While some progress has been made toward gender equality in the research world, the coronavirus pandemic has reminded us that the old models are never far away and can re-emerge.
Experiments in college classrooms show how tiny respiratory droplets known as aerosols can spread, even with good ventilation. The risk isn’t the same in every seat.
Universities should be open to changing their teaching models, and should keep student vulnerability in mind when designing courses during the pandemic.
Higher education is facing painful disruptions and challenges from online providers, but the emerging need to monitor and continually update knowledge also offers opportunities.
It’s all in the details: the wide-ranging powers hinge on the yet-to-be-defined ‘institutional autonomy’ of foreign partners that enter into agreements with Australian public universities.
Universities hold valuable information but are large and porous communities, with legacy IT systems often adding to the risks. But following a few basic rules can help counter cyber attacks.
Australian universities face a huge revenue hit from falling international student numbers due to COVID-19 and tensions with China. Some institutions should consider merging rather than downsizing.
Bringing change to universities needs to focus on systems, not people. Although online shaming is effective at removing people from their positions, it doesn’t change systems.
Students won’t be allowed to participate in activities at St. Francis Xavier University this fall unless they sign a COVID-19 waiver. That’s forcing them to make a difficult and unfair choice.