Giving Compass' Take:

• Five issues that college leaders will have to think about this year vary from student enrollment to free speech concerns from students. 

• How can higher education philanthropy help leaders address these issues?

• Learn about challenges with technology in higher education.  

Enrollment, finances, immigration, free speech. Many of the issues expected at the top of college presidents' work lists are carryovers from last year, with a few new wrinkles.

Higher ed watched this summer as one public system reacted to drastic cuts in state funding. And college leaders raised yet more flags that the current political climate is threatening the supply of international students. Meanwhile, issues around Title IX are likely to heat up again with the expected release of new regulations this fall.

  • An 'existential threat' Flagging enrollment has long been a concern for college leaders, but projections of a decrease in high school graduates in the next decade has created a sense of urgency around finding new student pipelines.
  • Supporting international and undocumented students Fewer new international students are enrolling in U.S. institutions, with their count down 6.6% year-over-year in 2017-18, according to the Institute of International Education. Attis said colleges should be savvy to what's drawing students to the U.S. "It used to be, 'Go to the place that has the best research reputation,'" he said. "Now there are international students who are saying, ‘What institution has the best career services for international students?"
  • 'Anticipating' free speech concerns Controversies over free speech "will continue to be at the forefront of public discussion and private debate" this year, said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges & Universities.
  • Policy primer In addition to visa and immigration concerns, Hartle expects the release of the U.S. Department of Education's final Title IX regulations this fall to be a policy area college leaders pay attention to.
  • Funding woes: Reduced state funding, declining enrollment projections and growing competition in alternative revenue streams such as online education have colleges concerned about their bottom lines. That's particularly true for smaller institutions.

 Read the full article about issues that college leaders need to think about by Hallie Busta at Education Dive.