In recent weeks, tensions over European immigration and liberal values have culminated in a direct attack on the Central European University in Budapest. The university is now facing closure after a series of questionable higher education “reforms” by the Hungarian government. CEU’s founder and patron – the Hungarian-born billionaire and philanthropist George Soros – has […] … learn more→

When my father-in-law struggled in school in a mill town along the Ohio River, his parents suggested that he head across the bridge and work in the steel mill. It was a path that once created stable lives for many Pittsburghers. But in the 1970s, steel and coal were on the decline in the midwestern […] … learn more→

For years now, higher ed administration has watered, and watered, and watered down what it means to have a college degree. Instead of making higher education about education, they made it about growth. Not once in my lifetime in higher education have the “leaders” shown even the slightest interest in education, but I can’t even […] … learn more→

Finding a new career can be incredibly difficult. Nevertheless, it is absolutely pertinent to choose something that will maintain your interest for the long run. Workers will benefit most by sticking with the same job for a long duration. Therefore, it is essential to choose a career that will be fun, exciting and motivating. If […] … learn more→

Pakistani authorities have won another battle against free speech. The latest blow is just another consequence of harsh measures taken by Pakistan’s government in the last five years against freedom of speech. On March 27, the interior ministry announced that Facebook had removed 85% of “illegal, blasphemous” content found on its website. The estimated number […] … learn more→

A doctoral researcher recently told me, and several others who were in the room at the same time, that he wanted to write a journal article. Good eh. No. Not really. The trouble was that his supervisor insisted on being named as co–author even though they weren’t contributing anything. The response from those listening was […] … learn more→

The Viva – a live presentation of your thesis to examiners – is not common in Australia. Our thesis examination is a blind peer review process, which has its own fears, but nothing like the anxiety that a viva can provoke. Horror stories tend to circulate, which is why I was happy to be sent […] … learn more→

Higher education in India is going through a critical phase. The country has witnessed tremendous growth in the sector since independence, and now has 750 universities, 35,000 colleges and 30 million of students. But none of its best institutions have managed to secure a place in the list of the world’s top 200 universities. This […] … learn more→

Tens of thousands of people recently demonstrated in the Hungarian capital of Budapest against attempts by their government to close the Central European University (CEU). This was the second large-scale demonstration in Budapest in as many weeks – with protesters turning out en masse to challenge recent amendments to the national law on higher education […] … learn more→

Trigger warnings, “safe spaces” and “no platforming” have all made headlines recently as signs of the deterioration of free speech on campuses in the US. What rarely makes news, though, is another troubling aspect of censorship: so-called bias response teams. Like a throwback to China’s Red Guards, the student militia who turned on their teachers […] … learn more→