Ocelot’s Post

Can challenger schools reshape higher education? Yes. Discover how we’re doing things differently at San Francisco Bay University. In this exclusive article with the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Provost Bradley Fuster shares our innovative approach to education and how we're redefining the future of higher learning. 🔗 Read now: https://lnkd.in/gthGczqs

What if college wasn’t just about academics but also about personal growth, well-being, and purpose? At the University of Denver, the 4D Experience is making this a reality, creating a transformative model for student success. This innovative approach weaves together four dimensions—intellectual growth, purpose-driven careers, well-being, and character exploration—to guide students through a holistic education journey. From peer mentorship programs and reflective first-year seminars to retreats at the Kennedy Mountain Campus, DU empowers students to connect their learning with meaningful life paths. Laura Perille, Ph.D., Executive Director of the 4D Experience, said, “We encourage students to think about their ‘why’—what motivates them and how they want to contribute to the world... We’re getting them to actually think about their ‘why’ as the driving force of thinking about potential careers and majors.” Dive into how DU is creating a "constellation of support" for its students and leading the way in holistic education in our latest article on LearningWell, from Nichole Bernier:

MIT is going to offer free undergraduate tuition for those families making $200,000 or less. For those making $100,000 or less, they'll pay for housing, dining, books, etc. *This* is how we should be moving the world forward. From ABC News: "One of the most prestigious universities in America has made a landmark decision to offer the majority of its incoming undergraduate students a tuition-free education. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced on Wednesday that students with family income below $200,000 can expect to attend the Cambridge institution tuition-free starting next fall. The reason for University has always been social capital …. the world is changing ! David Blake Scott Pulsipher

We want to invite you to dive into the future of education at 'Reveille: Awakening the Future of Higher Education' so you can see and listen to what comes next. Click on the link to learn more and RSVP. https://lnkd.in/ezPhTuCB

We often describe higher education as an "ecosystem"—a term that captures its complexity but can feel overly academic. In these profoundly challenging times, higher education is more than an industry; for many of us, it’s a calling. Yet, as we fight for its very survival, we must recognize that those who seek to dismantle it rely on a familiar "business as usual" narrative. Higher education is not just an ecosystem, a public right, or even a public good—it is a critical wellspring. It is an inexhaustible source of doers, thinkers, and changemakers who shape our world in meaningful ways. That is how we must define and speak of ourselves—boldly—especially in a world that too often dismisses us as mere "intellectual elites." By reframing our value in this way, we remind ourselves and others that higher education is indispensable to the progress and well-being of society.

The Legacy of Innovation: Birmingham University’s Impact on Higher Education The Legacy of Innovation: Birmingham University’s Impact on Higher Education The University of Birmingham, established in 1900, has left an indelible mark on higher education both in the United Kingdom and globally. Renowned for its commitment to research and teaching excellence, this institution has pioneered various educational paradigms that have shaped the landscape of universities around the world. The legacy of innovation that Birmingham University has cultivated over the decades underscores its vital role in advancing knowledge, fostering creativity, and producing graduates who are well... > Readmore https://lnkd.in/ecjdzu98

The article sparks an important conversation about innovation and tradition in higher education. When should we question what has been? Where does the evidence of student learning lead us? The value of a college education is not enhanced simply by lowering the cost or increasing the speed, but by also ensuring the new designs increase student success through transformative learning experiences. The question is not "Which courses can we cut?" but rather, "How can we redesign learning experiences based on evidence of what works?"  Congratulations to Merrimack College, Plymouth State University, and many others who are innovation trailblazers in the Northeast, working with colleagues across the country through the College-in-3 Exchange. Here in the Midwest, I am proud to see the University of Minnesota-Rochester faculty lead as innovators with the courage to challenge tradition when the evidence illuminates new ways to support students. Accelerated programs designed with our strategic partners and embedded with evidence-based practice show it is possible to reduce time to a degree while enhancing student success through experiential learning and career-connected curricula. Innovation doesn’t mean abandoning tradition. It means aligning the timeless benefits of a collegiate experience—intellectual growth, personal discovery, a curiosity that fuels lifelong learning, commitment to the common good, and career launch that allows graduates to make a difference and make a living—with the practical realities students face today. As new options emerge, we must continue to assess their impact and be ready to follow the evidence. Madeleine F. Green Christopher H. Donald Birx #collegeinthree https://lnkd.in/grfqbUXy

I'm only a returning student at my community college because it is zero cost right now. FOR EVERYONE. Shout-out to San Mateo County Community College District To compare with MIT, we have other recent examples of medical schools offering free medical degrees. One stated goal is to increase the number of primary care physicians, since medical degree cost increases meant that going into a high paying specialty was the only way to afford it. The jury is still out on the efficacy of these programs to meet that goal as far as I know, but I recall reading that the results are not promising and that the high paying specialties are still oversubscribed and we still have a shortage of primary care physicians. I'll admit it's still early so I hope this changes. Eliminating only the burden of education debt without reducing the other ongoing and ever-increasing operating expenses, e.g. housing and healthcare access, that come with today's America won't likely achieve the equitable results I would like to see. That said, every step towards improving access to education is a good one because of the correlation between higher education and social and economic policy positions that improve outcomes for more of the population.

The University of California strives to be a leader in providing inclusive education that ensures success for all students. While UC has celebrated increasingly high graduation rates in recent years, gaps remain. For example, first-generation students at UC have a 6% lower graduation rate compared to their peers. To bridge the divide, it’s mission critical to lean on both data-driven techniques and personalized support. What we know about each student’s personal experiences and needs can help us better scale successful models. Let’s equip leadership, faculty, advisors, and coaches with data to better support students with greater context. Every student deserves to participate in a college culture where they feel a sense of belonging – and are given the best chance to succeed. The UC 2050 vision calls for a comprehensive approach that will not only improve individual outcomes but also the overall academic experience at UC. Learn more about our strategy for equitable student success: https://lnkd.in/gkGUe4rY Janet Reilly [Photo: University of California San Diego]

How is the landscape of Higher Education evolving?   We had the privilege of speaking with Ken Badcock, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of York, to explore the future of Higher Education and discuss the pressing challenges facing the sector 🎓   Thank you Ken for sharing your valuable insights with us! Check out the snippet below and keep an eye out for part 2 👀 Full video: https://lnkd.in/eRtJ9hT3   #LeadershipLens #HigherEducation #EducationalExcellence #FutureofEducation