‘Universities need to be better prepared to handle anti-religious hate’How can institutions navigate a landscape where some religious communities see equity, diversity and inclusion efforts as an essential safeguard, while others view these initiatives as an overreach?Matthew J. Mayhew, Benjamin S. Selznick, Musbah ShaheenThe Ohio State University, James Madison University, University of Massachusetts Amherst
A warm welcome is a strategic imperative for higher educationIf we want incoming students to flourish, we must stop treating belonging as a bonus and start seeing it as an essential condition for learning. Scott Dunning offers strategies on welcoming students to succeedScott DunningVirginia Tech
Team teaching 101When faculty collaborate in the classroom, students gain multiple perspectives on complex material while new academics learn the craft of teaching from more experienced colleaguesKatherine Van HeuvelenHarvey Mudd College
Motivating students isn’t magic – it’s musicWhen students see purpose, believe they can succeed and know educators care, you won’t have to pull them through the course. They’ll walk, maybe even run, on their own. Brett Jones explains how to change their tuneBrett D. JonesVirginia Tech
Reimagining the student experience using tips from start-up cultureStart-up principles such as rapid iteration, co-creation and agile teamwork can be used to transform the student experience, enabling faster, more effective responses to evolving student needsMelissa Padfield, Sarah WolgemuthUniversity of Alberta
Embracing co-creation through experiential learning Co-creation cultivates skills and mindsets that traditional classrooms may not be able to provide. For instructors, sharing control with students can result in a richer, more dynamic educational experience for all, writes Ed BergerEd BergerVirginia Tech
The case for degrees that teach us how to thinkAs debate about the cost and purpose of higher education intensifies, the humanities are often the first target. Yet evidence shows that far from being outdated or indulgent, humanities degrees cultivate critical skills, resilience and, yes, viable career pathsMichelle Moseley-ChristianVirginia Tech
‘The arts and humanities celebrate what makes us human’As deepfakes blur truth and political divides widen, the arts and humanities offer essential skills such as reflection and resilience. And, of course, they provide respite and balance. Patty Raun explainsPatricia RaunVirginia Tech
Co-creation that treats students as collaborators, not consultantsWhen students believe their opinions matter, their creativity, confidence and sense of belonging grow – and so does the impact of your work. Here are five practical ways to bring students ‘behind the camera’ in co-curricular programme designMelissa Gerrior, Jennifer GrahamGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities, Georgia College and State University
Give students autonomy over their learningHere are simple ways to nurture self-direction in students – from consulting them on assessments to offering choice on learning objectives – shared by Natalie K SeedanNatalie K. D. Seedan The University of the West Indies
What universities gain from involving displaced students in civic engagementCivic action not only gives displaced students and refugees a sense of belonging and agency, it brings academic communities benefits such as cultural insight and leadership skillsJonathan Becker, Zarlasht SarmastBard College
Teaching responsible use of GenAI in graduate studies When graduate students learn to use AI transparently, to seek approvals, respect Indigenous consent and critically assess outputs, they develop skills essential for both academic success and professional practiceKaterina StandishUniversity of Northern British Columbia
‘GenAI and critical thinking can – and should – work together’ Find out how to encourage critical thinking in the university classroom by working with GenAI tools, rather than against them Joel Davis, Jane Southworth, Kati MigliaccioUniversity of Florida
Higher education needs to hold students' hearts, not handsDuring times of financial constraint, don’t rush to define kindness to students as an unaffordable luxury. Instead, let’s change the way we thinkRachelle McKayDalhousie University
Stop asking students to be the lesson and focus on choice and consentWhen students are asked to share personal stories to illustrate lessons, the emotional cost can outweigh the educational gain. Aasiya Satia explores how consent-based pedagogy can create safer, more equitable classrooms for all studentsAasiya Satia McMaster University
Campus talks: the role of universities as bastions of free speech and open debate in polarised timesAn expert in constructive dialogue and a free speech campaigner explain how universities can nurture productive disagreement and uphold the principles of free speech and academic freedom in the face of growing polarisationCaroline Mehl, Abhishek Saha Constructive Dialogue Institute, Queen Mary University of London
The anxieties of non-research faculty at a research universityThe worth of know-how – as opposed to know-that – is enhanced when instructors are full-time, eligible for tenure and materially supported in their collective endeavour. Here, Daniel M. Gross makes the case for valuing teachers’ collective wisdomDaniel M. GrossUniversity of California, Irvine
