higher education

The struggles of prisoners illustrate flaws in Nebraska’s prison education system despite some recent successes. Getting a post-secondary education while incarcerated is challenging, confusing and ever-changing.

University of Missouri-Kansas City undergraduate students who are residents will pay at least $19.55 more per credit hour, for a total of $411.20 per credit hour. Nonresidents will see an increase of at least $51.05.

The UMKC Conservatory announced a planned expansion for its facilities that will aim to increase "performance, classroom and collaboration opportunities for students and the Kansas City community." The first phase is estimated to cost $35 million.

The concept of diversity, equity and inclusion has been thrust into the political spotlight as President Donald Trump targets programs on college campuses that try to support historically underrepresented groups. But Kansas experts say that DEI is being misrepresented.

The bill includes a provision prohibiting discrimination against natural Black hairstyles. But many House Democrats argue it also contains language that could protect campus student groups that engage in discriminatory behavior.

The teachers union at Wichita State University says more than two dozen international students have had their visas revoked and face deportation or other consequences under the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.

A recruitment manager at Missouri Western State University passed along an order to stop doing visits or fairs at 23 urban and inner-suburb schools in Kansas City and St. Louis. The school says that directive was reversed, but questions remain about who ordered the email, what inspired it and what it means for students.

University officials say the library has been weeding out materials that are outdated or have not been checked out in over a decade. But faculty say they should have been consulted first.

Undergrad and graduate students enrolled at Truman State, Northwest Missouri State and other colleges allege that the Department of Homeland Security terminated their registrations "without notice and without cause." A judge Thursday temporarily blocked the Trump administration from revoking their visas.

University of Missouri System President Mun Choi signed an executive order last month outlining a process for faculty if they encounter ICE presence on campus. But an immigration attorney says it leaves "a lot of potential for exploitation of a lack of knowledge."

The university system's cost-saving measures will go into effect immediately as it faces economic stresses and federal policy changes. One key concern is potential cuts to research funding cuts from the National Institutes of Health.

The number of students heading to college is projected to decline after this fall. The financial impact is putting some Missouri institutions at risk of significant cuts — or closure. Plus: Some kindergarten classes in Kansas are rediscovering what young children can learn through old-fashioned free play.