $64.4 million two-story complex a reality. “We express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Brian Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, with the best legislative delegation in the state of Georgia, led by the Speaker of the House Jon Burns, the Board of Regents, and University System of Georgia leadership under Chancellor Sonny Perdue. Your vision and willingness made this project a reality.” He also thanked the University Foundation Board, the Athletic Foundation Board and donors for their generous gifts and unwavering support of such a meaningful addition to the institution. The building is named for Jack Hill (‘66), who was the longest-serving Georgia senator when he died in April 2020. He was a senator for 30 years, serving as chairman of several crucial committees, including Appropriations, which has broad jurisdiction over legislation involving budgeting and spending state and federal funds. With Hill’s support, Georgia Southern reached new heights as an institution serving the southeast region and the state of Georgia. Hill was instrumental in helping the University expand its programs and build several new state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering and Research Building, which opened for classes in January 2021. Hill’s wife of 48 years, Ruth Ann, focused her life on public education and retired as principal of Reidsville Elementary School. She was a Triple Eagle, earning degrees from Georgia Southern in 1973, 1990 and 1991. “We’re here to celebrate the great legacy of two individuals who made a difference,” Ga. Rep. Jon Burns enthusiastically shared with the audience. “They were both faithful public servants, because they cared more about their neighbors than they did about themselves. That was very clear. This University and this state could not be what it will be and what it is without the contributions and the foresight of people like Jack Hill. What he endowed this University with was an opportunity for a better life, for a better education for all Georgians and all people who wanted to attend this University. His fingerprints are all over this place. We all know that with the buildings, with the opportunities for these students, for these young people, they’re boundless. Because of the foresight and the work of Jack and Ruth in this place, we are privileged to sit here. Today was a dream of Senator Hill.” Marrero also reflected on the outstanding legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill. “As Senator Hill once said, ‘The power of education is the ability to produce knowledge, character and skill in a way that is beneficial to society,’” Marrero shared.” His legacy embodies that ideal. Today is a celebration of what we’ve achieved together, but it’s also a look to the future. “The Hill” stands as a symbol of our University’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and community. “So, today, let us cut this ribbon and open the doors to a new era at Georgia Southern,” he concluded. “Together, we will continue to honor the legacy of Jack and Ruth Ann Hill while building a brighter future for Eagle Nation.” Construction for the Jack and Ruth Ann Hill Convocation Center began in early 2023 and finished late 2024. The program manager for the project is BDR Partners; the architect/engineer is LS3P-AECOM; the site/civil engineer is Hussey, Gay, Bell; the mechanical engineer is Dulohery Weeks; the general contractor is Whiting-Turner. Additional partners are GSFIC and Board of Regents USG. If you're interested in learning more about Georgia Southern University then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
13 Georgia Southern faculty ranked among world’s top 2% of scientists
Thirteen distinguished faculty members from Georgia Southern University were ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists. This list, published annually by Elsevier and Stanford University, recognizes the world’s top scientific researchers. The featured faculty are conducting cutting-edge research in disciplines ranging from glass science to cybercrime prevention. Georgia Southern’s research enterprise has grown tremendously in the last few years, even setting an institutional record for total research expenditures of over $43 million in FY ‘24. Bolstered by an unwavering commitment to discovery, creativity and innovation, the University is on track to achieve R1 status, the highest level of research activity, in the next three to four years. Vice President for Research and Economic Development David Weindorf, Ph.D., P.G. is among the faculty recognized and is humbled to be included. He sees his colleagues’ inclusion as indicative of an already prosperous research culture with ample opportunities for growth. “I am incredibly honored and humbled to work alongside some of the best and brightest at Georgia Southern,” said Weindorf. “I’m delighted our diligent efforts have resulted in such esteemed and well-deserved recognition. While I am grateful to be included in this list, I want to thank all those faculty who inspire me every day and continue to push us forward as we strive to elevate our University and the larger community.” The list and bios of the 13 Georgia Southern scientists are included in the attached release below: If you're interested in learning more or a reporter looking to speak with any of the scientists listed - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Georgia Southern achieves record enrollment post-consolidation
