Reimagining HigherEd

Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)

This week Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), joins guest host Prof. Sally Kift, a leader and researcher in student success and equity, to reimagine higher education. This trans-national conversation between two trailblazing leaders offers valuable perspectives on enhancing student success and advancing equity in higher education. They discuss:
Systemic change to redesign institutions around student success
UIA’s focus on setting the conditions for change, via evidence-based work that brings community, inspiration, and purpose
Morale, motivation, and respecting people and their ability to advance change
Data as the “North Star” for student success
And a "magic wand" wish for the sector.

Prof Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of St Andrews; President of Universities UK

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at University of St Andrews, and President of Universities UK, joins host Professor Petra Wend in this episode.
They discuss the hallmarks of a great student experience, notably research-informed teaching and small classes; the impact of sisterhood and formative experiences that shaped Sally’s career; rebalancing the relationship between individual and government funding of the sector; and Sally brings along a cherished book collection, highlighting the ever-evolving experience of learners.

Professor Pal Ahluwalia, VC and President, The University of the South Pacific

Join Professor Pal Ahluwalia, VC and President of The University of the South Pacific, in conversation with Professor Judyth Sachs all about the unique challenges and quirks of leading a university spanning 12 Pacific countries.
The two professors discuss:
Pal’s experiences - culturally, politically, practically - living, learning, and working across Africa, Canada, UK, Australia, and the Pacific
Rethinking delivery of the student experience, with flexibility key for Pasifika students
The impact of depopulation on campus life and the future of quality education
Pal's observations on Australia's changing higher ed landscape, multiculturalism, and optimism
How USP is helping students embrace AI with ethics, to be career-ready.

LIVE recording: Forging a path to student wellbeing - A 'Students First' Symposium

Panel session recorded on 21 October 2024, at 1PM ET, with over 150 registrations and over 100 participants, hosted by Dr. Noreen Golfman, Former Provost and Vice President Academic at Memorial University, and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board member.
Student wellbeing is top-of-mind going into the new school year, accelerated by the rise of AI and the increased isolation of students due to technology and online learning.
Join Dr. Ainsley Carry, Dr. Anne Duffy, and Dr. Andrea Levinson in this open symposium session to explore crucial topics including student support; work, life, and school balance; as well as social connectedness.

Gabriel Miller, President and CEO, Universities Canada

A must-listen episode, as Dr. Noreen Golfman sits down with Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada. Together, they dive into the role of higher education in shaping not just individuals, but society as a whole.
What’s in this episode?
The power of philosophy: Discover the life-changing skills Gabriel gained from his studies and how they apply to today’s educational landscape.
The student experience: Is the ‘essence’ of being a student fading? What do today’s learners need?
Accessibility for all: Explore the importance of keeping higher education open to everyone.
Public support: How can we rally support for universities and their missions?
HE Canada’s educational triumphs: Gabriel reflects on Canadian HigherEd successes - and what lies ahead.
 

Dr. Yousef Al-Assaf, President, Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai

This week, Dr Yousef Al-Assaf, President at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai joins Prof Judyth Sachs for a vibrant conversation centred on how smart, connected, and responsive universities are delivering quality education.
They discuss the birth of the Silicon Oasis; bridging education and industry to create future-ready students; developing unique programs linking community challenges with student solutions; teaching ethics alongside AI; and Yousef uses his 'filter of wisdom' to evaluate university rankings.

Professor Stephen Parker AO, VC and President, University of Canberra

Prof Stephen Parker AO, recently appointed interim VC and President at University of Canberra, sits down with Prof Judyth Sachs to reflect on the sector, including whether the ‘golden age’ has passed for universities.
The two professors discuss the adaptability of universities and whether they can ever really be relevant to industry; domains of knowledge vs disciplines and why young people are specialising too early; the challenges for research due to AI and technology; and Prof Parker gives his advice to non-academic leaders coming in to the sector.
Note: at the time of recording Prof Parker had not yet announced his interim role at UC.

LIVE recording: Shaping our future: voices and insight from Indigenous leadership - a 'Students First' symposium

Panel session recorded on 8 October 2024, at 11:00am AEDT, with nearly 500 registrations and over 270 participants.
In this unique Symposium, renowned Indigenous leadership discussed the national pursuit of equity of access and success in higher education - exploring this year’s Universities Accord and how it could lead to meaningful change, and enhanced support for Indigenous students in Australian higher education.
Your panel:
Adam Goodes, Co-Founder of the GO Foundation 
Prof Braden Hill, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Students, Equity, and Indigenous at Edith Cowan University
Sarah Scott, Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice student at UNSW
and Chaired by Mark Heiss, Deputy CEO at the GO Foundation. Prof Leanne Holt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous at UNSW was sadly unable to join due to illness.Watch the video recording here: https://vimeo.com/1017494376?share=copy 
 

Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, Visiting Professor at Harvard University

Brian Rosenberg, President Emeritus of Macalester College, Visiting Professor at Harvard University, and author of “Whatever It Is, I’m Against It,” joins host Professor Judyth Sachs in this episode. They discuss the role of AI in learning, higher education’s social contract with communities, and the need for stronger alignment between faculty and students. Brian advocates for meaningful, practical changes in pedagogy, from within teaching and learning, and discusses the growing need to reimagine the role of the university presidency.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, VC and Chief Executive, University of Bedfordshire

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Bedfordshire, joins Professor Petra Wend in this conversation full of insights and advice for leaders and learners.
They reflect on the telegram that opened up a world of opportunity for Rebecca; the joy of learning and inquisitiveness; social mobility and leading universities that prioritise widening participation; being ambitious for yourself and others; and the value of a university degree today.