Cultivating Compassion in Higher Education: A Review of "Becoming A Student Ready College"7/28/2023 Introduction: In "Becoming A Student Ready College," Tia Brown McNair, et al., issue a timely and vital call to action for higher education institutions. This second edition of the book builds upon the authors' expertise, including Tia Brown McNair, an esteemed educator and leader. The book emphasizes the importance of a top-down expression of belief in students while acknowledging that it alone is not enough. A student-ready campus requires intentional, heart-felt, and mindful commitment from everyone working within the institution, from ground-level staff to top-level administrators. It fosters an environment that keeps an eye on the horizon and welcomes new ideas from beyond the institution. Summary: The book presents a comprehensive perspective on reshaping higher education leadership. It advocates for a student-centered culture, where student success and well-being are at the forefront of decision-making. "Becoming A Student Ready College" emphasizes the power of intentional partnerships and collaborations with external stakeholders to enhance the student experience. The authors highlight the significance of fostering trust and innovation through collective ownership and shared responsibility among faculty, staff, and administrators. By embracing compassionate and brave leadership, colleges can create an empowering environment where students can thrive. Big Three Takeaways:
Conclusion: "Becoming A Student Ready College" is a vital resource that encourages higher education leaders to embrace compassion and intentional partnerships. As we prioritize student success and well-being, we forge a path towards a student-ready campus that supports every learner on their journey. By breaking down misconceptions and championing compassionate leadership, we can create a transformative environment where opportunities abound for every student. Together, let's shape a new culture of leadership that embraces compassion, understanding, and growth, not only within our institutions but also in the broader landscape of higher education. #EmbraceCompassion #StudentReadyCampus #TheClarkCommunique "The vision of student capacity to to learn or preparation to learn is inseparable from a vision of education for equity, social justice, academic and social mobility, and democratic well-being." - Tia Brown McNair, et al.
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Introduction: As a seasoned administrator and passionate educator, I embarked on a journey through "The Great Upheaval: Higher Education's Past, Present, and Uncertain Future," a thought-provoking book recommended to me by my former supervisor, whose insights have always been invaluable. Authored by Arthur Levine and Scott Van Pelt, this work offers a comprehensive analysis of the higher education landscape, delving into its historical context, present challenges, and the uncertainties it faces in the digital age. Part I - Looking Backward: The authors skillfully guide readers through a transformative narrative, beginning with a look backward at the historical development of higher education. As a trained historian, I particularly appreciated the connections drawn between the patterns of slow adaptation and loss of relevance in the past and the potential dangers of repeating these mistakes in the present. It served as a stark reminder that we must learn from history to avoid being left behind by the rapidly evolving knowledge economy. Part II - Looking Forward: In the following chapters, Levine and Van Pelt draw a panoramic view of higher education's future, inspired by the disruptions witnessed in the music, film, and newspaper industries. It becomes evident that institutions must embrace digital technology and evolve to meet the demands of the global, digital, knowledge economy. As they eloquently discuss the impacts of this change, I found myself pondering how higher education will transform, shifting from the traditional time-based and process-focused model to one centered around learner outcomes and competency-based education. Part III - Looking Sideways (A Comparative Analysis): The authors provide a compelling comparative analysis of higher education with other industries, such as music, film, and newspapers. They discuss the disruptive effects of digital technology and how the same forces that reshaped these industries will also influence higher education. It is a wake-up call for educators and administrators to recognize that resisting change is no longer an option. In a world where consumer choice and competency-based education are gaining prominence, institutions must adapt or face obsolescence. Part IV - Looking at the Panorama: The authors bring together the observations from the previous sections to paint a cohesive picture of higher education's future. The headline for the story is clear: higher education will change profoundly to meet the demands of the digital knowledge economy. I am reminded of the importance of recognizing the purpose of higher education and embracing new models that prioritize outcomes and personalized learning. It is a call to action for all stakeholders, policy-makers, and funders to work collaboratively and speed up the transition towards a more adaptive and responsive higher education system. Coursera and the Road Ahead: One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of adaptability. Higher education institutions must confront internal resistance and work around it, incentivizing those who embrace change and innovation. As an administrator, I believe it is crucial to foster an environment that encourages experimentation and welcomes new ideas. Platforms like Coursera offer an exciting glimpse into the future, with competency-based education and personalized certification becoming increasingly popular. I was so intrigued that I created an account and plan to enroll in the Spanish course sequence to refresh my language skills, both personally and professionally. Embracing such innovative approaches is essential as we navigate the uncertainties of higher education's future. Conclusion: "The Great Upheaval" is a must-read for educators, administrators, and policy-makers in higher education. Arthur Levine and Scott Van Pelt have crafted a compelling analysis that calls for transformative action. They invite us to face the uncertainties of the future with an open mind, acknowledging that the challenges ahead will require collective efforts and adaptive responses. The transformation of higher education is underway, and this book serves as a guiding light for those seeking to shape its positive trajectory. It is an inspiring call to action for all hands on deck – to continue the momentum gained during the pandemic and prepare higher education for a thriving future. #HigherEducation #HigherEdInsights #BookReview #Coursera #CompetencyBasedEducation #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfEducation "Institutions at greatest risk are regional universities and community colleges." - Arthur Levine and Scott Van Pelt Embarking on the journey of reading "Faculty Incivility: The Rise of the Academic Bully Culture and What to Do About It" by Darla J. Twale and Barbara M. De Luca was a decision I hesitated to make for years. The sensitive nature of the topic, coupled with the complexities inherent in higher education, left me uncertain about delving into the world of faculty incivility. However, I realized that avoiding this conversation would only perpetuate the problem. Published in 2008, the authors, both long-serving faculty members, provide an insightful exploration of the reasons behind the rise of the academic bully culture. Their expertise in higher education leadership adds weight to their analysis, making this book an essential read for