The Wonkhe Show

Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Jonathan Simons, Partner at Public First, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, dive into critical issues in higher education. They discuss the University of Sussex's hefty fine for free speech violations and the complexities surrounding academic freedom. The conversation then shifts to the controversial rise of franchising in education, exploring its potential pitfalls and the urgent need for reform. Insights reveal how these challenges impact student welfare and institutional accountability in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In a vibrant discussion, Mark Peace, a Professor of Innovation in Education, and Jimena Alamo, President of the University of Bath Students’ Union, dive into the financial crisis impacting Scotland's universities. They question whether free education can endure amid funding challenges. The duo explores commuter students' obstacles, the need for ethical campus spaces, and how AI may reshape academic standards. They also advocate for flexibility in curricula and innovative solutions to enhance student engagement in higher education.

This week features Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association of Colleges, Janice Kay, former Provost of the University of Exeter, and James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. They dive into the implications of the government’s free speech act and its impact on academic discourse. The conversation highlights how crucial graduates are to the government’s industrial strategy and exposes the inequalities in student maintenance support, urging for overdue reforms. It’s an engaging exploration of higher education's evolving landscape!

Brooke Storer-Church, CEO at GuildHE, and Neil Mackenzie, CEO at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, dive into the evolving landscape of higher education. They discuss Edward Peck's appointment as Chair of OfS and its implications for governing bodies. The conversation also unpacks critical amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, particularly around zero-hours contracts, and examines the shift from knowledge to skills in university curricula to meet economic demands. Together, they navigate pressing issues regarding student experiences and institutional sustainability.

Mark Bennett, Director for Audience Insight at FindAUniversity, Sarah Chaytor, Head of Policy for Higher Education Research at the British Academy, and Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, dive into the evolving landscape of higher education. They discuss new leadership changes at UKRI and RFS, highlighting implications for funding and policy. A significant rise in generative AI use among students sparks debate on adapting assessments. Lastly, challenges with post-study work visas are explored, raising concerns about international recruitment in a shifting immigration landscape.

Andy Westwood, a policy expert from the University of Manchester, Emma Maslin, a senior officer at AMOSSHE focusing on student support, and Livia Scott, a partnerships coordinator at Wonkhe, discuss vital issues in Welsh higher education. They explore the implications of the Welsh government’s new funding and the alarming rise of student mental health issues. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration among universities and healthcare systems to enhance mental health strategies and tackle the growing regulatory burdens impacting student protection.

This week on the podcast universities failing to promote diversity will face funding cuts – so said The Times. We chat through the controversy building around the REF. Plus we look at what the sector is asking for in the spending review, and consider the government’s push for lower-level, shorter apprenticeships.With Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor and President at King's College London, Jess Lister, Director (Education) at Public First, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.Universities UK submits to spending reviewThe barriers that must be removed for degree apprenticeships to meet NHS workforce targetsHigher education institutions have invested time, effort and money in level 7 apprenticeshipsSocieties that are humane are thoughtful about promoting equality, diversity and inclusionPredictably bad education Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students.With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students.With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Fairness and protection for students is coming – but not for those that need it nowShaping higher education for commuter studentsFilling their boots? The rationale for growing loss-making home student numbersHonesty and accuracy is about to get even more importantFlow - Official TrailerOIA- Student transfersAnother way of thinking about the national assessment of people, culture, and environment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher Education at the National Union of Students, discusses the impact of university funding cuts on student rights and experiences. Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, highlights the importance of inclusivity in campus climate. James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, shares insights on the rising challenges facing higher education, including student recruitment complexities and internationalization efforts. The trio emphasizes urgent action needed amidst governmental inaction and the implications of financial pressures.

Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association of Heads of University Administration, and Dani Payne, Senior Researcher at the Social Market Foundation, join to discuss critical issues in higher education. They tackle the government's reluctance to increase funding, the tightrope international students walk under UKVI's new attendance rules, and the rising financial hardships students face that hinder their educational pursuits. Both guests advocate for a reintroduction of maintenance grants, pondering if they could alleviate the financial stress many students endure.