EdUp Provost

32. The Future of Faculty Development Is Equity-Centered: A Conversation with Daniel Reinholz

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Daniel Reinholz discusses the challenges and strategies for institutionalizing equity in education through Equity Learning Communities (ELCs). He emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches, faculty buy-in, and the need for ongoing support and resources to foster meaningful change in teaching practices. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in education, the limitations of traditional faculty development models, and the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting equity. Dr. Reinholz shares insights on measuring long-term success and navigating resistance to inclusive teaching practices, ultimately envisioning a future where equity is integral to the educational experience.
Takeaways
Equity work is challenging and requires ongoing commitment.
Workshops alone often lack lasting impact on teaching practices.
Data can motivate faculty to change their teaching methods.
Faculty buy-in is crucial for successful equity initiatives.
Equity Learning Communities can scale successes across institutions.

31. Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Students in a Time of Change: A Conversation with Michael R. Woodford, Antonio Duran, Tin D. Vo, and Corey W. Johnson

This conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner explores the current state of 2SLGBTQ+ students in Canada, focusing on the challenges they face, particularly at the intersections of race, disability, and socioeconomic status. The discussion highlights the impact of recent policy changes on trans rights and the importance of creating affirming environments within educational institutions. The role of institutional leadership in fostering inclusion amidst political tensions is emphasized, along with actionable ways for allies to support 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The conversation concludes with book recommendations that inspire resilience and hope.
Takeaways
The needs of 2SLGBTQ+ students are growing due to various societal pressures.
Intersectionality plays a crucial role in the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ students.
Recent policy changes are likely to harm trans rights and student experiences.
Creating affirming environments is essential for student well-being.
Institutional leadership must actively support 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.

31. Closing the Career Readiness Gap: A Conversation with Mike Wysocki

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Mike Wysocki discusses the critical need for integrating career readiness into higher education. He emphasizes the importance of intentional career planning, the role of faculty in mentoring students, and the necessity of developing professional skills alongside academic knowledge. The dialogue explores how institutions can better prepare students for their future careers by embedding career exploration early in their educational journey and fostering connections between academic programs and career services. In this conversation, Mike Wysocki and Gregor Thuswaldner discuss the critical importance of career readiness skills in education. They explore the gaps in current educational practices, emphasizing the need for real-world experience, networking opportunities, and institutional support for students. The dialogue highlights the necessity for academic institutions to adapt to changing job markets and to provide flexible career education that prepares students for future careers, including those that do not yet exist. They also touch on the importance of alumni networks and the role of provosts in enhancing career guidance for students.
Takeaways
Career readiness is essential for students in higher education.
Many institutions maintain a division between career services and academic affairs.
Students often drift into careers without proper exploration.
Career exploration classes should be offered to students.
Professors play a crucial role in mentoring students.

30. Defending Diversity and Academic Freedom: A Conversation with Marybeth Gasman

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Marybeth Gasman discusses the urgent challenges facing HBCUs and minority-serving institutions in the current political climate. She emphasizes the importance of leadership in standing up against fear and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. The discussion also covers the impact of recent executive orders on higher education policies, the financial challenges faced by HBCUs, and the significance of maintaining the designation of minority-serving institutions. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Gasman discusses the critical importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, particularly in the context of faculty hiring and systemic racism. She addresses the challenges posed by political pushback against DEI initiatives and emphasizes the need for institutions to remain committed to these values. Dr. Gasman also highlights the significance of academic freedom in fostering critical thinking and the role of academic leaders in protecting this freedom. Additionally, she shares personal strategies for resilience in the face of adversity and recommends impactful literature that inspires and informs.
Takeaways
Many people are afraid in today's political climate.
Leaders of minority-serving institutions must be strategic.
HBCUs have a history of resistance and moral leadership.
Executive orders are reshaping higher education policies.
HBCUs serve a large number of low-income students.

29. Crisis Management in Higher Education: A Conversation with Simon Barker

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Simon Barker discusses the critical role of crisis management in higher education, emphasizing the importance of proactive leadership and the need for institutions to align their responses with core values. He highlights the role of provosts in reputation management, the challenges of institutional neutrality, and the necessity of engaging students in meaningful dialogue. Barker also addresses the current political climate and its impact on higher education, advocating for a strategic approach to uphold free speech while maintaining campus safety. In this conversation, Simon Barker discusses the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions, particularly in the context of crisis management and reputational risk. He emphasizes the importance of proactive strategies, effective communication, and engaging faculty in identifying and addressing potential issues. The discussion also highlights the need for universities to articulate their value to policymakers and the public, especially amidst increasing scrutiny and pressure from external forces. Barker introduces the Reputational Risk Maturity Model as a framework for institutions to assess their readiness for crises and improve their overall governance and response capabilities.
Takeaways
Higher education leaders often underestimate reputational risk.
Proactive leadership can mitigate reputational harm during crises.
The perception of a university's response is crucial in crisis management.
Provosts play a vital role in managing reputational risk.
Institutional neutrality should not prevent leaders from addressing relevant issues.

