Recalling the Great UNC Sports Scandal—How Much has Really Changed?

Sep 6, 2021 · George Leef · Comments Off

A decade ago, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was engulfed in a sports scandal that made national headlines, brought down a chancellor who seemed destined for a lustrous career, and caused the school huge expenses in litigation and for public relations experts. For the Carolina faithful, those events are now just a … Continue reading “Recalling the Great UNC Sports Scandal—How Much has Really Changed?”

6 things we’re thankful for in higher education

Nov 26, 2014 · staff · Comments Off

It is Thanksgiving week, and six Pope Center staff members express thanks for some things that happened this year in higher education.

Archivists Serve Historians? A Case of Academic Hubris Sep 24, 2021
In early August, archivists and other scholars erupted in protest when the American Historical Association (AHA) wrote a letter asking broad questions about how archives plan to reopen. The AHA framed its letter as an effort to advocate for professional historians and countless other researchers who were without access to most physical archives throughout the … Continue reading “Archivists Serve Historians? A Case of Academic Hubris”
Did You Know? Classics Departments and Programs Are Disappearing Sep 23, 2021
The study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations through their languages, literature, and history— the study of Classics—is part of the bedrock of a rigorous university education. While some may believe the Classics are not of any particular importance today, the study of Classics allows students to more fully understand the ancient roots of the … Continue reading “Did You Know? Classics Departments and Programs Are Disappearing”
Why Free Community College Solves The Wrong Problem Sep 17, 2021
House Democrats have released their draft plan to make free community college a reality across much of the country, at a price tag of over $100 billion. The obsession with a zero sticker price for community college is odd, given that community colleges are already one of the most affordable sectors of America’s higher-education system. … Continue reading “Why Free Community College Solves The Wrong Problem”

Recalling the Great UNC Sports Scandal—How Much has Really Changed? Sep 6, 2021
A decade ago, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was engulfed in a sports scandal that made national headlines, brought down a chancellor who seemed destined for a lustrous career, and caused the school huge expenses in litigation and for public relations experts. For the Carolina faithful, those events are now just a … Continue reading “Recalling the Great UNC Sports Scandal—How Much has Really Changed?”
The Sea Changes at the NCAA Jul 23, 2021
Fifty years ago, I entered the University of Tennessee-Knoxville as a freshman scholarship runner on its high-profile track team. The NCAA held athletes to a strict amateur code in which compensation to athletes was limited to in-kind payments of room, board, books, and fees. The term “illegally paying players” meant sneaking in extra amenities including … Continue reading “The Sea Changes at the NCAA”
College Athletes’ Payment Rights: A Question of When and How, Not If Jul 2, 2021
College athletes’ rights, including their economic rights, have long been denied. American college sports have existed under an antiquated and oft-changing definition of amateurism that requires athletes to forfeit any pay for their efforts on the field or court. Despite the revenue explosions in the industry, and the wealth flowing into athletics departments, amateurism has … Continue reading “College Athletes’ Payment Rights: A Question of When and How, Not If”

Archivists Serve Historians? A Case of Academic Hubris Sep 24, 2021
In early August, archivists and other scholars erupted in protest when the American Historical Association (AHA) wrote a letter asking broad questions about how archives plan to reopen. The AHA framed its letter as an effort to advocate for professional historians and countless other researchers who were without access to most physical archives throughout the … Continue reading “Archivists Serve Historians? A Case of Academic Hubris”
Did You Know? Classics Departments and Programs Are Disappearing Sep 23, 2021
The study of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations through their languages, literature, and history— the study of Classics—is part of the bedrock of a rigorous university education. While some may believe the Classics are not of any particular importance today, the study of Classics allows students to more fully understand the ancient roots of the … Continue reading “Did You Know? Classics Departments and Programs Are Disappearing”
How Badly Do the Democrats Want Catherine Lhamon Back in Power? Sep 22, 2021
During the Obama administration, Catherine Lhamon worked in the Department of Education as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. She was known for her hyper-aggressive approach to Title IX. Now she has been nominated by President Biden for her old position. Lhamon’s nomination has stirred up vehement opposition. Her fate now rests in the hands of … Continue reading “How Badly Do the Democrats Want Catherine Lhamon Back in Power?”