From grading grind to peace of mind: preventing midterm marking meltdownWith clear communication, focused feedback, time management strategies and smart use of technology, educators can make their marking more efficient, sustainable and impactful for studentsDaniella SieukaranDalhousie University
Compassion cuts through polarisationCompassion, not empathy, is the emotion that will cut through group polarisation and motivate constructive intergroup dialogue in higher education. Training in mindfulness-based compassion meditation can be scaled at a relatively low barrier to entry Rayne BozemanGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
Finding the funding: how to support research projects of any sizeHow do central research offices operate, and why are they often key to securing research funding? Eleanor Nelsen explains what help is available for researchers, including training and on-demand resourcesEleanor NelsenVirginia Tech
Who cares about this problem as much as you do?Securing funding requires researchers to think like strategists, storytellers and coalition-builders. Nicole Akers offers advice for navigating the demanding process to win grants and turn ideas into impactNicole AkersVirginia Tech
Campus talks: how to unlock motivation and beat procrastination in your students and yourselfTwo academic researchers and lecturers discuss the many factors that boost short- and long-term motivation and how to get yourself started when procrastination threatensIan Taylor, Helena SeliLoughborough University, University of Southern California
Global learning: an emerging transferable skill for studentsTeamwork, effective communication – these are what we think of as soft skills. But what about global learning and collaboration? Tiffany Shoop argues that global collaboration is a foundational skill for the modern worldTiffany ShoopVirginia Tech
Five tips to help you find non-federal research fundingNon-profit groups and industry partners can be great sources for funding opportunities. Here’s how to find the right ones and build a relationship with them Kalene JohnsonUniversity of Florida
From ‘sage on the stage’ to ‘guide on the side’With GenAI, changing job markets and overprotective parenting shaping today’s learners, higher education must balance knowledge with fostering autonomy – without letting independence go too far, says Daniella SieukaranDaniella SieukaranDalhousie University
Campus talks: why ‘grit’ and knowing when to say ‘no’ are vital skills in academia todayIn this week’s podcast, two professors discuss the skills and characteristics needed to achieve long-term academic career success and fulfilment Jeffrey McDonnell, Sarah RobinsonUniversity of Saskatchewan, IÉSEG School of Management
Motivation by design: faculty-led strategies for learning that mattersApps or algorithms alone won’t drive the students of the future to learn. Rather, it will be faculty domain expertise that aligns with how they think, work and learn. Margaret Ellis explains how to design learning for student motivationMargaret EllisVirginia Tech
Let’s teach students to disagree wellConflict is an integral part of life, building better communication and understanding of each other’s differences. Equip students with the tools to do it wellAudra SpicerColorado State University Global
Old-fashioned methods to circumvent student overuse of AI? MaybeHigher education teaching faculty are exploring the use of old-school teaching and testing methods to prevent students from using artificial intelligence during exams and for homework. Is this a good idea? Cayce Myers takes a deep diveCayce MyersVirginia Tech
Campus interview: Susan Aldridge, president of Thomas Jefferson University, on educating career-ready graduatesThe leader of a US institution discusses how to set students up for future success in uncertain times and why working across disciplines is so powerfulSusan C. AldridgeThomas Jefferson University
Navigating conflicting DEI needs for the benefit of allEquity, diversity and inclusion work is complicated when one group’s rights to dignity and privacy challenge another’s sense of comfort and security. Here, Cynthia Williams offers strategies to address these tensionsCynthia WilliamsUniversity of Northern British Columbia
Does the Workforce Pell Grant Program offer a reprieve for US higher education?Government funding for short-term courses could create more affordable, accessible pathways for students, and opportunities for universities to rethink how learning is structured and credentialed, writes Pardis MahdaviPardis MahdaviIndependent academic
Ozzy Osbourne taught me how to survive academiaThe Prince of Darkness helped me to build a university career, writes Brittany Anne Carlson. Here, she offers five tips to help fellow educators and researchers stay aboard their own academic ‘crazy train’Brittany Anne CarlsonWestminster College
Four simple steps to running a successful team taskIn this video, Lauren Vicker and Tim Franz explain the key stages and considerations to help university educators run more effective group projectsLauren Vicker, Tim FranzSt. John Fisher University
