News

Robert Zemsky highlights a broader trend of devaluation in higher education and the challenges faced by institutions cutting faculty positions and programs, suggesting that only top-tier universities are thriving while others are struggling.

Peter Eckel explores the evolution of governance choices in post-Soviet universities. He discusses four distinct governance models that have emerged across the region, emphasizing the need for flexible and context-specific governance structures to meet the diverse needs of higher education institutions in these countries.

Ross Aikins reports findings to Inside Higher Ed from interviews with dozens of students about how they used AI tools in their studies over the spring and summer. Going into fall, he says, faculty will need to revisit their policies early and often.

Robert Zemsky questions the effectiveness of mergers like Vermont State University's consolidation of three struggling colleges in addressing core issues faced by these institutions.

The project's first 3-year degree pilot recently launched at the University of Minnesota Rochester, one of more than a dozen colleges and universities planning similar programs with the project. The idea of a 3-year bachelor’s degree is on track to become ubiquitous, Zemsky says.

In an Op-Ed, Karen Weaver discusses many of the issues college presidents have been facing lately, particularly around their sports programs, and Penn GSE’s efforts to address the gap in the education and training of current college presidents.

Julie Wollman says large gifts are a legitimate reason to retain legacy preferences, but donors who want to reward universities for ending legacy could also step in and keep funds coming.

Damani White-Lewis shares insights into postdoctoral hiring inequities.

The latest survey of college presidents by the American Council on Education shows that higher ed leaders want help with athletics, communications, and school finances. That’s where Penn GSE comes in.

The first revisions in nearly 20 years reinforce old ideas by focusing on male alums, says Ruby in a column for University World News.

The plan announced on July 14 will eliminate $39 billion in debt for more than 800,000 borrowers.

Dean Katharine Strunk says data has grown increasingly political with the general polarization around public education; she says data does not need to be weaponized.

Jonathan Zimmerman says that, in light of affirmative action being overturned, some colleges may base admissions on income. That could bring in more white working-class students, which will make campuses more ideologically diverse places.

Julie Wollman says that many students aren't enrolling in college because they say, "I really don’t need to go to college. I can make just as much money going into the job market."

Jonathan Zimmerman says, “The best thing we could do to promote equity and inclusion in higher education would be to provide more tutoring and other academic support to first-generation and minority students."

Laura Perna says, “If we care about diversity in the student body, if we care about access to higher education for students from low-income families, then we have to be paying attention.”

Jonathan Zimmerman calls the moves for conservative lawmakers becoming university presidents an “erosion of trust” in higher education to be unbiased.

A Q&A with Damani White-Lewis on his research investigating why university faculty still lack racial diversity and how to build pathways towards equity in higher education.

Peter Eckel calls for college leaders to rethink strategic planning to ensure their institution thrives in the face of the pandemic and technological changes.

Laura Perna calls an education model where a student wouldn’t be penalized by having out-of-pocket costs and a loan "very attractive."

Sigal Ben-Porath says the government is trying to impose perspectives on higher-education institutions and undermining their autonomy.

Laura Perna says a key difference between community colleges and four-year institutions is the type of degrees and credentials offered, and credit transfer is crucial for students.

In a major study published today, Baker and fellow researchers argue that replacing “pipeline” with “pathway” is a better metaphor and will unlock new insights and improve higher education.

Jonathan Zimmerman expresses some apprehension about three-year bachelor degree programs, warning that policymakers need to consider carefully what students are getting out of college; Robert Zemsky, an advocate of the three-year program, says it won't work for everyone.

Two-time university president Julie Wollman shares insight on why it is unusual, yet admirable, that tenured and full-time faculty to support the ongoing graduate assistants and part-time faculty's strike at Rutgers.

Damani White-Lewis is featured in a story about scholars using COACHE data to focus on the academic workforce.

Now in its eighth year, the March 16 event is organized by the Dean’s office. The keynote speaker is Tamara Greenfield King, Penn’s interim vice provost for University Life.

Karen Weaver says that the Big Ten were forward thinking when they created their own network from offerings for all their athletic programs.

Laura Perna explained that net price calculators can help Pell-eligible families determine financial aid eligibility, but not all universities have compliant calculators with updated cost information.

Institutions need better data on faculty backgrounds, their experiences and working conditions, and (in)equities in measures of success, Laura W. Perna writes.

Readers came to the Penn GSE website for practical, easy-to-apply advice that resonated in classrooms and communities around the world.

Eight University of Pennsylvania-affiliated researchers are ranked in the top 200 nationwide – and all eight are associated with Penn GSE.

Penn GSE’s International Educational Development Program preps students to tackle systemic issues around the world.

At the annual celebration, Penn GSE’s honored six alumni and hosted a panel on increasing access to higher education.

An interdisciplinary scholar who studies racial inequality in academic careers and contexts using multiple methods and theories from organizational behavior and social psychology, White-Lewis will teach and conduct research in the school’s Policy, Organizations, Leadership, and Systems Division.

Damani White-Lewis offers research-based recommendations on retaining Black faculty.

College sports are an integral part of the university experience. They help with recruiting and retention — and they help the bottom line. Penn GSE’s Karen Weaver teaches one of the country's only courses to prepare university presidents to manage the related complexities.

Ameena Ghaffar-Kucher reveals the “hidden curriculum” you get when you have a professor as a parent.

The work of Damani White-Lewis is referenced on how the concept of faculty fit can perpetuate biases in hiring if it’s not standardized.

Sydney Freeman Jr., a visiting scholar, and Laura W. Perna write that faculty of color and women faculty are known to shoulder more of the invisible labor associated with the college teaching profession.

Karen Weaver estimated that UCLA and USC each stood to make as much as $30 million more per year as members of the Big Ten.

While many former athletes, business majors and even some sports fans aspire to work in college sports, it doesn’t take long to realize that it cannot be defined as a typical 40 hour a week job, says Karen Weaver.

A pivotal moment in Penn GSE’s history, the groundbreaking ceremony for the School’s dramatic building expansion marked the start of a project that will fulfill a vision of 'One Penn GSE.'

At a time of incredible flux, Penn GSE’s innovative leadership programs are helping create better school environments, amplifying the impact of K-12 leaders, shaping the future of higher education, and producing scholar-practitioners for the workplace.

Four Penn GSE alumni representing varied sectors of education share innovative ways they are helping prepare the workers of the future.

Responding to the emerging needs of educators and leaders, Penn GSE’s Center for Professional Learning cultivates learning and connections that endure.

Robert Zemsky’s work with 13 higher education institutions to create three-year programs is highlighted

Robert Zemsky is quoted on the worries that speeding up curriculum to graduate from college in three years would “cheapen the degree.”

A powerful, lively, and heartfelt panel took over the second floor of Houston Hall this past week as part of the seventh annual Women of Color in Higher Education Summit