January, 2013 // Posts published in January, 2013
Caring for Students
The topic seems apt as we launch a new semester… I was intrigued by a report a few weeks back on what college students value most in their teachers. This was not just a Mason survey, but I certainly assume it applies to us too. The winner by a considerable margin: teachers who care about […]
Explaining Research
As pressure for change in higher education mounts, with increasing probing comments from observers—like trustees—who are not part of the academy, explaining faculty research and the resources allotted to it takes on new importance. I think it’s desirable for faculty to participate in the discussion and not simply react to yet another set of claims […]
Peace, and University Opportunities
One of the striking things about the recent, unlamented presidential campaign was the absence of much reference to peace. At one of the debates, Romney used the term, which I found encouraging, but as far as I could tell Obama, the Nobel awardee, did not. At a point when we’ve ended one war and are […]
College Sports
These comments will surprise no likely reader, I admit in advance. They belabor the obvious. But sometimes it seems to me we need to dwell on the obvious in hopes that — despite all indications to the contrary — reality can be redone. It’s long been clear that the position of sports in American higher […]
Mason Students
Writing the first blog of the new year is a bit of a challenge. Obviously one wants to make it interesting. On the other hand, we emerge from a week where — professionally — not a lot has been happening (for which we are profoundly grateful). So let me talk a bit about aspects of […]
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