Georgia Southern University has set several enrollment records according to official Fall 2024 enrollment data, verified by the University System of Georgia. The University continues to experience growth across various areas including enrollment on the Armstrong Campus in Savannah, online classes, dual enrollment, and graduate program enrollment, among others. The University’s official Fall 2024 total enrollment is 27,506, a 5.4% increase over Fall 2023, and the highest enrollment the University has recorded post-consolidation. “This record enrollment highlights the strength of our academic programs and the commitment of our faculty and staff to Georgia Southern’s mission of preparing career-ready graduates to meet the talent and workforce needs of a growing region,” said Georgia Southern President Kyle Marrero. Records set this year include: Total number of dual enrolled students (new and returning) – this year there are 1,550 enrolled, an increase of 492 students (46.5%) from last fall. New dual enrolled students – this year there are 1,063 enrolled, an increase of 290 students (37.5%) from last fall. The previous record was 773 in Fall 2023. Total number of graduate students (new and returning) – this year there are 3,888 enrolled, an increase of 135 students (3.6%) from last fall. The previous record was 3,753 in Fall 2023. Honors College students – this year there are 340 beginning freshmen enrolled, up from 302 (12.6%) last fall. Masters degree students – this year there are 2,883 enrolled, an increase of 125 students (4.5%) from last fall. The previous record was 2,758 in Fall 2023. Doctoral students – this year there are 705 enrolled, an increase of 17 students (2.5%) from 2023. The previous record was 688 in 2023. Out-of-state students (new and returning) – this year 3,674 students are enrolled, an increase of 805 students (28.1%) from last fall. The previous record was 2,869 in Fall 2023. International students – this year there are 671 international students enrolled, an increase of 59 students (9.6%) from the previous records in 2016 and 2017. Here’s how some of Georgia Southern’s numbers break out in the last 5 years: “This post-consolidation record enrollment reflects our commitment to expanding access to a Georgia Southern education and underscores the unwavering support we provide our students to help them persist, retain and graduate,” said Executive Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success Alejandra C. Sosa Pieroni, Ed.D. If you're interested in learning more about Georgia Southern University and all the amazing things happening on campus then let us help - simply contact Georgia Southern's Director of Communications Jennifer Wise at jwise@georgiasouthern.edu to arrange an interview today.
Exploring language as an early behavioral marker of Alzheimer's Disease
Professors from the University of Delaware and Carnegie Mellon University will use a $3.7 million RF1 grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to examine language as an early behavioral marker of Alzheimer’s Disease. If successful, this research could pave the way for earlier interventions. “Identifying these individuals as early as possible gets them into preventive treatments sooner,” said Alyssa Lanzi, assistant professor of Communications Sciences & Disorders at UD. The study builds on pilot data gathered by Anna Saylor, a third-year doctoral student in the communication sciences and disorders doctoral program, housed in the UD's College of Health Sciences. “We know a lot about how language develops in childhood but not much about how it changes in older adults,” Saylor said. “Our data suggest subtle language changes might signal future cognitive decline.” To explore these changes on a larger scale, Lanzi is collaborating with MacWhinney, who founded TalkBank, open science database of language samples. Within TalkBank is DementiaBank, a shared database of multimedia interactions for studying communication in dementia. However, DementiaBank is outdated and limited in demographics, and the quality and rigor of the data need improvement. Lanzi is seeking to change that. Her five-year study seeks 300 older adults aged 60-90 nationwide from underrepresented backgrounds or populations vulnerable to health disparities. “Current DementiaBank data is representative of Caucasians of a higher socioeconomic status,” Lanzi said. “We must intentionally recruit people who are at the greatest risk — for example, adults who are Black, Asian, Hispanic, Latin and those living in rural areas.” The recruitment strategy, rooted in community engagement at locations in Wilmington, Delaware, is part of the novelty of Lanzi’s grant. “This is a feasibility study to see if our approach in Wilmington can be replicated in other states,” Lanzi said. Lanzi has also established an advisory committee of nationwide faculty with relevant expertise on specific priority populations. Their input will tailor plans to population needs while data is collected through a central site at UD. The Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research (DECCAR) also provides critical infrastructure for the study. “This project is an example of the success of DECCAR, and our impact extends far beyond state lines,” said Lanzi, an executive committee member with DECCAR. Participants selected for the study will participate in a comprehensive cognitive and language testing battery via telehealth, so they don’t have to travel to UD’s campus, which is novel and unique to this study. “To study their language, they’ll see pictures and be asked to describe them and share stories from their past,” Lanzi said. Study participants will receive a gift card for participating and feedback about their memory to share with their healthcare provider. “Building trust and giving back are key elements of our strategy,” Lanzi said. Lanzi is already preparing for the next phase of her research, supported by an additional $800,000 grant from the NIA. This phase will test the effects of an online treatment Lanzi developed for individuals identified as at risk. “If we find that language is an early marker of disease, I want to take this research to the next level and develop treatments that teach strategies to enhance independence and improve the quality of life for those at risk of developing dementia,” she said.
