Sequitur Consulting’s Post

World Class Universities ( WCU ) & Our Universities : Where We Fail really ? Transformation of a university into a World Class University (WCU) is a dream for every higher education institution (HEI). However, ambition alone doesn't guarantee success. In fact, many universities invest heavily in physical facilities instead of academics and research, neglecting the need to attract the best talent from around the world. In my observation, less than 10% of teachers in universities aspiring for WCU are of high quality, and talented individuals are not given the support and freedom they need to thrive. Instead, only sycophant teachers are promoted, creating a situation where self-respecting talented teachers are forced to leave the organization. This results in a "Talent Draining" situation rather than "Talent Retaining." To become a magnetic force of attracting talent from the world, universities must invest in attracting the best students and teachers-researchers from across the globe. Let's work towards turning the dream of becoming a WCU into a reality by investing in academics, research, and attracting the best talent from around the world. Instead of “ Concentration of Talent” , mostly we find “Concentration of Sycophants “ . This is our tragedy. Will our university founders and management learn a lesson to overcome this kind of felure ? What you say ? #WorldClassUniversity #IndianUniversities #ConcentrationOfTalent #CrisisOfIndianUniversities #HigherEducationInstitutions #ProfSudhirGavhane

For the majority of my career, I have been writing and speaking about the need to teach technology skills across university curricula in the disciplines in which they will be applied, not limited to just a few STEM disciplines. In 2005, I wrote about the need to provide technology training in mass communication programs (https://lnkd.in/gGdXCtsf) that provided more diverse enrollments than computer science. It began the line of thinking that launched our #txstsjmc STEM-designated Digital Media Innovation degree in 2016. In 2015, I broadened that perspective to address technology needs across university curricula (https://lnkd.in/g9-PKM5G). I also gave a presentation on the same topic at SXSWEdu that year (https://lnkd.in/gDUuGtim). One of my main contentions was that "Coders won't be hired to SUPPORT journalism, storytelling, art or science...They WILL BE the journalists, storytellers, artists and scientists." I also expressed that different disciplines would require specialized context and support in delivering programming and other technology skills. Fast forward to current day, and this becomes even more important as we contemplate the effects of artificial intelligence across uses and applications. I was lucky to connect with computer science professor Apan Qasem more than a decade ago. We've had years of discussions, along with various grant proposal successes and failures, on this very topic. Under his leadership, a team with membership across all seven #TXST academic colleges was assembled to make this National Science Foundation grant of $2.64M a reality. I am so excited to work with this distinguished group that will transform and extend STEM education across the university in innovative ways that will support student success in emerging careers!

On Tuesday evening, I bumped into two graduates from #UCLBASc. It was lovely to see them again. Both are now doing PhDs. One, a The Leverhulme Trust funded project at UCL computer science, and one at Wellcome Trust . I've been increasingly amazed at the number of students from that UCL program that have gone on to PhDs. So that night I counted some numbers on LinkedIn. I found 30 out of around 350 grads I could see that were either doing a PhD or had already done one. I don't know other stats, but I wonder if there is a degree at UCL with a higher ratio. It seems high to me. Now, I don't fetishise the PhD! I don't have one and several of the thinkers I most admire don't either: Wittgenstein, Sartre, Sir Alan Wilson, Freeman Dyson, and, more recently, Kate Raworth, and Gary Stevenson. It was the great Isaiah Berlin - no PhD - who said, "Why would I need a PhD to prove my orthodoxy?" But still, many PhDs are impressive and, perhaps above all else in our society, they are a mark of *expertise* - of high level specialism. They are widely regarded as the hallmarks of scholarship, advanced research skills and the ability to 'contribute to knowledge'. It could be seen as striking, then, that so many PhDs are coming out of an #ArtsAndSciences degree. When we set up that program there were many derogatory remarks of the sort: "So this is a degree to teach people how to read the newspaper, is it?" or "These students won't learn a specialism, they won't have any avenues open to them after graduation" or "This is dumbing down, a worrying example of a decline in standards at universities". It is much harder to say such things when the graduates are the next generation of experts in society. So why are there so many PhDs from that Arts and Sciences program? This requires a longer post but let's say just 3 things: 1. Degrees with range and a considerable amount of choice attract people with lots of interests and abilities - basically very bright people. 2. If you teach young people lots of research skills in various disciplines they are in a good position to understand what constitutes research and go on to do their own. 3. Many important research areas today are inherently interdisciplinary and so require that kind of foundation: sustainability, human-computer interaction, digital health, energy, transport etc, etc. And how does this relate to the next generation of #ArtsAndSciences degrees and our wonderful venture at LIS: The London Interdisciplinary School? When Ed Fidoe and I discussed the vision 6+ years ago, we didn't have 'PhD factory' high on our list! We want students to graduate from LIS with outstanding employment opportunities and an enhanced idea of what is possible for them. This is now happening with our wonderful first cohorts of graduates (see the LinkedIn posts!). But the bullets above apply to getting great jobs just as much as doing PhDs. So I won't be that surprised if some LIS graduates choose the latter in a few years!

