College Matters from The Chronicle

Political opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs has been building for years, but something happened last October that felt like a turning point. In a deeply reported article for The New York Times Magazine, Nicholas Confessore cast doubt on the effectiveness of one of the nation’s best-funded DEI programs. Titled “The University of Michigan Doubled Down on DEI. What Went Wrong?,” Confessore’s article added fuel to a debate over whether DEI programs are meeting their stated goals or actually making campus climates worse. In an interview with College Matters, Confessore talks about his investigation, and what it meant for The Gray Lady to take a critical view of DEI.Related Reading:  The University of Michigan Doubled Down on DEI. What Went Wrong? (The New York Times Magazine)  Where DEI Efforts Are Ambitious, Well Funded, and Taking Fire From All Sides (The Chronicle)  The Dismantling of DEI (The Chronicle)  Statement from Tabbye Chavous, vice provost for equity and inclusion and chief diversity officer at the University of Michigan Guest: Nicholas Confessore, a political and investigative reporter at The New York Times and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine.For more on today’s episode, visit chronicle.com/collegematters. We aim to make transcripts available within a day of an episode’s publication.

Daarel Burnette II, senior editor at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the complex landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education. He discusses the long-standing push against DEI initiatives, particularly under recent political pressures. The conversation highlights the impact of DEI on marginalized groups, especially Black students, and the establishment of safe spaces. Burnette reflects on the challenges faced by DEI advocates and emphasizes the need for genuine inclusion amidst evolving identity dynamics in academia.

James Kvaal, former under secretary of education in the Biden administration, shares insights on the challenges and achievements of educational policies. He discusses the Biden administration's commitment to student-debt relief amid political opposition. Kvaal reflects on the controversial overhaul of the FAFSA and its impact on financial aid. He addresses public skepticism about higher education's value and the ongoing importance of funding colleges to tackle societal issues like inequality and climate change.

Beth McMurtrie, a Senior Writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the alarming rise of academic dishonesty fueled by AI tools like ChatGPT. She discusses how many students view cheating as a harmless shortcut and the growing concerns among professors about the long-term impact of this mindset. With insights into the challenges of enforcing integrity in a shifting educational landscape, McMurtrie emphasizes the urgent need for institutions to foster a culture of honesty and critical thinking.

Higher education is undergoing a period of intense political, cultural, and technological transformation. We'll dive into all of it on Season 2 of our show, starting January 21st.

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.