Higher Education Enters the Ring
Why it matters Yesterday’s announcement that Linda McMahon is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Education ushers in a new era for universities and colleges. This signals a sharp pivot toward decentralization and pro-business policies, and it's expected that McMahon’s leadership will focus on dismantling traditional federal education structures, expanding school choice, and aligning education priorities with a business-first agenda. Higher education faces funding uncertainties, new accountability pressures, and the need to demonstrate its relevance in supporting economic growth. The Big Picture McMahon’s appointment reflects Trump’s broader strategy to reframe education policy in a way that prioritizes state control, entrepreneurship, and conservative cultural values. This will likely have significant consequences for higher education, including: Decentralization: Shifting control of education policy and funding to the states. School Choice Expansion: Redirecting public funds to private, religious, and homeschooling options. Economic Alignment: Pressuring institutions to support industry, small business, and workforce development through research, partnerships, and entrepreneurship/startup programs. Cultural Shifts: Rolling back policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion while emphasizing “patriotic” education. What’s at Stake Federal Funding Cuts: Threat: Research funding, Pell Grants, and other federal supports may face cuts. Reality Check: Congressional approval is required to eliminate funding streams like Title I, making complete federal withdrawal unlikely but changes and funding disruptions possible. Policy Shifts: Threat: Federal oversight will likely weaken, and policies favoring vocational and workforce-aligned education will likely put increased pressure on programs such as liberal arts. Universities will also likely face increasing pressure to align with ideological goals, such as restricting DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. The new administration could wield considerable control over the school accreditation process, which has been seen by some to force ideological changes on campuses. There has been a movement to decentralize accreditation authority, reduce federal oversight, and align educational standards with conservative values. According to the Council for Higher Education, many of the ideas put forward focus on empowering states to authorize accrediting agencies and even serve as accreditors themselves, shifting control from federal to state governments. Action: Institutions must better identify their options amidst a rapidly evolving agenda at both the state and federal levels, develop strategies and secure the resources necessary. For instance, there are calls to prohibit accreditors from requiring institutions to implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Institutions also need to understand what the implications of a more diverse accreditation landscape could be, with standards varying significantly across states, potentially affecting the uniformity and transferability of academic credentials nationwide. Reputational Risks: Concern: Growing public skepticism toward higher education undermines enrolment and support. Impact: Conservative narratives favoring alternatives like apprenticeships and other programs that support the economy and job growth will likely gain traction. Preserving Institutional Independence: Pressure: Universities face increased scrutiny of their course curriculum and research priorities that may be deemed ideologically contentious. Opportunity: Institutions must tangibly demonstrate their value to society. The more they can do to break down barriers between “town and gown” and counter the narrative that paints them as too expensive, elitist, and out of touch. Demonstrating Economic Impact: Need: Universities must showcase their role in driving economic growth through research, commercialization, and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Opportunity: Institutions should communicate their relevance in relatable ways that engage with businesses, emphasizing tangible contributions to research innovation and job creation as a positive return on investment that can be messaged to taxpayers. Key Questions for Higher Ed Leaders Funding: How can we diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on federal support? Advocacy: How should universities engage state and federal leaders to protect their interests? Reputation: How can higher education rebuild public trust and counter skepticism? Relevance: How do we better communicate the value of university research and its role in supporting a pro-business agenda? Adaptation: Can institutions innovate by expanding industry partnerships, online education, and workforce-aligned programs? Implications of Project 2025 Project 2025 is a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, aiming