Campus talks: what today’s hyper-connected students need from their first weeks on campusStudents taking their first steps on to university campuses this month will arrive more informed – thanks to AI and social media – and more focused on career outcomes than previous intakes. So, how should universities tailor their welcome to set incoming cohorts up for success?Rachel GableWilliam & Mary
Greeting first-year university students with ‘structured serendipity’Students start university with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Institutions should address that emotional landscape early – to help incoming cohorts adjust to newfound independence, discover what it takes to succeed academically and find their place to belongStephen BiscotteVirginia Tech
Taking pedagogy to the provost’s officeThe skills that make effective teachers – adaptability, empathy, presence and reflection – also shape impactful university leaders. Here, Bill Owen shares leadership lessons he learned in the classroomWilliam J. Owen University of Northern British Columbia
‘Every faculty member should go on campus tours’When one university professor went undercover to find out how different colleges welcome prospective students and their parents, he found out what institutions should, and should not, do in their visit programmingRobert TalbertGrand Valley State University
AI, copyright and the classroom: what higher education needs to knowAs artificial intelligence reshapes teaching and research, one legal principle remains at the heart of our work: copyright. Understanding its implications isn’t just about compliance – it’s about protecting academic integrity, intellectual property and the future of knowledge creation. Cayce Myers explainsCayce MyersVirginia Tech
Design thinking can transform first-year orientationDesign thinking offers a student-centred approach to orientation. By following these five steps, universities can strengthen first-year experiences and set them up for academic successJarell AlderThe University of the West Indies
Campus talks: getting back to the basics of equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education Two US experts in EDI discuss how universities can continue to support and advance equality of opportunity in the face of mounting challenges to ‘diversity’ work Paulette Granberry Russell, Frank DobbinNational Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, Harvard University
The case for human-centred skills in higher educationFor tomorrow’s challenges – and not just today’s jobs – students will need communication, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. So, faculty should look to embed these transferable skills across disciplines. Lauren Thomas explainsLauren ThomasVirginia Tech
How to protect your university against authoritarianismUS institutions are facing threats to academic freedom from the Trump administration, yet they must also stay vigilant to authoritarianism from abroad. Here is what university leaders and academics can do Sarah McLaughlinJohns Hopkins University
How industry partnerships and digital credentials can close the skills gapIndustry-focused credentials allow candidates to highlight skill sets to potential employers and enable individuals who may not have access to traditional higher educational pathways to display skills acquired over time. Here are examples of how these can workVeronica M. Godshalk, Janelle SimmondsGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities, Siemens Digital Industries Software
An academic’s guide to the art of negotiation: part twoHow to understand your negotiation partner’s drivers, handle difficult situations and learn from each interactionNatalie K. D. Seedan The University of the West Indies
The transfer student advantage: soft skills in motionTransfer students bring more than credits to their new institution; they come with resilience, self-advocacy and real-world experience. With soft skills more essential than ever, it’s time to see these learners not as behind the curve but ahead of the game Lauren ThomasVirginia Tech
The challenge of building a diverse faculty in a world that has turned on diversityIn improving recruitment and retention of faculty from under-represented groups, universities can learn strategies from the corporate world – and let go of contentious remedies that do not workFrank Dobbin, Alexandra KalevHarvard University, Tel Aviv University
An academic’s guide to the art of negotiation, part 1: how to prepareThe first in a two-part series explores how to use Marshall Rosenberg’s ‘non-violent communication’ framework to help you prepare for negotiations in the workplaceNatalie K. D. Seedan The University of the West Indies
How to protect inclusive educational practices in increasingly hostile environmentsGrassroots strategies for sustaining inclusive teaching and learning practices amid shrinking resources and growing hostility, focusing on course design, pedagogy and proactive advocacy Liz Owens Boltz, Brittany DillmanMichigan State University
How universities can move from DEI backlash to breakthroughIdentity threat – when individuals or groups feel devalued – can undermine equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. But if universities reframe this conflict, it can result in growth and new perspectives, write Camellia Bryan and Brent Lyons Camellia Bryan, Brent LyonsUniversity of British Columbia, York University