The EdUp Provost Podcast is a proud member of the EdUp Experience® podcast family, America's leading higher education podcast network. Brought to you by the Ass...
29. Crisis Management in Higher Education: A Conversation with Simon Barker
In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Simon Barker discusses the critical role of crisis management in higher education, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and the need for institutions to align their responses with core values. He highlights the role of provosts in reputation management, the challenges of institutional neutrality, and the necessity of engaging students in meaningful dialogue. Barker also addresses the current political climate and its impact on higher education, advocating for a strategic approach to uphold free speech while maintaining campus safety. In this conversation, Simon Barker discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions, particularly in the context of crisis management and reputational risk. He emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, effective communication, and engaging faculty in identifying and addressing potential issues. The discussion also highlights the need for universities to articulate their value to policymakers and the public, especially amidst increasing scrutiny and pressure from external forces. Barker introduces the Reputational Risk Maturity Model as a framework for institutions to assess their readiness for crises and improve their overall governance and response capabilities.Takeaways• Higher education leaders often underestimate reputational risk.• Proactive leadership can mitigate reputational harm during crises.• The perception of a university's response is crucial in crisis management.• Provosts play a vital role in managing reputational risk.• Institutional neutrality should not prevent leaders from addressing relevant issues.
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42:59
28. The White House vs. the Academy: A Conversation with Peter F. Lake
In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Peter Lake discusses the current political climate affecting higher education, focusing on the legal vulnerabilities institutions face, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the implications of recent political actions on DEI, the challenges of maintaining free speech and institutional neutrality, and the increasing necessity for legal expertise in higher education leadership. The discussion highlights the tension between legal mandates and the need for inclusive environments, as well as the chilling effect on academic freedom and speech. Drs. Lake and Thuswaldner discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the legal challenges institutions face, the internal threats to education, and the implications of political pressures on faculty and funding. They explore the responsibilities universities have under Title VI, the impact of judicial trends, and the future of academic leadership amidst these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal awareness and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of modern higher education.Takeaways• Higher education is facing unprecedented political scrutiny.• Legal vulnerabilities for colleges are increasing due to political actions.• DEI initiatives are under significant threat at both state and federal levels.• The concept of neutrality in higher education is becoming increasingly complex.• Legal expertise is becoming essential for higher education leaders.
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43:29
27. Transforming Learning with AI and Campus Collaboration: A Conversation with Adam Pryor
In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Adam Pryor explores the initiatives and challenges surrounding the integration of AI in higher education, focusing on programs like All Campus Essentials and Build Your Own AI. Dr. Pryor discusses the structure of these programs, the level of participation, and the various ways campuses are adopting AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. The conversation also delves into the challenges institutions face, ethical considerations, and strategies for faculty and staff development. Dr. Pryor shares insights on collaboration among campuses and the metrics used to assess the success of these initiatives, concluding with reflections on the future of AI in education.Takeaways• The All Campus Essentials program consists of four webinars designed to build a baseline understanding of AI.• Participation in the All Campus Essentials program exceeded expectations with 12,000 participants from 90 campuses.• The Build Your Own program focuses on project management and data cleaning for AI projects.• AI can help institutions interrogate data and improve decision-making processes.• There is a growing divide between AI users and non-users in higher education.
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39:10
26. The Art of Disagreement and Navigating Political Pressures: A Conversation with John D. Inazu
In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Inazu discusses the critical themes of pluralism and disagreement within the context of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to engage with differing viewpoints and the necessity of building trust within academic communities. The discussion also touches on the political pressures faced by universities, the impact of federal funding, and the challenges posed by DEI initiatives. Dr. Inazu advocates for a proactive approach to fostering pluralism and suggests practical steps for provosts to create a culture of constructive disagreement.Takeaways• Pluralism is essential for a healthy democracy.• Disagreement should be taught as a skill in education.• Trust is foundational for meaningful dialogue.• Universities must clarify their mission to foster pluralism.• Small seminar settings are ideal for teaching disagreement.
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38:33
25. “Hacking College:” A Conversation with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson
In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner engages with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson, co-authors of 'Hacking College,' to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education. They challenge the traditional focus on college majors, advocating for a broader perspective that emphasizes personalized fields of study and experiential learning. The discussion covers the need for cultural shifts in curriculum design, the importance of proactive advising, and strategies to streamline transfer processes. They also highlight the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating unique educational paths for students. In this conversation, Laff and Carlson discuss the challenges and opportunities in higher education, focusing on student persistence, mentorship, and the need for cultural change within institutions. They emphasize the importance of leveraging campus resources and creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The discussion also highlights various case studies that illustrate the diverse experiences of students and the potential for positive change through innovative strategies.Takeaways• The major is often a limiting frame for students.• Students should view their education as a field of study, not just a major.• The empty college degree raises questions about the value of education.• Provosts can influence cultural dynamics without structural changes.• Advising should empower students to take control of their education.
The EdUp Provost Podcast is a proud member of the EdUp Experience® podcast family, America's leading higher education podcast network. Brought to you by the Association of Chief Academic Officers (ACAO), EdUp Provost offers a platform for sharing best practices, discussing current academic challenges, and promoting the educational and organizational interests of Chief Academic Officers. Each episode provides thought-provoking conversations with leaders in higher education, equipping CAOs with insights and resources to navigate societal challenges and enhance their institutions.