to reshape the U.S. federal government through a conservative lens. Launched in April 2023, it serves as a strategic blueprint for a potential conservative administration, detailing policy proposals, personnel strategies, training programs, and a 180-day action plan. Analysis from the Brookings Institution states that "many proposals in Project 2025 would require an unlikely degree of cooperation from Congress, though others could be enacted unilaterally by a second Trump administration.” While we don’t know the full extent to which Project 2025 will be implemented, its agenda seeks to reshape federal agencies, including the Department of Education, with a significant impact on the sector. Key areas of focus include: Title I and Student Aid Proposals to give parents more control over federal funds could deprioritize public education. Tax Credits for School Choice Incentives to support private school tuition may shift K-12 pipelines, impacting university enrolment. Economic Realignment Universities will need to align with business priorities, emphasizing innovation, commercialization, and job creation. Diversity Equity & Inclusion Project 2025 explicitly calls for reducing federal spending on what it deems unnecessary or politicized initiatives, and DEI programs are likely to fall under this categorization. This could have wide-ranging impacts, including changes to school ranking systems that have a DEI component. Ranking bodies such as US News & World Report may need to adjust their methodologies to account for changes in diversity initiatives and data availability. With potential reductions in diversity-related data, rankings might place greater emphasis on other factors such as academic performance, faculty qualifications, and post-graduate outcomes. This also could extend to endowments, which direct funding toward diversity programs through scholarships and fellowships. For institutions that rely heavily on DEI as a cornerstone of their fundraising and donor relations strategies, they may experience reduced donor enthusiasm, particularly from philanthropic organizations or alumni committed to these causes. Regulatory Rollbacks There is the potential for significant changes to Title IX protections and federal loan forgiveness programs, creating legal and financial uncertainty. What Universities Can Do Now: Secure Funding Build relationships with private donors, businesses, and industry partners. Strengthen advocacy efforts at the state level to safeguard funding & other resources. Adopt proactive strategies to mitigate potential policy impacts, such as diversifying revenue sources, engaging donors with aligned government priorities, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Reinforce Public Trust Explain complex topics in accessible ways to help the public and policymakers make informed decisions. Help promote and support faculty who can serve as credible sources for the media, countering misinformation and fostering informed dialogue. Strengthen community connections with your experts through public speaking engagements, workshops, and local events. Position the university as a hub for knowledge and innovation that benefits the community. Capitalize on the reach and influence of alumni. Highlight their successes to show how they benefitted from educational programs and research. Position them as important role models and advocates in the community who are contributing to economic growth. Demonstrate Relevance Showcase faculty and their research breakthroughs. Demonstrate how their work benefits industries, supports entrepreneurship and addresses societal challenges. Speak to real-world outcomes in health, technology, the environment, and more. Use accessible language to connect with policymakers, business leaders and taxpayers. Strengthen Advocacy: Partner with peer institutions to shape policy discussions. Position universities and colleges as vital contributors to a pro-business agenda. Innovate: Expand stackable credentials and micro-credential programs that are aligned with private and public sector requirements and emerging skills-based models. Look at new online education options. Embrace partnerships that connect academic research to real-world economic impact. Universities must deliver a more compelling, data-driven, yet humanized story about their institution’s contributions, fostering stronger relationships with government, the private sector, and taxpayers. What's Next This new era will most certainly challenge higher education to rethink its approach to funding, policy, and public engagement. For all institutions, both public and private, there is no place to hide. As they step into the ring, Higher Education leaders will need lots of support as they look to forge new paths for research, teaching, and community service while engaging their stakeholders in ways that more powerfully communicate their vital contributions to society. The bell has rung—are you ready?
