Reimagining HigherEd

Professor Patricia Davidson, Vice Chancellor and President, University of Wollongong

In this week’s episode hear from Professor Patricia Davidson - Vice Chancellor and President at University of Wollongong, and former Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. As a global advocate in health, it is perhaps no surprise Professor Davidson takes a human-centric approach - discussing with host Professor Judyth Sachs: student-centred dialogue, negotiated learning contracts, peer assessment, and the need for reciprocity and trust with the rise of large language models. So much in one short discussion, don’t miss this episode.

Professor Karen Cox, Vice Chancellor, University of Kent

“We’ve taken opportunities to think about the approach we take to learning and teaching, which is very much a digital first approach, so we've been quite innovative in the way that we've been delivering the curriculum.” - Karen Cox, Vice Chancellor at University of Kent - talks to Sir Eric Thomas about leading institutions of different sizes; engaging and preparing students via interdisciplinary curriculum; and setting up a medical school to change health outcomes in coastal and rural communities.

Prof Jan Thomas, Vice Chancellor, Massey University

"And I really essentially kind of fell in love with the power of a university, in terms of its capacity to build a nation.” Prof Jan Thomas - Vice Chancellor at Massey University and Chair of Universities New Zealand - talks to Prof Judyth Sachs about the pull to academia from vet science; resurfacing curiosity in undergraduates; shifts in the value of universities in the Global North; and how Māori culture and te reo (language) have shaped Jan's journey.

Arthur Levine, President Emeritus, Teachers College, Columbia University

Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College, Columbia University, chats to Prof Judyth Sachs, about reimagining the student experience for the 21st century. They discuss formative assessment in practice; why universities need to regain traction, look outward, and bind with community; and Arthur shares what he would change if he could reinvent universities.
 

Prof Anthony Smith, Vice Provost Faculties, University College London

On the Reimagining HE podcast this week, Prof Anthony Smith, Vice Provost Faculties at University College London, chats to Sir Eric about partnering with students, hybrid learning, online exams, and long-term change for teaching and learning - including hope for a more agile and accessible student experience.

Dr. David Barnard, President Emeritus, University of Manitoba

Join Dr. David Barnard, President Emeritus and former VC and President at University of Manitoba, in discussion with Dr. Noreen Golfman, as they dive into David's rich experience in higher education - from being first in family to go to university, to never quite leaving.
Dr. Barnard shares what it was like to be among the first Computer Science Graduates; his love for poetry and the poem he introduced to many colleagues while in leadership; the journey to connecting and learning from Indigenous leaders, friends, and communities; and observations on a subtle shift in why students choose to study.

Dr. Ainsley Carry, Vice President, Students, The University of British Columbia

Dr. Ainsley Carry, Vice President of Students at The University of British Columbia joins Dr. Noreen Golfman, to discuss equity, diversity, and inclusion on campus; the consequences of higher education returning to where it was pre-pandemic; and why centring students in strategic planning is more important than ever.
Ainsley shares the passion project he has been working on in recent years, and why he would tell his eighteen year old self to be wary of conventional wisdom. Tune in for this refreshing, insightful look into higher ed administration, from Ainsley's 20+ years working with students across the US and Canada.

LIVE recording - UK Higher Education’s Thoughtful Response to Robot Writing - ’Students First’ Symposium

With over 145 registrants, the first UK Symposium of 2023 held 28 February was an engaging discussion on the impact of AI tools on teaching, learning, and assessment. The general consensus being these tools aren’t new - indeed we can look as far back as the arrival of the calculator. It’s all about clarity; reframing assessment and making assessment purposeful; and it’s about accepting that this technology will continue to develop.

Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, Australian National University VC and President

This week, Australian National University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to discuss immersive on-campus learning, finding balance in life and academia, and the role and future of universities in Australia.
Prof Brian reflects on his own deep academic experience as a Harvard undergraduate, how he has modelled this for his own students, and his future plans (after he steps down from VC later this year) to design the class he wish he could have had.

Professor Margaret Gardner, Monash University Vice Chancellor and President

In this week’s episode, Monash University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Margaret Gardner sits down with long-time friend and former colleague, Professor Judyth Sachs. Prof Gardner shares her biggest learnings, the key ingredient to working in universities, and why she has chosen to stay in higher education, making her Australia’s longest serving VC to date. Don’t miss this candid conversation that includes the two Professors discussing hopes and ideas for the student experience in 2023.