Universities, often perceived as bastions of progressive thought, are increasingly reflecting the broader political polarization gripping the nation. Faculty members represent a university’s core identity and mission. They express the values of the institution in numerous ways, including teaching, mentoring, advising and researching. In my research into the impact of college on student development and […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Supporting religious diversity on campus is a surprising consensus among faculty across the red-blue divide
In a lonely world, widespread AI chatbots and ‘companions’ pose unique psychological risks
Within two days of launching its AI companions last month, Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot app Grok became the most popular app in Japan. Companion chatbots are more powerful and seductive than ever. Users can have real-time voice or text conversations with the characters. Many have onscreen digital avatars complete with facial expressions, body language and a lifelike […] … learn more→
Latin American literature contains warnings for American universities that yield to Trump
As university leaders work to make deals with the Trump administration, many college presidents are at an ethical crossroads. On the one hand, they must do all they can to restore funding for vital research. On the other, they risk ceding to the demands of a president with views that don’t align with their missions. As […] … learn more→
From fear to fluency: what our students learned when they used AI across an entire course
When artificial intelligence (AI) enters the classroom, the focus is often on the risk of plagiarism or shortcuts. But in a postgraduate business analysis course on digital innovation and strategy, taught in early 2025, we tried a different approach. Students were asked to use AI purposefully at every stage of the digital innovation process, reflect […] … learn more→
Uni students are using AI to ‘ask stupid questions’ and get feedback on their work
Imagine a student working on an assignment and they are stuck. Their lecturer or tutor is not available. Or maybe they feel worried about looking silly if they ask for help. So they turn to ChatGPT for feedback instead. In mere moments they will have an answer, which they can prompt for further clarification if […] … learn more→
Obtaining a diploma without returning to school: validation of acquired experience, a little-known system
Validation of prior experience allows you to obtain a diploma by recognizing the skills acquired in the professional field, without necessarily returning to school. This system is still little used, although it has many advantages. In a world marked by globalization and a tight job market, a diploma remains essential for accessing employment, securing one’s career path, […] … learn more→
Active Clubs are white supremacy’s new, dangerous frontier
Small local organizations called Active Clubs have spread widely across the U.S. and internationally, using fitness as a cover for a much more alarming mission. These groups are a new and harder-to-detect form of white supremacist organizing that merges extremist ideology with fitness and combat sports culture. Active Clubs frame themselves as innocuous workout groups on digital platforms and […] … learn more→
College students are bombarded by misinformation, so this professor taught them fact-checking 101 − here’s what happened
Mike Evans knew something had to change. As the lead instructor for American Government 1101 at Georgia State University in 2021, Evans had watched his students over the years show up with fewer facts and more conspiracy theories. Gone were the days when students arrived on campus with dim memories of high school civics. Now they came […] … learn more→
Universities have lost their way, but cost-cutting and consultants are not the answer
Last week in Sydney, we saw a melodrama acted out that could stand in for the state of Australian universities more generally. Inside Sydney’s swish Fullerton Hotel, a glittering cast of vice-chancellors, politicians, public servants, journalists, and consultants deliberated at a higher education summit, sponsored by the Australian Financial Review and consultancy Nous Group. Teaching-only casual […] … learn more→
AI is becoming increasingly present in the creative industries
Advertising, fashion, and design. Theater, film, music, and video games. Visual arts, sculpture, and painting. Heritage management and cultural tourism. The cultural and creative industries (CCI) are undergoing rapid change with the emergence of artificial intelligence. On the one hand, new opportunities for improvement are created. On the other, significant challenges arise for employees. Artificial intelligence can […] … learn more→
