The academic year ahead presents no shortage of challenges. Colleges face cultural, financial, and political headwinds that force leaders to answer existential questions: What is the purpose of higher education? How can we best educate students to thrive in a world altered by artificial intelligence, civil disruption, and climate change? How can we shore up enrollments suppressed by anti-higher-ed rhetoric and a federal financial-aid crisis? This collection of recent, essential Chronicle articles and opinion essays will deepen your understanding of the key issues facing college leaders, faculties, staff, and students. It will equip you to make smart decisions in the coming year.