Topic: Governance

Diversity, Equity, and Confusion at UNC School of Medicine

Mar 23, 2022 · · Comments Off on Diversity, Equity, and Confusion at UNC School of Medicine

The UNC School of Medicine just released an “update” to its lengthy Task Force to Integrate Social Justice into the Curriculum Report. According to the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion web page, “the UNC School of Medicine appreciates the Task Force’s work, its feedback, and recommendations,” and this status report “includes important context relative to … Continue reading “Diversity, Equity, and Confusion at UNC School of Medicine”

The UNC System Can—and Should—Be More Open with the Public

Mar 21, 2022 · · Comments Off on The UNC System Can—and Should—Be More Open with the Public

The UNC system needs to improve its transparency—an argument that the Martin Center has been making for about as long as it has been in existence. More specifically, the UNC system and the Boards of Trustees (BOT) of each of the 16 universities should have some key information more readily accessible to the public.  By … Continue reading “The UNC System Can—and Should—Be More Open with the Public”

Did You Know? Some Colleges No Longer Require Masks

Mar 17, 2022 · · Comments Off on Did You Know? Some Colleges No Longer Require Masks

The restrictions and changes made on college campuses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have remained a constant companion for students and faculty for the past two years. Whether it’s mask-wearing, social distancing, zoom classes, or COVID-19 testing, students and faculty have had to adjust and adapt. It seems, however, that cases are decreasing, … Continue reading “Did You Know? Some Colleges No Longer Require Masks”

The Very Model of a Modern University President

Mar 16, 2022 · · Comments Off on The Very Model of a Modern University President

While American higher education often is rightly condemned for being inefficient, non-innovative, and resistant to change, there are exceptions, and there are some collegiate entrepreneurs whose success is worthy of commendation and emulation. To me, the top award for American higher education innovation must go to Mitch Daniels, who is just beginning his tenth year … Continue reading “The Very Model of a Modern University President”

No, the NC Legislature Hasn’t “Harmed” Public Universities

Mar 7, 2022 · and · Comments Off on No, the NC Legislature Hasn’t “Harmed” Public Universities

On February 6, the Raleigh News & Observer asked whether the North Carolina legislature has “done enough to actually damage the University of North Carolina System’s traditionally stellar quality during a decade of Republican control?” In a series of articles, it laid out its case that the answer is yes. But the evidence presented, especially … Continue reading “No, the NC Legislature Hasn’t “Harmed” Public Universities”

Did You Know? Results of New Campus Expression Survey

Mar 3, 2022 · · Comments Off on Did You Know? Results of New Campus Expression Survey

Heterodox Academy recently released findings from its Campus Expression Survey, which sheds light on how comfortable students feel discussing hot-button issues on campus.  Here are some of the survey’s key findings: Overall, there is a lot of reluctance to discuss controversial topics.  60 percent of college students expressed reluctance to discuss at least one controversial … Continue reading “Did You Know? Results of New Campus Expression Survey”

Placing Limits on Faculty Speech

Feb 18, 2022 · · Comments Off on Placing Limits on Faculty Speech

Editor’s note: This is part 2 of a two-part series of articles. Part 1 can be found here.  What are the boundaries of the “fitness” standard for faculty employment in regard to the extramural comments of faculty? (These are comments made about the world beyond the campus.) Some argue that there are none, that professors … Continue reading “Placing Limits on Faculty Speech”

Did You Know? Governors Question Transparency, Oversight of Project Kitty Hawk

Feb 17, 2022 · · Comments Off on Did You Know? Governors Question Transparency, Oversight of Project Kitty Hawk

Project Kitty Hawk, Inc. is a nonprofit ed-tech startup that will partner with UNC System universities to serve adult learners. The idea has great potential. According to the project’s website, it will help universities design workforce-aligned online programs, facilitate improved collaboration among campuses, and develop relationships with North Carolina employers. But at the last meeting … Continue reading “Did You Know? Governors Question Transparency, Oversight of Project Kitty Hawk”

On Academic Freedom, Public Comments, and the “Fitness” of Faculty

Feb 16, 2022 · · Comments Off on On Academic Freedom, Public Comments, and the “Fitness” of Faculty

Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a two-part series of articles. Part 2 can be found here.  Does academic freedom protect faculty members who promote such activities as genocide, pedophilia, the murder of random innocents for political purposes, and slavery? While it is of paramount importance to ensure that an open intellectual dialogue occurs … Continue reading “On Academic Freedom, Public Comments, and the “Fitness” of Faculty”

Did You Know? Covid-19 in Spring 2022

Feb 10, 2022 · · Comments Off on Did You Know? Covid-19 in Spring 2022

As the Omicron variant spreads throughout the United States, university campuses are modifying their mode of instructions and their COVID guidelines for the spring 2022 semester. UNC Charlotte commenced the spring semester with all classes–both undergraduate and graduate–delivered online until January 24. Similarly, Duke went virtual for all classes until January 18. UNC-Chapel Hill, on … Continue reading “Did You Know? Covid-19 in Spring 2022”