Blog Archives

In times of racial injustice, university education should not be ‘neutral’

In times of racial injustice, university education should not be ‘neutral’

Over the last year, public events have drawn attention to the persistent reality of systemic racism and colonialism across North America. Universities in Canada are paying increased attention to questions of Indigenization, anti-racism, equity and inclusion. Many initiatives are focused on representation and on policies and procedures. These efforts are necessary. At the same time, universities can do more. We can start to view education […] … learn more→

Why universities may come to regret the costs of City Deals and private sector ‘solutions’

Why universities may come to regret the costs of City Deals and private sector ‘solutions’

Universities have had few sources of capital funds since the Abbott government sidelined the Education Investment Fund in 2014. The loss of an estimated A$16 billion of income by 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic has simply added to this problem. The City Deals process is one option, but for most universities it’s a poisoned chalice. A university will have to […] … learn more→

Australia can rebound to be international students’ destination of choice when borders reopen

Australia can rebound to be international students’ destination of choice when borders reopen

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the face of international higher education. The sector, previously dominated by the US, UK and Australia, is losing billions to falling international student enrolments. However, our research identifies a golden opportunity for Australia to rebound as a top international study destination – but that depends on an urgent and proactive response to the […] … learn more→

The casual staff who do 80% of undergrad teaching need more support — here’s a way unis can help

The casual staff who do 80% of undergrad teaching need more support — here’s a way unis can help

Casual staff do an estimated 80% of undergraduate teaching in Australian universities. Research shows these staff are highly committed, going above and beyond their paid role to assist students. Yet, compared to full-time staff, casuals are often treated as second-class citizens. Casual staff have little institutional support. They lack job security. Casual staff are routinely denied professional development opportunities, which may hamper their […] … learn more→

5 interesting trivia about the JEE examinations

5 interesting trivia about the JEE examinations

When you plan to get into the top educational institutes in the country, like the CFTIs, NITs, and IITs; JEE is the gateway to success that you turn to. Every year, over seven lakh applicants sit for this examination to gain entry to a good college, and smooth out the path to their future. With […] … learn more→

These professional baccalaureate graduates who defy the forecasts

These professional baccalaureate graduates who defy the forecasts

If admission procedures limit their chances of access to higher education, some vocational baccalaureate holders slip through the cracks. Like Thibaut, bachelor in carpentry, who validated his license in sciences and techniques of physical and sports activities (STAPS) in three years, before attempting the Certificate of Aptitude for the Professor of Physical and Sports Education in […] … learn more→

The lost Campus

The lost Campus

I’d stayed back late to go to a seminar in an area that I wasn’t familiar with. When I left, evening was closing in so I took a short cut to my bus stop. I ended up in an area of the campus that I didn’t know at all. It was a bit wilder than […] … learn more→

Missing working at work?

Missing working at work?

Eighteen months of working from home. Or WFH, WTF!! as you will now hear me say. Often. I want to WAW (work at work). I’m not desperate about it yet, but I really do miss WAW. Pre pandemic, a whole lifetime ago it seems but really only eighteen months, it was different. Working at work […] … learn more→

Court gives legal weight to academics’ right to intellectual freedom, but it’s not the final word

Court gives legal weight to academics’ right to intellectual freedom, but it’s not the final word

The nature and enforceability of university codes of conduct have been in the news lately. Prominent sackings for alleged misconduct include the cases of Professors Peter Ridd from James Cook University and Tim Anderson from the University of Sydney. Anderson had a legal win this week when the full court of the Federal Court decided Sydney’s enterprise agreement contains […] … learn more→