Extracurricular activities are powerful tools for building belongingEncourage students to get involved in societies, participate in sports and engage in formal extracurricular programmes to foster a sense of belonging within the student communityNatalie K. D. Seedan The University of the West Indies
Redefining the university library for 2025 and beyondThrough the advent of the internet, digitisation and artificial intelligence, libraries’ purpose in supporting their users’ success remains unchanged. So, how can academic libraries transform their services to meet evolving needs? Tyler WaltersVirginia Tech
A survival guide for academic department leadersAdministrators walk a line between support for faculty and accountability for performance, writes Saleem H. Ali. Here, he offers six tips for building good governance and legacySaleem H. AliUniversity of Delaware
Faculty must stand together to confront the American illiberal perilWhat happens now that university presidents are willing to stand up individually and collectively in the face of governmental hostility? Chris Dietrich examines the historical context leading up to it and suggests some ways to resistChris DietrichFordham University
Protecting your work – and your values – in US higher educationWith US higher education under attack from the federal government, what can scholars do to ensure their research is preserved and to stand up for academic freedom? Lisa Schiff, a co-author of the Declaration to Defend Research Against US Government Censorship, explainsLisa SchiffIndependent academic
A step-by-step guide to developing a high-impact online courseWant to design an online course that your students engage with, that supports diverse learning styles and is seamless to navigate for both educator and student? Here’s how to structure the processMichael Okrent , Susan WeeseColorado State University Global
Using small-scale ChatGPT integration to introduce online students to GenAIIntegration of ChatGPT into online learning does not have to be a huge project. A small-scale, flexible writing task can address your students’ needs. But if they are working professionals, you should know their capacity for using technologyJonathan ZaccariniColumbia University
Guard rails to mitigate ethical concerns for AI useArtificial intelligence can vastly improve productivity and advance innovation, but integrating AI into academia brings significant ethical implications. These policies and procedures could help mitigate these concernsQin ZhuVirginia Tech
Only a human will do: when to eschew AI in teaching and researchArtificial intelligence tools have streamlined processes and accelerated innovations – efficiencies not lost on higher education. But at times, we need to prioritise human judgement and involvement, as Qin Zhu explainsQin ZhuVirginia Tech
Teaching students how to spot scientific misinformationEducators play a vital role in equipping students with the tools to critically evaluate headlines, interpret data responsibly and assess research methodologies. Learn strategies to help students develop these skillsBradford VivianPenn State College of the Liberal Arts
The power of international collaborations in the semiconductor fieldSemiconductors are essential for modern electronic devices, AI hardware and economic efficiency and growth. How can we catalyse continued progress and innovation in this field? International collaborations are key, as Cindy Yi explainsYang “Cindy” YiVirginia Tech
The power of a 30-minute meetingOne-to-one coaching sessions with students are an ideal forum to share individualised feedback, advice for academic and professional growth, and ways to build learner self-efficacy and confidence. Here’s how they support student success in a global classroomR. Katherine Samford, Kendall NelsonGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
THE podcast: how to achieve research excellence – and protect itLearn what contributes to quality research across an institution and how that work should be kept secureMarcus Munafò, Jacqueline LittlewoodThe University of Bristol, University of Alberta
How to create an environment your employees can thrive inCreating a workplace culture your employees can develop and grow in requires intentional leadership. Here’s how to cultivate a nurturing environment and reap the benefitsJudy HolmesColorado State University Global
Techniques for designing and managing international collaborationsAn effective international initiative can benefit a whole host of stakeholders – universities, industry leaders, students, wider communities. But how do we get to success? Cindy Yi looks at the opportunities and challenges of international collaborations using a real-world exampleYang “Cindy” YiVirginia Tech
Beyond exam panic: rethinking the purpose of assessmentsIf students frame assessments in terms of stress, not learning, this raises the question: are universities evaluating students’ growth or simply their ability to perform under pressure? Rahim SomaniUniversity of Northern British Columbia
