The Career Sip: Your Weekly Dose of Higher Ed Hustle!
Welcome back to your go-to spot for the buzz in higher education career development, where the coffee is always strong and the news always fresh.?
Dive into this week's Career Sip for the latest in higher ed strategies, career development tips, and a surprising fun fact that'll leave you craving more!?
Don't miss out—read till the end!
Tech
Professors Plan Summer AI Upskilling
Summer's here, and while some professors are taking a breather and tweaking their syllabi, others are diving into the AI wave. With the rise of AI text generation by Microsoft and Google, the educational landscape is rapidly evolving. Professors now face the challenge of integrating these technologies into their classrooms, ensuring they're up to speed with the latest advancements.
Many colleges are stepping up by offering AI workshops, creating a supportive environment for educators to explore these tools without feeling overwhelmed. For instance, Salt Lake Community College is running virtual workshops where faculty can adapt their assignments to incorporate AI, ensuring equitable access to these powerful resources. These efforts are crucial as educators strive to stay ahead in this tech-driven world, ensuring that both they and their students are prepared for the future.
Institutions like Tacoma Community College and Auburn University are also making strides, with librarians and teaching centers leading the charge. They're offering resources and courses to help faculty navigate the complexities of AI, from addressing concerns about academic honesty to leveraging AI for mundane administrative tasks. The goal is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools they need to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for an AI-integrated future.
What are we reading this week?
Book recommendations
"The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk
Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma, explores how traumatic experiences affect the brain, mind, and body. "The Body Keeps the Score" offers profound insights into the impact of trauma on individuals and provides strategies for healing and resilience. It's essential reading for anyone interested in psychology, mental health, and trauma recovery. "Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy" by Cathy O'Neil
Cathy O'Neil's "Weapons of Math Destruction" examines the societal impact of algorithms and big data analytics. O'Neil reveals how mathematical models can perpetuate inequality, reinforce biases, and undermine democracy. This eye-opening book challenges readers to critically assess the ethical implications of data-driven decision-making in various sectors, including education, employment, and public policy. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman
In "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive the way we think: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional; and System 2, which is slower, more deliberate, and logical. Kahneman delves into the biases and heuristics that influence our decision-making processes, offering valuable insights into human cognition and behavior. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in psychology, behavioral economics, and understanding how our minds work.
News
Latest News in Higher Ed Career Development
A recent review by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), commissioned by Universities UK, has found "no concerns" regarding the perceived lowering of entry standards for international students applying to foundation courses in UK universities. The review, conducted across 34 institutions, concluded that entry requirements for international students are largely equivalent to those for UK students on comparable courses. However, it noted that international students often have more opportunities to resit exams compared to their A-level or Scottish Higher counterparts.
The QAA's assessment highlighted that in the majority of cases, students on both international and domestic programmes are achieving at appropriate levels. Recommendations from the review include universities regularly assessing progression rates of international students into further study, standardizing assessment practices for international foundation programmes, and updating the code of practice for fair admissions to ensure transparency and equity in university admissions processes.
This review comes amidst ongoing discussions about the recruitment practices of universities and the transparency of admissions criteria, particularly for international students who contribute significantly to the diversity and revenue of UK higher education institutions.
Hiring and recruiting
Major moves around the globe
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Latest in Higher Ed Development
Peer mentoring to increase student retention
Universities are ramping up efforts to improve student retention with peer mentoring programs. These initiatives are designed to boost engagement and support among new students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. By pairing freshmen with upperclassmen, colleges aim to create a sense of belonging and provide academic and personal support.
One standout example is Saddleback College’s peer mentorship program, launched in 2021. This program specifically targets disproportionately impacted students—those who historically have not been well-served by the institution. The goal? Increase persistence and create a scalable initiative that can drive real change.
Saddleback’s program has seen remarkable success. It has significantly increased retention and engagement among underrepresented student groups and has improved students’ knowledge of available institutional supports. The program pairs new students with trained mentors who help them navigate college life, both academically and personally. Mentors, who must have a 2.5 GPA and have completed at least 24 units, receive training and support through an online platform, ensuring they are well-prepared to assist their mentees.
The impact has been clear: In the first year alone, 80% of participating students retained from their first semester, and 69% from spring to fall. This success isn't just about numbers; it reflects a deeper connection and support network that helps students thrive. The program’s scalability means it can adapt and grow, potentially benefiting more students over time.
This initiative highlights the growing importance of peer mentoring in higher education. By fostering a supportive community and providing tailored guidance, colleges can better meet the needs of diverse student populations, ultimately enhancing student success and retention across the board.
Fun
Best Higher Ed Meme
Opportunities
Job Opening in Higher Education
Rice Business
University of Oklahoma
HEC Paris
Learn something new
Fun fact of the week
Did you know that summer vacation for students originated in the early 20th century due to the agricultural calendar? In the United States, schools closed during the hottest months to allow children to help their families with farm work.?
Over time, this practice evolved into the extended summer break that students enjoy today, providing a much-needed rest from studies and a chance to recharge before the next academic year begins.
That's a wrap for this week's The Career Sip. Keep brewing your career development strategies, and we'll be back next week with another steaming cup of higher ed updates.?
Stay caffeinated, my friends!
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