The Higher Education Establishment’s Self-Interest Goes Unchecked—Again

Dec 12, 2016 · and · 16 Comments on The Higher Education Establishment’s Self-Interest Goes Unchecked—Again

Recently, a legislative proposal aimed at improving graduation rates at the University of North Carolina system’s 16 institutions was nixed due to vehement opposition from university leaders. In its place is a watered-down initiative that delays much-needed reform and emphasizes academic handholding rather than high academic standards and student readiness. There is a strong connection … Continue reading “The Higher Education Establishment’s Self-Interest Goes Unchecked—Again”

Should Universities Be “Sanctuaries” for Illegal Immigrants?

Dec 5, 2016 · · 41 Comments on Should Universities Be “Sanctuaries” for Illegal Immigrants?

On November 16, thousands of students at public and private universities across the country walked out of classes to protest the election of Donald Trump to the presidency. One of their main goals was to urge college officials to declare their campuses as “sanctuaries” for illegal immigrants—a controversial move that could start a political battle … Continue reading “Should Universities Be “Sanctuaries” for Illegal Immigrants?”

Educating for the Workplace: A Dilemma

Nov 28, 2016 · · 1 Comment on Educating for the Workplace: A Dilemma

Recently I attended a meeting of a committee of the University of North Carolina system’s Board of Governors that has a mission of “setting goals for economic impact.” Higher education’s role in the economy cannot be ignored; the extent of that role is, however, highly debatable. Some people believe that academia is the place to … Continue reading “Educating for the Workplace: A Dilemma”

UNC Leaders Should Keep a Closer Eye on Underperforming Degree Programs

Nov 14, 2016 · · 4 Comments on UNC Leaders Should Keep a Closer Eye on Underperforming Degree Programs

An unlikely champion of more university oversight emerged at a recent University of North Carolina system Board of Governors (BOG) meeting. During a discussion about the board’s long-term strategic goals on October 13, James A. Anderson, Chancellor of Fayetteville State University (FSU), urged board members to adopt more scrutiny over degree programs that fail to … Continue reading “UNC Leaders Should Keep a Closer Eye on Underperforming Degree Programs”

States Should Work to Ameliorate Bad Federal Student Loan Policies

Nov 7, 2016 · · 2 Comments on States Should Work to Ameliorate Bad Federal Student Loan Policies

Many experts believe that the United States is facing a student loan crisis. Total student loan debt now exceeds $1.3 billion—more than total credit card debt for the country. And the average student loan debt at graduation has been growing steadily over the last two decades. But not all students are part of the crisis. … Continue reading “States Should Work to Ameliorate Bad Federal Student Loan Policies”

UNC-Chapel Hill’s Center for Civil Rights Continues Leftist Agenda Unabated

Oct 31, 2016 · · 57 Comments on UNC-Chapel Hill’s Center for Civil Rights Continues Leftist Agenda Unabated

In February 2015, the University of North Carolina System’s Board of Governors (BOG) concluded an extensive review of the 237 academic centers and institutes housed across the 16 UNC campuses. The goal was to “determine if each center is meeting its intended purpose, and enhancing the education, research, and service mission of the University.” A … Continue reading “UNC-Chapel Hill’s Center for Civil Rights Continues Leftist Agenda Unabated”

Universities Are Churning Out the Next Generation of Higher Ed Bureaucrats

Oct 17, 2016 · · 19 Comments on Universities Are Churning Out the Next Generation of Higher Ed Bureaucrats

The number of non-academic administrators at colleges and universities has more than doubled in the last 25 years, far outpacing the growth in students and faculty. According to a report from the American Institutes for Research, between 2000 and 2012 the average ratio of full-time faculty and staff per administrator declined 40 percent, to around … Continue reading “Universities Are Churning Out the Next Generation of Higher Ed Bureaucrats”

The Academic Job Market Is Tottering, But Nobody’s Telling Graduate Students

Oct 10, 2016 · · 7 Comments on The Academic Job Market Is Tottering, But Nobody’s Telling Graduate Students

Back in 2003, Thomas Benton—“the pseudonym of an assistant professor of English at a Midwestern liberal arts college”—wrote a brutally honest article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about graduate programs in the humanities. Citing dismal job prospects for Ph.D. holders, the author’s advice to would-be students was simple: don’t go. Since that article was … Continue reading “The Academic Job Market Is Tottering, But Nobody’s Telling Graduate Students”

Yes, There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Enrollment Growth

Oct 3, 2016 · · 1 Comment on Yes, There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Enrollment Growth

Now that another academic year is underway, many university administrators are anxiously awaiting the final tally of fall semester enrollment numbers. Such enrollment mania is a driving force at many schools, especially since more students usually equals more tuition revenue and state and federal dollars. In the Tar Heel State, this obsession goes back many … Continue reading “Yes, There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Enrollment Growth”

Will the UNC System Rise Above Higher Education’s Status Quo?

Apr 25, 2016 · · No Comments on Will the UNC System Rise Above Higher Education’s Status Quo?

UNC System leaders are overhauling their 2013 strategic planning initiative. Whether that will result in sound reform ideas, however, is up in the air. North Carolina’s university system is a powerful force in the state—armed with its own lobbying team, almost 50,000 employees, and a $9.5 billion annual budget. It is a machine with a tendency to aggrandize. Curbing its appetite for expansion and self-serving policies won’t be easy.