Ensure AI serves institutions, not the other way aroundWe’d all prefer that AI tools helped us to do research and grade papers rather than take over campuses. Here’s how to develop AI tools for your institution responsiblyCraig J. RamlalThe University of the West Indies
Tips for successful asynchronous teaching: supporting students, part twoAs the most remote form of teaching, asynchronous courses require well-managed communication so students stay on-board and engaged – and understand all the requirements Figen MekikGrand Valley State University
THE podcast: the tricky relationship between assessment and learningHear three US academic experts discuss what role assessment should play in higher education and how it can be improvedSusan D. Blum, Catherine Wehlburg, Josh EylerUniversity of Notre Dame, Athens State University, University of Mississippi
Digital humanities 101What makes ‘digital humanities’ different from ‘traditional humanities’, and how could it make your classroom more collaborative and creative?Sarah KetchleyUniversity of Washington, University of Maryland Global Campus
Tips for successful asynchronous teaching: creating engaging content, part one Despite its flexibility and ability to reach across distance and time zones, asynchronous teaching is still seen as subpar when compared with in-person or even synchronous online courses. However, done well, it offers surprising advantages, as Figen Mekik explainsFigen MekikGrand Valley State University
Become a better mentor by asking yourself these questionsOur mentees face a far more complex educational, social and geopolitical landscape than we did, and we must practise humility in the face of that reality, writes Maria LaMonaca Wisdom. In this piece, she explores how self-reflection enhances effective mentorship.Maria LaMonaca WisdomDuke University
What makes a university extension programme stand out?A holistic approach to extension courses that includes easy access to information, personalised support, workforce development assistance and end-to-end engagement will help institutions shine in a crowded marketJaimie RushUniversity of La Verne
The power of positivity: how a simple question went viralThe viral success of a social media post offers insights on how universities can use simple, authentic and emotionally resonant content to drive engagement and strengthen communityAndrew Lam, Riley PhillipsUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Assessment or measurement?Authentic assessments and measurements serve distinct purposes in understanding student success in higher education. Here’s why equating the two can undermine the depth and quality of student learningHeather Strine-PattersonVirginia Tech
Universities must evolve from degree-granting hubs to social anchorsHigher education institutions can be incubators for ethical leadership, lifelong learning ecosystems and community partnerships, writes Rahim SomaniRahim SomaniUniversity of Northern British Columbia
THE podcast: why we need interdisciplinarity in teaching and researchInterdisciplinary thinking is crucial to addressing complex questions but how should it work in practice? Two leading academic proponents of cross-disciplinary working draw on their own groundbreaking scholarship to explainGabriele Bammer, Kate CrawfordAustralian National University, USC Annenberg, Microsoft Research Lab (MSR) New York
An AI toolkit for all aspects of academic lifeHarness the power of technology to reshape the tasks that make up your day. Here are the best AI tools to use in higher educationUrbi GhoshColorado State University Global
Building a culture of care to support students’ mental healthMental health support is a community-wide concern, which includes easy-to-access counselling, staff awareness and training, an empathetic environment and community hubs, writes Amy EpperleyAmy EpperleyVirginia Tech
Navigating uncertainty with interdisciplinary teachingThe siloed approach to education – where students in technical, business, humanities and arts disciplines learn separately – is no longer adequate, writes Lisa McNairLisa McNairVirginia Tech
Lessons from an interdisciplinary community engagement course for engineersSTEM curricula in the US don’t often expose students to perspectives on culture, history and power nor equip them with effective community engagement skills. Here, an instructor and students share lessons from designing and teaching an interdisciplinary course that sought to address that gap Ruthie YowGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
Scholarly publishers’ role in fostering collaboration in academiaWith the infrastructure in place to exchange ideas and information, journals can enable scholars to build on their research and accelerate discovery and quality of innovation, as Antonia Pop explainsAntonia PopUniversity of Toronto Press
How to know when students need mental health assistanceAcademic institutions have a rare opportunity to intervene to help students with mental health challenges, but this requires support and training for staff and faculty, writes Amy EpperleyAmy EpperleyVirginia Tech
