"Higher ed cannot restore public trust in colleges and universities unless the sector reckons in a clear-eyed fashion with the causes of the current crisis. Simply put, the fundamental problem is that when the sector or its individual institutions draw public criticism, we are unable either to make quick changes in response, to explain compellingly why we should not do so, or to redirect public attention effectively toward the overall value and purpose of our work."
"Solving this crisis will require a multipronged approach that balances internal reform-although not along the lines of the administration's ill-fated Compact -with better communication and collective defense strategies. Higher education must become better and nimbler at making changes that already have wide support but are held back by parochial interests; better at relentlessly prioritizing engagement with local communities; and better at offering a meaningful welcome to all students, including those with conservative views and others who feel alienated from our institutions."
Public trust in higher education has declined because institutions cannot swiftly implement change, compelingly explain why certain changes should not occur, or redirect public attention to higher education’s overall value and purpose. The remedy requires a multipronged strategy balancing internal reform with improved communication and coordinated collective defense. Higher education must become nimbler in enacting broadly supported changes blocked by parochial interests, prioritize engagement with local communities, and offer meaningful inclusion to all students, including conservatives and alienated groups. The sector must also mount vigorous coordinated defenses when justified and clearly communicate its value.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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