American higher education faces an uncertain future. Shifting demographics threaten enrollment. National and state politics are putting campuses in the crosshairs. And students are seeking more affordable options that make clear the return on their tuition investment. Within that difficult environment, though, there are pockets of innovation and fresh thinking.

This year’s Chronicle Festival will outline the challenges, but focus on the innovations and inspirations to overcome them.
Chronfest25_Register-Button_821px.png
WIITH SUPPORT FROM:
Register to Get
Your Free Report
Register now and gain immediate access to a free Chronicle Festival companion collection containing excerpts from our most popular in-depth newsroom reports. Our Innovation Amid Uncertainty collection aims to provide valuable insights into the key themes of this year’s Festival. Register and download it today.

Day 1 | The Gen Z Puzzle
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Today’s generation often challenges the ways colleges recruit, retain, and teach students. With fewer high-school graduates in the United States, colleges will need to innovate how they connect with and support traditional-age students. How can higher ed improve the student experience and understand Gen Z? Join Us
Day 2 | Innovating Leadership
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Being a higher-ed leader today requires a flexible mindset, emotional intelligence, and a drive to rethink traditional approaches. How do presidents navigate a time when there’s uncertainty about politics, technology, and even the value of a college degree? How can institutions experiment more — and learn from their missteps — to create a more-affordable, flexible, and inclusive environment? Join Us
Day 3 | A Catalyst for the Workforce
Thursday, September 18, 2025

The American economy continues to evolve, and colleges have to keep up. How do they ensure students graduate with the right skills to find not just a job, but establish a career? And, at the same time, technology is rapidly changing the workplace, requiring institutions to rethink their curriculum. Join Us
CHE_Primary_White_Lead_With_Insight_750px.png
1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037
© 2025 The Chronicle of Higher Education
     Privacy Policy  
Chronfest25_Youtube-Icon_346px.png   Chronfest25_Twitter-Icon_346px.png   Chronfest25_LinkedIn-Icon_346px.png   Chronfest25_Facebook-Icon_346px.png  
Keynote Speaker
Steven Pinker

Jonhstone Family Professor of Psychology, Harvard University

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Steven Pinker, renowned psychologist and professor at Harvard University, as we explore the meaning, measurement, and challenges of fostering diverse perspectives on campus as part of this year's Chronicle Festival. 

CHE-Main-Logo-1051px.png

LP

American higher education faces an uncertain future. Shifting demographics threaten enrollment. National and state politics are putting campuses in the crosshairs. And students are seeking more affordable options that make clear the return on their tuition investment. Within that difficult environment, though, there are pockets of innovation and fresh thinking.

This year’s Chronicle Festival will outline the challenges, but focus on the innovations and inspirations to overcome them.


Chronfest25_Register-Button_821px.png
Innovation Amid Uncertainty: Secure Your Spot at the Chronicle Festival

WITH SUPPORT FROM


Chronfest25-D1-Student-img.png

Day 1 | The Gen Z Puzzle
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Today’s generation often challenges the ways colleges recruit, retain, and teach students. With fewer high-school graduates in the United States, colleges will need to innovate how they connect with and support traditional-age students. How can higher ed improve the student experience and understand Gen Z? Join Us
Chronfest25-D2-Innovating-img.png

Day 2 | Innovating Leadership
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Being a higher-ed leader today requires a flexible mindset, emotional intelligence, and a drive to rethink traditional approaches. How do presidents navigate a time when there’s uncertainty about politics, technology, and even the value of a college degree? How can institutions experiment more — and learn from their missteps — to create a more-affordable, flexible, and inclusive environment? ​ Join Us
Chronfest25-D3-Work-Forc-img.png

Day 3 | A Catalyst for the Workforce
Thursday, September 18, 2025

The American economy continues to evolve, and colleges have to keep up. How do they ensure students graduate with the right skills to find not just a job, but establish a career? And, at the same time, technology is rapidly changing the workplace, requiring institutions to rethink their curriculum ​ Join Us
LP

Keynote Speaker

Steven Pinker

Johnstone Family Professor of Psychology,
Harvard University

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Steven Pinker, renowned psychologist and professor at Harvard University, as we explore the meaning, measurement, and challenges of fostering diverse perspectives on campus as part of this year's Chronicle Festival.
LP


Register to Get

Your Free Report

Register now and gain immediate access to a free Chronicle Festival companion collection containing excerpts from our most popular in-depth newsroom reports. Our Innovation Amid Uncertainty collection aims to provide valuable insights into the key themes of this year’s Festival. Register and download it today.