Human 101 … In a world that's becoming increasingly artificial, do we need to learn to be more human? The University of California - San Diego is offering a new kind of college course – one that teaches students how to be human. The Learning Sustainable Well-Being (LSW) program, created by psychologist Karen Dobkins, focuses on emotional resilience, mindfulness, compassion, and healthy communication. The idea is to treat mental well-being as just as essential as math or writing.
The courses are popping up across departments – from biology to music – and are designed to help students manage stress, connect with others, and better understand themselves. It’s all about giving students real-life tools to thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.
Speaking of higher ed …
Americans are cooling on college … A new Gallup poll shows only 35% now say college is “very important,” down from 75% in 2010. 40% said they think college is "fairly important" while 24% said it is "not too important."
Why the shift? Rising tuition, student debt, and concerns about what’s actually being taught are turning people off. Plus, with AI reshaping the job market, some experts say colleges need to pivot – fast – toward teaching skills that machines can’t replicate, like empathy and creativity.
Still, college pays. Despite the skepticism, data shows college grads earn about 75% more than those with just a high school diploma.