Reimagining HigherEd
Higher Education leaders from around the world share their personal stories from within the sector - reflecting on improvements to teaching and learning and the student experience, while candidly discussing what still needs to come. With your hosts Prof Judyth Sachs, Dr Noreen Golfman, and Prof Petra Wend.
Episodes
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
In one of the most listened to episodes of all time, Dr Tim Renick - Founding Executive Director of The National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University and preeminent national adviser on student equity - meets with our guest host, leading student equity researcher and advocate for change, President of the Australian Learning and Teaching Fellows (ALTF), and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board Member - Prof Sally Kift. Dr Renick shares his personal experience as both a student and leader, and shares evidence-led approaches to student satisfaction and completion. The two advocates discuss outcomes and what’s still needed - a critical conversation in light of growing impetus for universities to personally and ethically support every enrolled student.
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Dr. Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College, Columbia University
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Thursday Dec 12, 2024
Dr Arthur Levine, President Emeritus at Teachers College - Columbia University, chats to Prof Judyth Sachs, about reinventing universities. 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 redesign universities.
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
Thursday Dec 05, 2024
This week, Professor Judyth Sachs is joined by Professor Diana Laurillard, Professor of Learning with Digital Technologies at UCL Knowledge Lab, who early in her career made it her mission to understand the intricacies of exactly how learning works, and how teachers can help students to learn.
They discuss:
Designing learning to empower educators and students to be active participants
Advocating for a more collaborative approach to teaching, where educators share and build upon pedagogical ideas
The importance of curiosity and student agency with emerging digital tools.
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Thursday Nov 28, 2024
Professor Dame Heather McGregor DBE FRSE, Provost and Vice Principal at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, joins Professor Judyth Sachs to reimagine higher education through Heather’s global perspective, passion for education, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Listen in as they discuss:
Journalism, financial markets, and entering academia later in life - how education has been Heather’s passport to each opportunity
Aspiring to accomplish things you don’t succeed with straight away
Why bespoke learning journeys are the future of education
Articulating your purpose in uncertain times and Heather’s personal impact statement.
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Professor Rose Luckin, Founding Director, EDUCATE at University College London
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
Thursday Nov 21, 2024
This week’s episode: Prof Rose Luckin, Founding Director of EDUCATE Ventures Research at University College London (UCL) and Professor at UCL Knowledge Lab, joins Prof Judyth Sachs to explore a human-centric approach to AI in education - including transparency, accountability, and human dignity - and the readiness of the sector to adapt.
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Dr. Bridget Burns, Founding CEO, University Innovation Alliance (UIA)
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
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.
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
Thursday Nov 07, 2024
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.
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, VC and President, The University of the South Pacific
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
Thursday Oct 31, 2024
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.
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
LIVE recording: Forging a path to student wellbeing - A 'Students First' Symposium
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
Wednesday Oct 30, 2024
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.
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Gabriel Miller, President and CEO, Universities Canada
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
Thursday Oct 24, 2024
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.

Listen in, as we reimagine higher education
Leaders and teachers around the world share their personal and professional stories from within the sector - reflecting on progress in teaching and learning and the student experience, and candidly discussing what needs to come. With your hosts, and Studiosity Academic Advisory Board Members, Prof Judyth Sachs, Sir Eric Thomas, Dr Noreen Golfman, and Prof Petra Wend.