Monthly Archives: October 2016

How do you define yourself as an academic?

How do you define yourself as an academic?

Researchers should be free from constraints that prevent them from the pursuit of scientific truth – this is an idea that universities all over the world like to pride themselves on. However, even the purest, most basic research is subject to pressures that are never exclusively scientific. Researchers are subject to a number of social […] … learn more→

Five common customer service mistakes and how to avoid making them

Five common customer service mistakes and how to avoid making them

If you work in the service industry, you’ll know what’s it’s like to deal with customers, their demands and the hoped for positive relationship between you both. You are responsible for the satisfaction of your customers and your whole working approach should be towards making them your priority. Consequently, you must make sure that the […] … learn more→

Do black students really need college to get high paying jobs?

Do black students really need college to get high paying jobs?

The path from poverty to the middle class doesn’t have to go through college. Jonathan Johnson, a former teacher in New Orleans, thinks there’s a quicker way for more African-American youth to reach high paying jobs in this city of sharp racial and economic divides. That’s why he’s launching Rooted School, a high school that […] … learn more→

Australian University changes to academic contracts are threatening freedom of speech

Australian University changes to academic contracts are threatening freedom of speech

Some universities are attempting to insert new clauses into their employment contracts that aim to limit academics’ ability to speak freely in public debate. All universities acknowledge the role that academics have in public engagement. The University of Sydney for example, states that staff “are encouraged to engage in debate on matters of public importance”. […] … learn more→

PhD to Start up?

PhD to Start up?

After completing my PhD last year I was set on putting all the recommendations I had made into place. I wanted this research to make a real difference. And out into the world I went. I co-founded a business during my PhD that I started to grow, and was also working in local government in […] … learn more→

The Uber cheater economy

The Uber cheater economy

I’m no longer shocked with the cheating by students in higher education. There are many reasons for this, but foremost is how much higher education has changed. In times past, it was well known that higher education was about preparing a human being for more. It was literally written into the old rules of accreditation: […] … learn more→