Zak Penn, co-writer of the cult classic 'PCU' and known for films like 'Free Guy,' discusses the film's satirical take on political correctness and its relevance today. He reflects on how 'PCU' humorously critiques student activism, identity politics, and the cultural dynamics of college life. The conversation highlights generational differences in perceptions of activism and the ongoing evolution of campus discourse, making 'PCU' resonate more than ever in today's divisive environment.

Joe Gow, former chancellor of the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse, shares his controversial journey after posting explicit videos online. He discusses balancing personal freedom with professional integrity, highlighting the tension between academic leadership and societal norms. Gow reflects on the complexities of intimacy in his personal life and its impacts on his public role. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about First Amendment rights, academic freedom, and the repercussions faced by individuals straddling dual lives in academia and the adult film industry.

Office hours with an android? We’re not quite there yet, but the science-fiction future of higher education is closer than you might think. Thanks to a slew of new products known as courseware, college professors can practically run a class on autopilot.Related Reading: The Substitute Teacher: Millions of students have to use courseware. Often, the product replaces the professor. The Homework Tax: For students already struggling to afford college, courseware can add to the burden. The ‘Textbook’ That Reads You: When students use courseware, how much personal data is it collecting? Guest: Taylor Swaak, tech and innovation reporter at The Chronicle of Higher EducationFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

In this insightful discussion, Alexander C. Kafka, a senior editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education, delves into the alarming rise of loneliness among college students, drawing parallels between its effects and serious health issues. Kafka explores how technology, the pandemic, and parental involvement exacerbate feelings of isolation. He emphasizes the need for colleges to foster supportive environments and innovative initiatives that promote social connections, while also balancing awareness of mental health without overreacting to common stressors.

During his September debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump amplified a debunked rumor that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people’s pet cats and dogs. Soon, Wittenberg University, a private institution in Springfield, began receiving violent threats. Michael Frandsen, the university’s president, feared the worst — and got an education in the viral power of misinformation.Related Reading:  At 2 Colleges, the Fall Semester Has Been Disrupted by Trump’s Lies About Eating Pets If Trump Wins … His allies are preparing to overhaul higher education. The sector is woefully ill-prepared to defend itself. 4 years of Fighting: Trump vs. Higher Ed Guest: Michael Frandsen, president of Wittenberg UniversityFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

You may not have heard much about higher education in the presidential campaign, but it’s definitely on the ballot.Related Reading:  Rhetoric and Records Shape the Presidential Race College for All? Not Anymore. Obama’s Legacy: An Unlikely Hawk on Higher Education Guest: Rick Seltzer, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher EducationFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make  transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

Outside consultants are helping cash-strapped colleges cut majors, like foreign languages, that once seemed essential — and are taking the heat for those unpopular decisions.Related Reading:  When Cost-Cutting Universities Hire Consultants, Who’s Really Making the Decisions?  Is Higher Ed Growing or Shrinking? Gordon Gee’s Last Stand Guest: David Jesse, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher EducationFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

As president of the U. of Florida, Ben Sasse, a former U.S. senator, steered millions of dollars toward consultants and hired his Republican allies to serve in lucrative jobs. And he threw some expensive parties.Related Reading: Sasse’s spending spree: Former UF president channeled millions to GOP allies, secretive contracts (The Independent Florida Alligator)  Lavish Catering Under Ex-UF President (Fresh Take Florida)  Ben Sasse Spent Far More Than His Predecessor. Including on These Reports.  Ben Sasse is U. of Florida’s Next President. His Critics are Seeing Red.  Guest: Garrett Shanley, reporter for The Independent Florida Alligator / intern at The Chronicle of Higher EducationFor more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters.

Would big-name universities pay a magazine to write puff pieces about them? You bet.Guest: Francie Diep, senior reporter for The Chronicle of Higher Education Related Reading: The Colleges That Pay for Positive Coverage Even for ‘Mad Men’ Obsessives, Higher Ed Marketing Inspires Unease  Welcome to the Sponsored Campus: More parts of the college experience are up for sale than ever before, experts say. For more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters.

A feud among three professors inspired a debate over woke politics in academe.Guest: Emma Pettit, senior reporter for The Chronicle of Higher EducationRelated Reading:  When a Department Self-Destructs: Battles over money. Allegations of racism. A chair ousted.  Weird at My School - Aaron Kunin’s newsletter  For more on today's episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters.