The World of Higher Education

Maya Wind, an Israeli-born postdoctoral scholar at UC Riverside and author of 'Towers of Ivory and Steel,' dives deeply into the academic boycott of Israeli universities. She examines the historical context, drawing parallels to apartheid South Africa, and explains how these institutions are tied to Palestinian dispossession. Wind highlights systemic discrimination against Palestinian students and discusses why all Israeli universities should be boycotted due to their complicity in state policies. The conversation also explores the recent escalation of conflict and its implications for global support for these boycotts.

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, to discuss the significant role of student movements in Serbian political history. The conversation covers the origins and growth of the current protests, spurred by a tragic incident at a railway station, and their impact on anti-corruption efforts and political change in the country. The episode explores the differences between official student unions and more radical, unofficial student movements, highlighting their influences on national politics, and assesses the future success prospects of these movements. 👉 Episode Links:WonkheHigher Education Strategy Associates — Recovery Project

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversity of rankings, and dealing with methodological and ethical issues in university evaluations. Duncan also introduced the Times Impact Rankings, which assess universities based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and highlights how these rankings offer a new perspective on university excellence. 👉 Episode Links:Higher Education Strategy Associates — Recovery Project

Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education podcast as he revisits 'The Great Brain Race' with author Ben Wildavsky. They explore the book's thesis on globalization in higher education, the trends of student and faculty mobility, and the phenomena of global university rankings and branch campuses. They also discuss the current status of the 'global war for talent' and the impact of global rankings and for-profit universities on education. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the progress and challenges in global higher education over the past 15 years.👉 Episode Links:Book: The Great Brain Race: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691154558/the-great-brain-race?srsltid=AfmBOooVGQuGET4pvQvsZx390U99bfIqMaDT0lLTDVDsmUdYdUmd1uu_HESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Javier Botero, a lead consultant at the World Bank and former Vice Minister of Higher Education in Colombia. They delve into the overlooked but significant developments in Colombia's higher education system under President Gustavo Petro. Topics include the implementation of free tuition, student assistance programs, challenges faced by private and state institutions, and specific cases such as the financial crisis and protests at the University of Antioquia. Javier provides insights into the financial constraints, political hurdles, and future prospects for higher education policies in Colombia.👉 Episode Links:The World of Higher Education Podcast | Season 1, Episode 14: Colombian Higher Education: https://worlded.transistor.fm/episodes/1-14-colombian-higher-educationHESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher sits down with Michael Shattock to discuss the complexities of university governance across Europe. The discussion covers the fundamental differences between the British, French Napoleonic, and German Humboldtian models, and their practical impacts on the relationship between universities and the state. Michael Shattock provides insights from his book, 'The Governance of European Higher Education: Convergence or Divergence,' co-authored with Aniko Horvath and Jürgen Enders, highlighting the ongoing divergence in governance approaches despite pushes for convergence. The episode also delves into the role of students in governance and the varying degrees of state involvement in higher education across different European countries.👉 Episode Links:Book: The Governance of European Higher Education, Convergence or Divergence?: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/governance-of-european-higher-education-9781350293564/HESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher welcomes back Alma Maldonado, an education researcher at CINVESTAV, to discuss the state of higher education in Mexico. The conversation covers the transition from former president AMLO to the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the impact of Morena's policies on universities. Topics include budget cuts, the controversial Benito Juarez universities, and the future of public and private higher education institutions in Mexico. Despite Sheinbaum's academic background and pro-science rhetoric, the outlook remains challenging for Mexican higher education.00:00 Introduction and Recap00:40 Current State of Mexican Higher Education01:15 Impact of Claudia Sheinbaum's Presidency03:20 Election and Policy Shifts09:59 Budget Cuts and Financial Struggles20:05 Public vs. Private Sector Challenges23:10 Future Outlook and Conclusion👉 Episode Links:HESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses global trends and challenges in higher education funding. He outlines systemic issues like slow economic growth, price volatility, and skepticism about the value of higher education, examining how these factors affect countries worldwide. The discussion includes specific insights into the Canadian higher education system, the impact of international students, and the trend towards vocational education. Tune in to understand how global pressures and local policies shape the higher education landscape.👉 Episode Links:3.1: Higher Education in a Polarized World with Simon Marginson: https://youtu.be/N5y1v_PuGaI3.3: What a Second Trump Presidency Could Mean for US Higher Education with Brendan Cantwell: https://youtu.be/gOzDoHwobOo3.6: Dutch Higher Education at a Crossroads with Marijk van der Wende: https://youtu.be/lFHFExCIX5M2.23: Higher Education in Russia: https://worlded.transistor.fm/episodes/2-23-higher-education-in-russia🗓️ AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

Join Alex Usher and Robert Kelchen as they discuss the top 10 higher education stories in the U.S. for 2024 in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast. Topics include changes in big-time college athletics, college closures, international student trends, state funding dynamics, political realignment, accreditation issues, diversity, equity and inclusion policies, and the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decisions on education policy. Don't miss this comprehensive analysis of significant shifts and challenges in American higher education.👉 Episode Links:Robert Kelchen’s website: https://robertkelchen.com/HESA’s AI-CADEMY: Canada Summit for Post-Secondary Education: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/HESAaicademy/home

Gerard Postiglione, a Professor at the University of Hong Kong and an expert on Chinese vocational education policy, delves into the evolution of China’s vocational education system. He highlights historical reforms influenced by Soviet models and discusses current initiatives aimed at transforming vocational universities into industry-aligned institutions. The conversation touches on public perceptions, the role of corporate partnerships, and the balance between academic and vocational paths. Postiglione also predicts a vital future for these schools in nurturing skills for a green economy.