By William Johnson. The most effective community service-learning programs are based on theories of experiential education and student development. They connect experiences outside the classroom to academic study. Fundamental to these activities is the incorporated post-service activity reflection — for it is in these structured deliberations that students may make meaning of their experiences, clarify values, form identity, consider their own conceptions of leadership and social responsibility and, as a result, enrich their learning and enhance their civic engagement. More...

By David Kent. For most of our time here on the Black Hole, we have been seen to be criticizing the granting councils, and I am the first to admit that we poke and prod much more than we shower with accolades. The reality is that the nature of scientific research has changed and massive changes are needed in terms of how we educate and train scientists. More...

By Jontahan Thon. The MassCONNECT program was founded by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, which is itself an association of more than 600 biotechnology companies, universities and academic institutions. Their goal is to connect life sciences entrepreneurs with seasoned life sciences professionals to catalyze and commercialize innovation. MassCONNECT takes an altogether different approach to the accelerator model by picking four very early stage companies to work with each session. More...

By Mark Spencer. On what grounds should academic decisions be made?  I mean decisions about hiring, tenure, and promotion, decisions about curricula and standards, about styles of teaching, about admitting students. More...

By Ralph Martin. There is a myth in our society that everyone completing Grade 12 should aspire to attend university, as soon as possible. It’s not true. More...

By Léo Charbonneau. The federal government’s 2015 budget – the last before this fall’s election – contains a number of measures of interest to Canada’s universities. The two key areas highlighted as positive developments by stakeholders include sustained research support and changes to student financial aid. More...

By Léo Charbonneau. More universities are dropping the print editions of their campus newspapers, but that doesn't mean print no longer has a place in publishing. More...