Dangers of the Metaverse and VR for U.S. Youth Revealed in New Study
The metaverse, a space where the lines between physical and digital realities blur, is rising among younger populations. As of March, 33% of teens own a virtual reality (VR) device and 13% use it weekly. With the metaverse offering richer emotional experiences, youth may be particularly vulnerable to significant harm in these immersive spaces, underscoring the need to explore potential risks. Unfortunately, research of online victimization in the metaverse is sorely lacking. A new study by Florida Atlantic University , in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is one of the first to examine the experiences of harm in the metaverse among youth in the United States. Using a nationally-representative sample of 5,005 13 to 17 year olds in the U.S., researchers focused on their experiences with VR devices, including 12 specific types of harm experienced, protective strategies employed, and differences in experiences between boys and girls. Results of the study, published in the journal New Media & Society, found a significant percentage of youth reported experiencing various forms of harm in these spaces, including hate speech, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, grooming behaviors (predators building trust with minors), and unwanted exposure to violent or sexual content. The study also revealed notable gender differences in experiences. Among the study findings: 32.6% of youth own a VR headset (41% of boys vs. 25.1% of girls) More than 44% received hate speech/slurs (8.9% many times); 37.6% experienced bullying; and 35% faced harassment Almost 19% experienced sexual harassment; 43.3% dealt with trolling; 31.6% were maliciously obstructed; and 29.5% experienced threats More than 18% were doxed (publicly revealing someone’s personal information without their consent); and 22.8% were catfished (creating a false identity online to deceive someone, typically for romantic purposes) Nearly 21% faced unwanted violent or sexual content; 18.1% experienced grooming or predatory behavior; and 30% were targeted for factors like weight, sexual preference, sexual orientation or political affiliation Boys and girls experienced similar patterns of mistreatment, but girls experienced sexual harassment and grooming/ predatory behavior more frequently than boys. Boys and girls were equally as likely to be targeted because of their voice, avatar, race, religion or disability. “Certain populations of youth are disproportionately susceptible to harm such grooming, especially those who suffer from emotional distress or mental health problems, low self-esteem, poor parental relationships and weak family cohesion,” said Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., first author, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice within FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University. “Due to the unique characteristics of metaverse environments, young people may need extra attention and support. The immersive nature of these spaces can amplify experiences and emotions, highlighting the importance of tailored resources to ensure their safety and well-being.” Findings also reveal that girls employed in-platform safety measures significantly more so than boys such as “Space Bubble,” “Personal Boundary” and “Safe Zone.” “We found that girls are more likely to select avatars designed to reduce the risk of harassment and to use in-platform tools to maintain a safe distance from others. Additionally, both boys and girls feel comfortable leaving metaverse rooms or channels like switching servers in response to potential or actual victimization, although overall, youth tend to use these safety features infrequently,” said Hinduja. Among the recommendations offered to youth by the researchers include: Using platform-provided safety features to restrict unwanted interactions and infringements upon their personal space. It is also essential that youth understand and take advantage of the safety features available within metaverse experiences, including blocking, muting, and reporting functionalities. Continued research and development in these areas to determine how to meet the needs of users in potential or actual victimization contexts Streamlining platform reporting mechanisms to ensure swift action is taken against perpetrators Age-gating mechanisms for metaverse environments where mature content and interactions proliferate Encouraging parents and guardians to take the time to familiarize themselves with available parental control features on VR devices and metaverse platforms to set boundaries, monitor activities, and restrict certain features as needed. An active mediation approach is ideal, where they engage in open and supportive dialogue with children about their metaverse experiences. The integration of updated, relevant, and accessible digital citizenship and media literacy modules into school curricula to provide youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate VR and other emerging technologies safely and responsibly Consideration by content creators of the ethical implications of their metaverse creations, ensuring that they promote inclusivity, respect, and discourage any form of harassment. They should strive to make their virtual experiences accessible to users from diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures and abilities. “VR concerns of parents and guardians generally reflect and align with their historical anxieties about video games, excessive device use, its sedentary nature, cognitive development, and stranger danger,” said Hinduja. “There remains so much promise with these new technologies, but vigilance is required when it comes to the unique challenges they present as well as the unique vulnerabilities that certain youth users may have. As such, it’s ‘all hands on deck’ to build a safer and more inclusive metaverse as it continues to evolve.” If you're looking to know more - let us help. Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. He is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on the subjects of cyberbullying and safe social media use, concerns that have paralleled the exponential growth in online communication by young people. He has written seven books, and his interdisciplinary research is widely published and has been cited more than 18,000 times. Simply click on Sameer's icon now to set up an interview today.
