This week, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the University of Texas' consideration of race in admissions, a decision with far-reaching impact on affirmative action across higher ed, and we took a closer look at other admissions approaches used to boost diversity in student bodies.

Also in higher ed, a new report from the University of Virginia's Miller Center for Public Affairs shows a need for drastic change if institutions are to remain competitive. And another study published in the American Education Research Journal examined why students choose for-profit colleges.

Speaking of for-profits, can a new blue ribbon panel save the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools from U.S. Department of Education scrutiny? A committee is aiming to do just that by recommending “fundamental changes” that will ensure quality assurance in the accreditor's review of member institutions.

Be sure to check out our look at the National Week of Making and more in this week's most-read posts from Education Dive!

• Looking beyond Fisher v. University of Texas: With the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of UT-Austin, colleges have a path forward in admissions.
• Report: Higher ed requires drastic changes to remain competitive for students: The study suggests the economic downturn will require institutions to incorporate comptency-based learning, online education and predictive analytics to remain competive.
• National Week of Making reflects trend toward makerspaces: Schools across the country now feature dedicated spaces where kids can create and innovate, learning how to think and act like working scientists and engineers.
• Study examines why students choose for-profit education: More than two million students are enrolled in for-profit schools, and they tend to be older, minority students from low-income families with low levels of educational attainment.
• ACICS announces blue ribbon panel to correct oversight issues: The move by the major accreditor of for-profit colleges is seemingly a last effort to save its standing with the US Department of Education.

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