Management and governance
Debate on how far governments should regulate universities without impinging on academic freedom and autonomy
New ‘process’ among proposals to improve quality and transparency of university governance
Australian higher education ‘in a good state’ but drive to widen participation brings challenges, says departing leader
Appointment of ex-Greenwich leader confirmed by crisis-hit institution halfway through interim appointment
Dozens of consultancy bigwigs feature in corporate-heavy council membership, according to union analysis
We must rethink higher education’s intellectual mission in terms that transcend Manichaean critiques of the neoliberal university, says Nicholas Dirks
As overhaul presses staff and students to broaden horizons, president discusses handling faculty pushback, maintaining a vital Samsung partnership and dealing with disgruntled alumni
Perhaps we need, instead, a specific tribunal to investigate and hear the most serious allegations, says Guy Micklewright
The problem is very real, but it would be more effective to invest in creating an institutional culture of responsibility and accountability, says Jim Nicell
The prime minister’s role in appointing university leaders under question as Cabinet attempts to change status quo
HKU leader Xiang Zhang wants better protection for staff from ‘malicious’ allegations levelled anonymously
Long-serving leader will not seek fourth term, with handover scheduled for September 2025
David Mba creates fully funded PhD studentships after taking reins at Birmingham City University
Changing term dates leaves staff fearing extra workload pressures and encroachments on research time and summer breaks
At moment of political threat, Tessier-Lavigne replacement brings continued white male lineage with reputation for scientific innovation and listening to diverse voices
Facing second year of faculty no-confidence vote, cardiothoracic surgeon agrees to leave as soon as successor is found
Latest salvo sees Keralan state government challenge national president in the Supreme Court over vice-chancellor appointments
Management teams and boards need a shared overview of the data and technology that underpin key university processes, says Karen O’Brien
New vetting committee for candidates is reminiscent of ‘eastern-bloc style managed democracy’, says Conservative MP
Promoting awareness of the impact words can have on others will create a psychologically safe space where staff, students can thrive, says Melissa Carr
Proposed commission has no shortage of work even if the Universities Accord’s other recommendations fail to materialise
Codifications of how university missions preclude institutional positions would guide expectations and responses, says Paul Gooch
National Education Policy prioritises institutional autonomy but controls remain tight despite attempts to decentralise
No journey in strange new waters can be smooth sailing, but healthy conflicts have a place in innovation and transformation, say David Lloyd and Peter H?j
Universities are not doing enough to police misconduct. We need an independent register from which bullies can be struck off, says Nicholas Rowe
Commission’s move following Percy affair provoking internal controversy, source claims
Institutions must instead provide fora and establish rules for debating issues and their moral implications, says Carolyn Hughes Tuohy
Some of the country’s biggest institutions have suffered bruising defeats of late despite the justice system generally favouring the powerful. What explains this losing streak and will it change anything?
University known for politics, piety and scandal penalised for longstanding pattern of hiding reports of sexual abuses and other community safety concerns
Best way to stop proposed oversight body going rogue is to avoid setting it up in the first place, conference hears
Former Republican senator wins praise for energy, ideas and willingness to engage on contentious issues
Leader of soon-to-be-merged university says mergers have to be the right strategic fit, because financial savings don’t always come straight away
Universities approach finish line with wins from court and accreditor, then get new challenges from lawmakers and ratings agency
Sir Anthony Finkelstein to lead combined university, called City St George’s
The behaviour of some has effectively served to chill the views of others. But this flies in the face of universities’ core role, says Dawn Freshwater
The political maelstrom around US universities’ handling of pro-Palestinian protests reflects a right-wing campaign that is increasingly challenging higher education’s autonomy to determine its missions and run its affairs. Yet the sector appears to have no strategy to hold the line. Paul Basken reports
As a woman concerned by gender inequality, I could be tolerated coming up to the elbows of the men in power, but not to their shoulders, says Pat O’Connor
The interim president of Michigan State University shares her approach to healing the campus community after a deadly shooting and sexual misconduct crises
Ebrahim Adia’s journey through modern universities indicates their power to transform lives, but they face growing financial pressure
When it launches next year, the lifelong learning entitlement could boost both university finances and social mobility, says Zahir Irani
Conservative billionaire-backed bids for university’s Overseers board produces complaints about process and vows to try again next year
It is not easy for university management to push back against large numbers of people, but resisting harassment should be paramount, says Ian Pace
Allowing a thousand flowers to bloom is no longer practical for universities aspiring to be better known for their research, says Robert Brown
‘Heightened’ crackdown on academic freedom expected as party committees merge with presidents’ offices on leading campuses
It might sound ‘wishy-washy’ but joyfulness can succeed where KPIs fail in supporting the institutional mission, new book argues
Interviews with council members suggest ‘business realists’ dominate and chairs are ‘too matey with senior management’, says CDBU report
British-born leader leaves with immediate effect after less than four years at the helm
Some narcissistic v-cs have lost sight of their real job – to be the custodian of their university’s heritage and to safeguard its future, says Kieran Walshe
Despite some calls to replace Claudine Gay with another black woman, tradition and mercy might force persistence of white male leadership
Relying on search firms and ignoring faculty input is one big reason why incumbencies are shortening and success is becoming rarer, says Harvey Graff
Questions over whether King Charles’ doctor holds certain institutional roles increase need for more formalised way of handing out honorary titles, critics say
Experienced leader says new structure, imposed despite significant opposition, makes it an ‘opportune moment’ to go
With Claudine Gay accepting debatable instances of plagiarism as final straw, faculty see odds getting hopeless for countering unified political and economic power
Codes’ vague, narrow and toothless provisions are failing to promote the safety and well-being of all university community members, says Richard Joseph
There is no single or ‘correct’ way to rank universities – and that’s a very good thing, writes Phil Baty
Premier institution loses first black leader after record short tenure amid persistent partisan pressure and evidence of her own scholarly failings
Chungbuk National University head says simply ‘selling degrees’ is not in the interest of students or the sector
La Crosse’s Joe Gow threatens lawsuit and claims free speech rights have been violated following dismissal over films produced with his wife
Autonomy, tertiary sector integration and sustainable research funding are crucial to sector’s future, Brian Schmidt says, as he relinquishes leadership role
By having their own lawyers, panels can ensure all positions are considered regardless of who else (if anyone) has appointed one, says Andrew Brown
