From campus controversies to new accountability demands, it's a challenging time for colleges and universities. College presidents are expected to respond quickly to problems and protests. Social media is reshaping, and amplifying, student activism. And there is a growing push to measure faculty quality. These are just a few of the top trends for colleges and universities identified by The Chronicle of Higher Education in a new report.

Jennifer Ruark, deputy managing editor of The Chronicle Review and special reports, spoke with EWA public editor Emily Richmond about the projected trends, what didn't make the list this year, and story ideas for local higher education reporters who are also looking ahead.