216 pieces
Newest first, since February 2011 · page 8 of 11
· Analysis
How are you doing today? Wonkhe readers’ hopes for wellbeing in post-Covid universities
Our survey of the Wonkhe community over the summer points to widespread hopes in the sector of a more people-focused and less bureaucratic university emerging after the pandemic
· Comment
Technical breakthrough – the moral quandaries of the skills debate
A new essay for Policy Exchange proposes that universities should spearhead higher level skills provision. Debbie McVitty explores the economic and moral arguments driving the skills debate.
· Comment
“This is the time to look out for each other” – averting a Covid retention crisis
Inductions have been extended, hotlines are heating up, and student services are working overtime. Debbie McVitty explores how the sector is supporting students through Covid.
· Comment
Modern universities – beware of the higher technical trap
The government’s higher technical agenda appears to offer a golden opportunity for modern universities. Debbie McVitty weighs up the pros and cons.
· Comment
Is there still a case for national coordination of students’ return to campus?
The time for a national response for higher education to Covid-19 is past – what matters now is effective local collaboration. Debbie McVitty thinks through what might need to be in place to make that happen.
· Comment
Does the tone of ministerial speeches to vice chancellors signal a wider shift?
Debbie McVitty unpacks the secretary of state for education and universities minister’s recent speeches to vice chancellors.
· Policy Watch
USS 2020 valuation promises another difficult year
The USS 2020 valuation technical provisions consultation contains some startling numbers. Debbie McVitty has a go at explaining what’s going on.
· Analysis
What are the Wonkhe community’s hopes for the HE sector post Covid-19?
This year’s Wonkhe community survey asked about hopes for change coming from Covid-19. Debbie McVitty unpacks the responses for national policy.
· Comment
It’s time to think about scrapping A levels entirely
The Ofqual algorithm exposed weaknesses that were already in the system. Debbie McVitty makes the case for scrapping national exams.
· Wonk Corner
Who got the government’s 10,000 extra student numbers?
The government has announced, with some fanfare, allocations of the up to 5,000 additional healthcare places and up to 5,000 places for courses of “strategic importance”.
· Wonk Corner
Innovation in teaching needn’t be in the pursuit of excellence
An evaluation of a HEFCE Catalyst funding round on teaching innovation causes Debbie McVitty to wonder whether metrics help or hinder innovation.
· Comment
White people must commit to antiracist action for the long term
At our #BlackLivesMatterHE event we learned that there’s no comfortable space for white people in antiracism work. White people need to commit, and be prepared to get it wrong.
· SUs · Members
What does Quality mean in the age of coronavirus?
With Wonkhe SUs explainer
· Policy Watch
What is the PhD experience?
A new Hepi report paints a bleak picture of research cultures for PhD candidates. Debbie McVitty compares the findings to PRES to reflect on how the PhD experience is defined and measured.
· Analysis
Admitting mistakes: should the government take control of university admissions?
A new report proposes a radical overhaul of university admissions. Debbie McVitty unpicks the policy bluster and the legitimate challenge.
· Comment
Of knights and knaves – can universities be trusted to navigate through Covid-19?
The UK HE sector has plenty of principles for managing quality during Covid-19, but there’s not much concrete assurance on offer. Debbie McVitty wonders how much that matters.
· Long read
SAGE shows that public trust in science is as live a question as ever
Marking 20 years since a landmark report on public engagement in science, Debbie McVitty explores the state of the discipline.
· Comment
From crisis to creativity: how Covid-19 could change HE governance
Despite the challenges boards of governors are facing, Debbie McVitty discovers an appetite to use the Covid-19 crisis as an opportunity for innovation.
· Analysis
The government’s Covid-19 support package for universities
The government has announced a package of support to stabilise universities in the wake of Covid-19. Debbie McVitty dives into the details.
· Analysis
How can universities climb out of the coming financial abyss?
With the pandemic posing a huge threat to universities over the next year, Debbie McVitty asks what the options will be for a sector looking to stay the course.