A #PhD is not just another university degree, it is #work experience. So when you see #PhD on someone's #CV, think years of work experience as a #researcher. So many people don't know what a #PhD is. Many think that it's a form of #degree, similar to an #undergraduate, where you take a series of #lectures and #classes and do in-depth learning in subjects. Like being a student for a few more years. It's called being a #PhdStudent after all! But this couldn't be further from the truth! A #PhD is a job as a researcher. True, you're not a researcher after 1 day on the job, but like any new job, you start off learning the ropes and you gain experience over the months and years that you do it. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that the job of a researcher is only relevant for #academia. There are around 60 million full-time researchers employed globally and only 1/3 of them are in #academia, and 2/3 are in #industry. A #PhD in Europe takes, on average, 3-4 years to complete.So that's 3-4 years of work experience. Think 5-6 years experience if the PhD is in the USA. What do you think? Should a #PhD be considered as work experience or not? Click the reaction buttons and share your thoughts.

To the aspiring students of RPHSS, here's a heartfelt message of encouragement as you embark on your academic journey: May the fire of your curiosity burn bright! Let this be a time of exploration, discovery, and intellectual growth. Embrace the challenges, delve deep into the subjects that ignite your passion, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember, education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about nurturing your unique perspective and shaping your potential to make a positive impact on the world. Remember, the road ahead may not always be smooth, but with perseverance and dedication, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Seek guidance from your teachers and mentors, learn from your peers, and most importantly, believe in yourself. Let your journey at RPHSS be a transformative experience that equips you not only with academic excellence but also with the critical thinking skills, resilience, and adaptability needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Go forth, RPHSS students, and chase your dreams with unwavering determination! May your intellectual curiosity guide you, your thirst for knowledge propel you forward, and your achievements inspire others.

For all those considering exploring undergraduate admissions in India, the CUET exam might just be your golden ticket! 🌟 CUET (Common University Entrance Test) is a game-changer, offering a single test that unlocks opportunities at over 250 colleges and universities across the country. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to simplify your college admissions journey and expand your horizons. Stay ahead of the curve with CUET! Here’s why one should consider CUET: 1️⃣ Efficiency: Instead of juggling multiple entrance exams for different institutions, CUET streamlines the process, saving you time and effort. 2️⃣ Diverse Options: With access to such a wide array of colleges and universities, you have the flexibility to explore various fields of study and find the perfect fit for your academic goals. 3️⃣ Plan B: Having a backup plan is always wise. CUET provides a reliable alternative, ensuring you have options if your primary choices don’t pan out. 4️⃣ 12th NCERT Syllabus: CUET is based on the familiar 12th NCERT syllabus, making it more accessible for students and easing the preparation process. 📚 #CUET #UndergraduateAdmissions #EducationOpportunities #PlanB #CollegeEntranceExam

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Hello LinkedIn Friends! I officially start my EDLD doctoral courses next week! I have been thinking about what I would like to do for my dissertation for quite some time and would love some insight and feedback on my ideas. Here is what I am thinking: Community College Life for Non-Traditional Students: How Engagement Contributes to Retention & Sense of Belonging. Challenges and Barriers to Student Life and Engagement at Community Colleges. How to Build a Sense of Belonging and Connection: Theories and Practices to Facilitate a Student's Sense of Belonging. I look forward to your feedback!

Is it possible to do a PhD without a masters degree? Is a question that many of my Kenyan folks have been asking me whenever I tell my story of how I skipped masters and enrolled into a PhD program straight from undergrad. Although there are exceptions, the simple answer is yes, it's possible. In this episode of GN Inspire, I explain how that happened so you can also try, if you want to. https://lnkd.in/dHith2eY #highereducation #gradschool #phdlife #thephdjourney #gninspire

🌟 2nd PU Science classes starts on this April. Don't miss the chance to fuel your passion for knowledge and secure your spot. Enroll today and embark on your journey to academic excellence! 🚀 #ScienceClass #Education #tttacademy"