ethics Archives — The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal

The Intimidation Game: Bullying and Retaliation at the University of Tulsa

Oct 23, 2019 · Jacob Howland · Comments Off

Since April, I’ve witnessed the ongoing destruction of the University of Tulsa (TU) by a cadre of wealthy and powerful people affiliated with the billionaire George Kaiser. Kaiser is the controlling shareholder of the Bank of Oklahoma Financial (BOKF), which handles much of TU’s business and is the corporate trustee of its $1.2 billion endowment. … Continue reading “The Intimidation Game: Bullying and Retaliation at the University of Tulsa “

Intellectual Diversity and Academic Professionalism

Feb 21, 2018 · James Otteson · Comments Off

Editor’s Note: This is a condensed version of a speech Dr. Otteson gave at a January James G. Martin Center luncheon. Our topic today is the importance of intellectual diversity on campus. I doubt there is anyone here who does not believe in the importance of intellectual diversity on campus, so I would like to … Continue reading “Intellectual Diversity and Academic Professionalism”

Is Faculty Accountability Lacking at UNC Wilmington?

Feb 19, 2018 · Lou Buttino · Comments Off

In my 45 years of teaching I have never filed an academic complaint against another faculty member—nor has one ever been filed against me. I have long believed that this demonstrates the overwhelming integrity of the teaching profession. But in 2012, as a professor and former chair in film studies at the University of North … Continue reading “Is Faculty Accountability Lacking at UNC Wilmington?”

Poll results show college students are learning ‘do your own thing’ ethics

Aug 2, 2002 · staff · Comments Off

College students are being taught to behave unethically in today’s workplace despite their own personal beliefs, according to a report released July 23 by the National Association of Scholars.

Public Acceptance of Lying Extends to the Triangle

Apr 23, 1999 · staff · Comments Off

According to the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative organization based in Washington D.C., public acceptance of lying in academe has increased in recent years. The May-June issue of AEI’s magazine, The American Enterprise, includes several articles that blame postmodern scholarship on this recent trend.

Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated Dec 3, 2021
Given the enormity of the public and private investment in US higher education, of course we should evaluate its effectiveness. But, how? It is claimed that over 200 higher education institutions administer the one-size-fits-all Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA). When administered pre-post—that is, near the beginning and then again near the end of a student’s program—the … Continue reading “Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated”
Are Students Learning the Right Skills? Why Academia Needs to Go Back to the “Basics” Nov 17, 2021
Last year, Forbes published a headline, “Americans rank a Google internship over a Harvard degree.” It seems higher education is quickly losing hold of its value proposition as the best way to prepare for a job or advance in one’s career. And that’s not because of a lack of new advancements or insights. Especially in … Continue reading “Are Students Learning the Right Skills? Why Academia Needs to Go Back to the “Basics””
Did You Know? The Higher Education Profile of North Carolina Business Leaders Nov 4, 2021
Is having a college degree a critical dimension in becoming a business leader for those running North Carolina’s largest corporations? We have analyzed that question as part of a broader study of the relationship between higher education and corporate leadership in the United States, work currently being undertaken for the James G. Martin Center. Specifically, … Continue reading “Did You Know? The Higher Education Profile of North Carolina Business Leaders”

Board Members Object to “$100 Million Raleigh Move” Nov 30, 2021
Last week, the Martin Center reported on the UNC system’s mandated move to Raleigh in 2022. Now, members of the UNC Board of Governors are questioning the speed and the process behind the decision. Board of Governors members Art Pope, Leo Daughtry, and John Fraley—all former legislators—shared their concerns with Board chair Randy Ramsey and … Continue reading “Board Members Object to “$100 Million Raleigh Move””
Survey Says: Davidson College Should Mend Its Ways Nov 29, 2021
One of higher education’s most enduring enigmas is the continued support given by relatively traditional donors to their rapidly radicalizing institutions. This deep division between the beliefs of important donors and the actual conduct of school officials has been brought to light in a new report about Davidson College by the American Council of Trustees … Continue reading “Survey Says: Davidson College Should Mend Its Ways”
Surprise: The UNC System is Moving! Nov 24, 2021
Last week, the UNC Board of Governors met at NC State’s Hunt Library for its November meeting. In meeting at one of its constituent institutions, the Board is returning to a tradition that was put on hold during COVID: occasionally traveling to each institution in turn in order for Governors to engage with each campus. … Continue reading “Surprise: The UNC System is Moving!”

Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated Dec 3, 2021
Given the enormity of the public and private investment in US higher education, of course we should evaluate its effectiveness. But, how? It is claimed that over 200 higher education institutions administer the one-size-fits-all Collegiate Learning Assessment (CLA). When administered pre-post—that is, near the beginning and then again near the end of a student’s program—the … Continue reading “Are College Exit Exams a Valid Measure of Learning? It’s Complicated”
Did You Know? NC Voters Reject Discrimination and Special Preferences Dec 2, 2021
Discrimination is unpopular with voters. That’s good news. Last month, the John Locke Foundation released new polling data revealing that North Carolina voters would support an amendment to ban discrimination or special treatment in public education, hiring, and contracting. Nearly 70 percent of likely North Carolina voters said they would support an amendment “to prohibit … Continue reading “Did You Know? NC Voters Reject Discrimination and Special Preferences”
Woke Universities are Rousseau’s Children Dec 1, 2021
In early October, Bright Sheng, a professor of music at the University of Michigan, played the 1965 rendition of Shakespeare’s Othello for his undergraduate class. The film starred Laurence Olivier, who was wearing black makeup, as the titular character. Having no concern for context or artistry, the university community revolted, deeming the film (and Sheng … Continue reading “Woke Universities are Rousseau’s Children”