.academic-banner {
  background-color: #f1f5f9;   /* light blue-gray, distinct from white */
  text-align: center;
  padding: 18px;               /* taller height */
  border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0; /* softer separator */
  font-size: 15px;
}

.academic-banner p {
  margin: 0;
  line-height: 1.4;
}