28. The White House vs. the Academy: A Conversation with Peter F. Lake

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Peter Lake discusses the current political climate affecting higher education, focusing on the legal vulnerabilities institutions face, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. They explore the implications of recent political actions on DEI, the challenges of maintaining free speech and institutional neutrality, and the increasing necessity for legal expertise in higher education leadership. The discussion highlights the tension between legal mandates and the need for inclusive environments, as well as the chilling effect on academic freedom and speech. Drs. Lake and Thuswaldner discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, focusing on the legal challenges institutions face, the internal threats to education, and the implications of political pressures on faculty and funding. They explore the responsibilities universities have under Title VI, the impact of judicial trends, and the future of academic leadership amidst these challenges. The discussion emphasizes the need for legal awareness and strategic planning in navigating the complexities of modern higher education.
Takeaways
Higher education is facing unprecedented political scrutiny.
Legal vulnerabilities for colleges are increasing due to political actions.
DEI initiatives are under significant threat at both state and federal levels.
The concept of neutrality in higher education is becoming increasingly complex.
Legal expertise is becoming essential for higher education leaders.

27. Transforming Learning with AI and Campus Collaboration: A Conversation with Adam Pryor

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Adam Pryor explores the initiatives and challenges surrounding the integration of AI in higher education, focusing on programs like All Campus Essentials and Build Your Own AI. Dr. Pryor discusses the structure of these programs, the level of participation, and the various ways campuses are adopting AI tools to enhance teaching and learning. The conversation also delves into the challenges institutions face, ethical considerations, and strategies for faculty and staff development. Dr. Pryor shares insights on collaboration among campuses and the metrics used to assess the success of these initiatives, concluding with reflections on the future of AI in education.
Takeaways
The All Campus Essentials program consists of four webinars designed to build a baseline understanding of AI.
Participation in the All Campus Essentials program exceeded expectations with 12,000 participants from 90 campuses.
The Build Your Own program focuses on project management and data cleaning for AI projects.
AI can help institutions interrogate data and improve decision-making processes.
There is a growing divide between AI users and non-users in higher education.

26. The Art of Disagreement and Navigating Political Pressures: A Conversation with John D. Inazu

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. John Inazu discusses the critical themes of pluralism and disagreement within the context of higher education. He emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to engage with differing viewpoints and the necessity of building trust within academic communities. The discussion also touches on the political pressures faced by universities, the impact of federal funding, and the challenges posed by DEI initiatives. Dr. Inazu advocates for a proactive approach to fostering pluralism and suggests practical steps for provosts to create a culture of constructive disagreement.
Takeaways
Pluralism is essential for a healthy democracy.
Disagreement should be taught as a skill in education.
Trust is foundational for meaningful dialogue.
Universities must clarify their mission to foster pluralism.
Small seminar settings are ideal for teaching disagreement.

25. “Hacking College:” A Conversation with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson

In this conversation, EdUp Provost host Gregor Thuswaldner engages with Ned Scott Laff and Scott Carlson, co-authors of 'Hacking College,' to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education. They challenge the traditional focus on college majors, advocating for a broader perspective that emphasizes personalized fields of study and experiential learning. The discussion covers the need for cultural shifts in curriculum design, the importance of proactive advising, and strategies to streamline transfer processes. They also highlight the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in creating unique educational paths for students. In this conversation, Laff and Carlson discuss the challenges and opportunities in higher education, focusing on student persistence, mentorship, and the need for cultural change within institutions. They emphasize the importance of leveraging campus resources and creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The discussion also highlights various case studies that illustrate the diverse experiences of students and the potential for positive change through innovative strategies.
Takeaways
The major is often a limiting frame for students.
Students should view their education as a field of study, not just a major.
The empty college degree raises questions about the value of education.
Provosts can influence cultural dynamics without structural changes.
Advising should empower students to take control of their education.
 

24. "How to Mentor Anyone in Academia:" A Conversation with Maria LaMonaca Wisdom

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Maria LaMonaca Wisdom discusses her book, 'How to Mentor Anyone in Academia,' exploring the evolving landscape of mentorship in higher education. She emphasizes the need to challenge traditional mentorship models, advocate for a coaching mindset, and address the unique needs of diverse mentees. The discussion also covers the importance of recognizing and rewarding mentoring contributions, navigating power dynamics, and adapting mentorship practices in a hybrid academic environment.
Takeaways
Mentorship is often assumed but rarely explicitly discussed.
The traditional guru model of mentorship is outdated.
Mentors should focus on developing mentees' self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
Institutions need to support faculty in shifting their mentoring approaches.
Mentoring should be recognized as a form of leadership.