Confidence in Higher Education is Dwindling: Charting a Path to Renewal

    Press/Media: Expert Comment

    Description

    This paper addresses the declining global confidence in higher education institutions, as evidenced by surveys in the US, UK, and Australia showing decreased trust and concerns about institutional priorities. The authors argue that this trend represents an erosion of universities' social license, which they posit should be a key metric for measuring higher education success. The paper challenges universities to shift from viewing societal impact as a byproduct to making it a core strategic focus. To address this, the authors propose that universities adopt holistic, community-engaged approaches, including place-based initiatives, co-designed service-learning projects, opening spaces for public dialogue, and community-engaged research. By prioritizing such community engagement, the paper suggests that universities can regain public trust, strengthen their unique societal role, differentiate themselves from new educational entrants like tech companies, and contribute to safeguarding and strengthening democracy. This approach, the authors contend, is crucial for universities to remain relevant and impactful in today's rapidly evolving social landscape.

    Period16 Aug 2024

    Media contributions

    1

    Media contributions

    • TitleConfidence in Higher Education is Dwindling: Charting a Path to Renewal
      Media name/outletFuture Campus
      Media typeWeb
      Country/TerritoryAustralia
      Date16/08/24
      DescriptionThis paper addresses the declining global confidence in higher education institutions, as evidenced by surveys in the US, UK, and Australia showing decreased trust and concerns about institutional priorities. The authors argue that this trend represents an erosion of universities' social license, which they posit should be a key metric for measuring higher education success. The paper challenges universities to shift from viewing societal impact as a byproduct to making it a core strategic focus. To address this, the authors propose that universities adopt holistic, community-engaged approaches, including place-based initiatives, co-designed service-learning projects, opening spaces for public dialogue, and community-engaged research. By prioritizing such community engagement, the paper suggests that universities can regain public trust, strengthen their unique societal role, differentiate themselves from new educational entrants like tech companies, and contribute to safeguarding and strengthening democracy. This approach, the authors contend, is crucial for universities to remain relevant and impactful in today's rapidly evolving social landscape.
      URLhttps://futurecampus.com.au/2024/08/16/confidence-in-higher-education-is-dwindling-charting-a-path-to-renewal/
      PersonsGovand Azeez, Alejandra Gaitan Barrera