Policies // Browsing posts in Policies
A Real Path Forward for AP World History
After a recent period of deep concern, there’s some (pretty) good news for those involved with AP World History: a real chance for constructive compromise Is emerging. Over the weekend, I had written a blog designed to join many others in expressing disapproval of the proposed change in the chronology of the AP course, cutting […]
We Need No More War
This little essay is partly a statement of deeply felt personal opinion, for whatever it’s worth, and partly an appeal, for those similarly disposed, for a discussion of possible action. It’s an invitation to create an urgent collective voice for peace. The recent appointments of a new secretary of state and a new national security […]
A Little Global Review?
One of the advantages of no longer being Provost, but retaining interest in some of the issues that attracted me before, is that there is an opportunity for additional thinking and reflection. This can be slightly embarrassing, when one realizes that some of the thoughts should have been thought before, when there was more chance […]
The Nuclear Analogy
I have been intrigued, recently, by how often the media (particularly, the print media, who still enjoy the time to think) are turning to history to find some guidelines amid current uncertainties. It’s great to be reminded of how essential the discipline is, and I hope anti-humanists will take note. Thus we are told about […]
The Challenge of Terror
In the aftermath of recent attacks, including those in Beirut, in Paris, and apparently against a Russian airliner, and with deep respect to those who have suffered in result, a few thoughts. It is really important to remember several things about terrorism, recently and historically. Terrorists are not able to use conventional military strength OR […]
My New Book (on higher education)
This blog is only a bit more than a shameless plug for my new book, Guiding the American University: contemporary challenges and choices, which has just been published by Routledge. My flimsy excuse for blogging about it stems from the fact that the book relates strongly to the regular series of blogs I did in […]
Public Grief: History and Emotion
A month or so before my service as provost ended we had a “shooter” exercise for our safety folks and upper administration. The idea of course is that some realistic scenarios would help us all deal with the real thing should it ever occur, and while I always disliked the simulation I can’t argue that […]
An Entrepreneurial University
Mason has long prided itself on being entrepreneurial, and this remains a strength. The new Vision statement and its Mason “IDEA” highlight the characteristic. For what it’s worth, I have always relished the notion, and have always hoped that I could both support and capitalize on the entrepreneurial spirit. So, a few thoughts about being […]
Quality
I had a great discussion recently with Deans about aspects of our strategic planning. They, and some of their faculty, grew legitimately concerned that in our enthusiasm for growth and innovation we did not place enough emphasis on the quality of our outcomes. I do think the reminder is salutary, though I don’t think it […]
Tenure, Again
Recent developments make it clear that some renewed discussion of tenure is desirable—but the same developments point in dramatically different directions. A challenging Bloomberg View blog (Mark Bauerlein, August 5, 2013) really lays out the case against old fart faculty. Data do suggest that a large number of tenured faculty are continuing to work, and […]
Recent Posts
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Amazon
Just a quick note on the heralded Amazon arrival in Northern Virginia....
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A Real Path Forward for AP World History
After a recent period of deep concern, there’s some (pretty) good news...
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Conference on Emotions History: some thoughts about the field
We have just emerged from a conference on the history of emotions...
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