The day many of us thought couldn’t come soon enough is here: Election Day 2024. After more than a year of misinformation, divisive claims, relentless fundraising texts, and one very big plot twist, you’d be forgiven that you feel electoral fatigue.

For some in the higher education community, Election Day 2024 comes with added anxiety. Each election raises its own set of campaign issues, but higher education has been thrown into the fray this cycle, becoming a topic of debate or contention. Having a college degree has become an indicator of how one will vote. Polls show Americans are losing faith in the value of higher education. Meanwhile, Congress has put university presidents on public trial, and several have failed.

If you just need a break from it all or want to be reminded that higher education can change someone’s life for the better, here’s a list of good news from Inside the Upper Ed to distract you from the rush of election coverage — if only for a day.

From Lone Star College Custodian to Dean

Reyna Gómez Tippetts says community colleges are the “gateway to education” and provide an opportunity “to help you get to the next step.”

Reyna Gomez Tippetts | Photo illustration by Justin Morrison/Inside Higher Ed

Scientists are fighting misinformation, one breath of fire at a time

Scientists have the knowledge to combat misinformation online, and now some are receiving institutional support to communicate with a wider audience.

University of Notre Dame

Colleges are fighting homesickness with pet-friendly policies

Administrators hope the new policies not only address student health and welfare concerns, but also help recruit animal-loving students.

Nazar Rybak/E+/Getty Images

College merits Black, Latino, and Indigenous students

New research from the Pell Institute finds that despite the challenges and setbacks black students face in pursuing a college degree, BIPOC learners see value in higher education. The report offers 13 recommendations to improve the success of these learners.

kate_sept2004/E+/Getty Images

Expanding access to the generation of microcredits

A rapidly growing number of traditional college-age students are bypassing degrees to earn cheaper and faster alternative credentials. Why do so many choose this path and will the journey pay off?

Sara Weissman/Inside Higher Ed