those within the higher education industry. As I delved into the chapters, it became apparent that the incivility plaguing our academic institutions has only grown in recent years. Twale and De Luca adeptly highlight the systemic issues and cultural dynamics that contribute to this disheartening trend. They emphasize the need to uncover the personal, social, cultural, organizational, and structural factors that have fostered the development of an academic bully culture. This culture extends beyond mere incivility; it encompasses bullying, mobbing, camouflaged aggression, and harassment within the academic workplace. The authors challenge our perceptions, reminding us that the interpretation of what is considered civil or uncivil lies in the perception of the receiver, not the sender. One of the profound realizations from the latter chapters is the extent to which fear permeates the academic environment. Bullies create a culture of fear that hinders necessary change and innovation. Faculty members, both senior and junior, find themselves caught in a web of power imbalances and retaliatory acts. The tenure and promotion process becomes a breeding ground for incivility, as bullies infiltrate committees and exert their dominance. The insidious nature of incivility extends beyond departments and into the very fabric of academia. The authors shed light on the detrimental effects of these behaviors on faculty morale, turnover rates, and overall productivity. It is a wake-up call to acknowledge and address this deep-rooted problem. In Part II of the book, Twale and De Luca dissect the causes of incivility, focusing on the organizational structures and cultural shifts within higher education institutions. They explore the clash between traditional academic values and the increasing influence of corporate culture. The commodification of education and the emphasis on market-driven priorities create tensions that erode collegiality and collaboration. It is here that I was reminded of my experience with Arbinger, Inc. and their Outward Mindset approach. Through a cultural assessment and subsequent trainings, including my facilitator training at Western Wyoming Community College (Western), I witnessed the transformative power of addressing underlying issues and fostering a mindset shift. Twale and De Luca's recommendations for comprehensive workplace harassment policies, faculty codes of conduct, and culture assessments align closely with the transformative work initiated by organizations like Arbinger, Inc. and supported by institutions such as Western. This alignment emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, open dialogue, and ongoing training to counteract the toxic elements of the academic bully culture. Faculty Incivility serves as a poignant reminder that acknowledging the existence of a problem is the first step towards its resolution. To combat the academic bully culture, we must start the conversation within our institutions. This book offers valuable insights and calls for action. It is an invitation for faculty members, administrators, and policymakers to engage in critical discussions about incivility, its consequences, and strategies for creating a culture of respect and collaboration. By fostering awareness, promoting training, and implementing proactive measures, we can pave the way for a healthier academic environment that values diversity, empathy, and shared responsibility. In conclusion, Faculty Incivility is an eye-opening exploration of the academic bully culture that has permeated higher education institutions. The authors' extensive research, combined with their personal experiences as faculty members, provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face. It is a testament to their commitment to addressing a difficult and sensitive topic. As members of the higher education community, we have a collective responsibility to confront and eradicate faculty incivility. Let us heed the call to action presented in this book and strive towards creating a more inclusive, supportive, and respectful academic culture. #SilentStruggles #FacultyIncivilityAwareness #AcademicBullying #HigherEdCulture #BreakingtheSilence #TransformingHigherEd #CreatingChange #AcademicWorkplace #CivilityMatters #TheClarkCommunique "Bullying acts and mob behavior are inconsistent with the normative expectations of a civil society regardless of what an academic culture has come to define as normative." - Darla J. Twale and Barbara M. De Luca Marjorie Hass' "A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" is an insightful and empowering resource that resonates deeply with women aspiring to leadership roles in academia. Through her own experiences and mentorship, Hass provides invaluable guidance and practical advice to navigate the challenges faced by women in senior administrative positions.
From the very beginning, the book emphasizes the need for courageous leadership in higher education. Hass highlights the importance of women leaders supporting and empowering one another, as well as the challenges they may encounter in a patriarchal system. She candidly discusses issues such as power dynamics, gender biases, and the delicate balance between vulnerability and resilience. Hass addresses the significance of finding joy in one's work, despite the numerous roadblocks and high expectations women often face. She emphasizes the need for authenticity, transparency, and effective communication in leadership roles. The book also delves into the complexities of managing conflicts, overcoming barriers to happiness, and cultivating work-life alignment to avoid burnout. One of the book's notable strengths is its practical approach to leadership development. Hass emphasizes the importance of building diverse and loyal teams, fostering positive relationships with constituents, and developing strong communication strategies. She also provides guidance on crucial skills such as crisis management, strategic thinking, and budgeting, underscoring the importance of building a skilled and cohesive senior leadership group. "A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" is a valuable resource that not only equips women with the necessary tools and insights to navigate the challenges of leadership in academia but also encourages them to embrace their unique strengths and lead with integrity. As I reflect on my own career aspirations, I find Hass' guidance and personal anecdotes both relatable and inspiring. Her emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment and leaving a legacy for future leaders resonates deeply with my own values. In conclusion, Marjorie Hass' "A Leadership Guide for Women in Higher Education" serves as a compelling and practical resource for women seeking leadership roles in academia. Through her candid insights and mentorship, Hass guides readers through the intricacies of navigating power dynamics, finding joy in their work, and developing the necessary skills to lead with integrity. This book is not only an invaluable resource for personal and professional growth but also a testament to the strength and resilience of women in higher education leadership. |
AuthorDr. Jess Clark is a trained historian and higher education leader passionate about leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance learning experiences. A lifelong learner and servant leader, she empowers educators in the digital age. Through her blog, she shares expertise on educational leadership, curriculum development, and integrating technology in higher education, inspiring administrators and educators. Dr. Clark's commitment to embracing emerging technologies like AI reflects her belief in technology's transformative power in shaping the future of education. Archives
April 2024
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