THE podcast: the pros and cons of AI in higher educationHow should universities manage the rapid uptake of artificial intelligence across all aspects of higher education? We talk to three experts about AI’s impact on teaching, governance and the environmentShaolei Ren, José Antonio Bowen, Shushma PatelUniversity of California, Riverside, Bowen Innovation Group, De Montfort University
Voice, agency and style: what goes missing when AI chats backWe need to teach that imperfect but authentic writing is more valuable than sentences that are polished on the surface, argue three US academics. Here, they share surprise findings from STEM and beyondQian Du, Daniel M. Gross, Patrick HongUniversity of California, Irvine
How to create a higher education AI policyA successful university AI policy guides internal innovation and usage, directs resources and identifies key contacts for emergent needs. Here are the steps and considerations for writing guidelines Eric Scott SembratGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
What a transdisciplinary lens brings to university teachingWhy is it important to integrate knowledge and methodologies across disciplines? Catherine Amelink has recommendations to encourage the student engagement needed to address complex, weighty problemsCatherine AmelinkVirginia Tech
Streamline the literature review process with these tipsWays to make the research, reading and referencing processes smoothNatalie K. D. Seedan The University of the West Indies
Campus webinar: How to boost the public perception of higher educationHear how universities can demonstrate the value of their research, teaching and social impact beyond academia, from senior leaders at Campus+ partner institutions in the US and CanadaSteven W. McLaughlin, Nader Jalili , Rahim SomaniGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities, SMU Lyle School of Engineering, University of Northern British Columbia
Career-connected learning is an investment in the futureA strong reputation for career-connected learning can create a seamless circle for universities, with graduates happy to pave the way for others via the alumni network. But how to get started? Audra SpicerColorado State University Global
A recipe for effective undergraduate research mentorshipStrategies for giving effective feedback, addressing common challenges and fostering a supportive and productive mentor-student relationshipJamie Gilbert Mikell Athens State University
Four objectives to guide artificial intelligence’s impact on higher educationHow can higher education leaders manage both the challenge and the opportunity artificial intelligence presents? Here are four objectives to guide the waySusan C. AldridgeThomas Jefferson University
THE podcast: the benefits of citizen science and community-engaged researchTwo leading academics explain why everyone benefits when researchers look beyond academia to seek greater understanding and new knowledge alongside the broader public or affected communitiesChris Lintott, Neeli BendapudiUniversity of Oxford, Penn State University
An academic’s guide to BlueskyWith many HE professionals making the switch to Bluesky, here are the steps you need to take to get startedWahiba ChairUniversity Canada West
It’s time to embrace digital equityEnsuring digital equity at your institution requires prioritising accessibility and championing digital literacy, among other initiativesKim Brooks, Jody Couch, Ben TaitDalhousie University
Why transfer student programmes are key to expanding accessStudents need and want flexible, affordable pathways into higher education, so universities need to support non-traditional avenues, remove barriers and take the opportunity to reach a more diverse cohort, writes Steve McLaughlinSteven W. McLaughlin, Rick ClarkGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
‘Researchers have a responsibility to publish’ Without publication, advancements in knowledge will be stifled or even halted altogether, writes Walid Saad. Here he explains the many benefits to publishing for established scholars and students alikeWalid SaadVirginia Tech
Trying to decide what, where and when to publish research?It’s a strategic balancing act, writes Walid Saad. While academic researchers often know why it’s important to publish their work, the timing, location and medium can be less evident. These tips are geared to sharing research for maximum effectivenessWalid SaadVirginia Tech
On climate change, are universities part of the problem or part of the solution?As the effects of climate change become increasingly more extreme, fossil fuel interests are preventing transformative change. Where do universities stand?Jennie C. StephensMaynooth University , Northeastern University
‘Generic prompts give students autonomy and flexibility to expand their ideas’Leaving space for students to bring their prior knowledge and experience to a question can help with comprehension in STEM coursesKaren Ho, Douglas B. ClarkMount Royal University, University of Calgary