By . Imagine that a big, complicated company holds a huge portfolio of loans, many of which are in default or delinquency. The company’s leadership and some vocal shareholders demand a detailed review but receive a thin and incomplete report from the loan division. Financial analysts at headquarters want to scrutinize the data. But the loan division doesn’t turn it over. Without better data, the firm can’t move forward. Read more...
The Long, Ugly History of Racism at American Universities
By Leslie M. Harris. Demands to rename Tillman Hall at Clemson University, the circulation of a video showing a racist chant at the University of Oklahoma, and the discovery of a fraternity pledge book discussing lynching at North Carolina State University demonstrate how persistent racial issues are on college campuses.
Benjamin Tillman was a post-Civil War politician, racial demagogue, and participant in racial violence who was critical to Clemson University’s founding in the late-nineteenth century.
Tillman was not the only one. The University of North Carolina trustees are considering a request this week to rename Saunders Hall. The building was named in 1922 for William Saunders, a leader of the North Carolina Ku Klux Klan. More...
It’s not all digital in college branding
By Sherrie Negrea. Few of us could imagine where we would be in our institutional branding efforts without the internet and its related marketing and public relations applications. These digital tools have become our “digital front doors,” granting us the ability to effectively and efficiently share content with those eager to learn more about us. More...
BYOD boundaries on campus
By Sherrie Negrea. When students at the University of Georgia returned from winter break five years ago, they inundated the campus computer network with a wave of electronic holiday gifts—smart phones, laptops, tablets, gaming consoles and mini-computers. Within a matter of days, the students had overloaded the computer system and shut it down. More...
Models of Excellence: Connecting the dots for student success
By Melissa Ezarik. The idea of student success has evolved in higher ed, from a concept focused mainly on academic success and graduation rates to one addressing a host of other goals. Campus administrators are working to help students immerse themselves successfully in campus life, manage finances, attain life skills, pursue first jobs and launch fulfilling careers. And officials are doing it all by creating connections across departments, as well as among students. More...
Where Does Our Digital Literacy Come From?

Treat Yo Self Well

Education for which real world?
By G. Rendell. Even if you're not a sustainability wonk, you may remember Cadillac's ad for its plug-in hybrid, shown during the Olympics. I know I do. I love the fact that Cadillac offers a plug-in hybrid, but I still grind my teeth when I think of the ad. Read more...
Skills Students Need
By John Warner. Occasionally, young people come to my campus office and they express a desire to make some kind of life in writing and they want advice.
They come to me because, to them, I appear to be some kind of success.
Heh. Heh. Read more...
On Grading, Assessment and Learning

This is a joke my husband and I had, when we were both surrounded by essays and exams. This was the most unpleasant part of our jobs, and perhaps you would use a stronger word than unpleasant. Read more...