EdUp Provost

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Tricia Bertram Gallant and Dr. David A. Rettinger explore the importance of academic integrity in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift in educational institutions. They discuss how provosts can support faculty and students in viewing integrity as a learning goal rather than merely a rule to follow. Dr. Bertram Gallant and Dr. Rettinger highlight the challenges faced by faculty in redesigning courses and assessments, the role of AI in shaping academic integrity policies, and innovative assessment methods that promote integrity. The discussion also touches on the need for effective training and support for faculty to integrate integrity into their teaching practices. Dr. Rettinger and Dr. Bertram Gallant discuss the evolving landscape of higher education, emphasizing the need for academic integrity and ethical reasoning in students. They explore the challenges faced by educators in adapting to new educational paradigms and the importance of intentional teaching of ethical decision-making skills. The discussion also touches on generational differences in perceptions of academic integrity and offers actionable steps for institutions to foster a culture of integrity. Takeaways• Faculty need time and support to address integrity.• Provosts can influence institutional integrity policies.• Learning should be the focus of integrity policies.• AI tools present both challenges and opportunities.• Course design must prioritize student engagement.

In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, Dr. Emmanuel Nartey discusses the transformative potential of Generative AI in higher education, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, equity, and ethical considerations. He outlines the guiding principles for integrating AI into teaching and learning, advocating for a shift from traditional assessment methods to innovative pedagogical approaches that prioritize personal development and lifelong learning. The discussion also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, urging institutions to embrace change and prepare students for a future where AI plays a significant role. In this conversation, Dr. Nartey discusses the ethical use of AI in education, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. He explores how educators can balance AI's benefits with the need for critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. The discussion also covers the necessity of faculty development programs to facilitate AI integration in teaching practicesTakeaways• Generative AI can redefine teaching and learning.• AI should be used ethically and responsibly in education.• Inclusivity and equity are crucial in integrating AI.• Assessment should evolve beyond traditional methods.• Transparency in AI usage is essential for academic integrity.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.