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Higher Ed Needs New Forms Of Marketing., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Higher Ed Needs New Forms Of Marketing., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
In this day and age of crises – financial, enrollment,
even scandal – among institutions of higher education,
image “management” has become a tool to help
some institutions stay afloat. Countless colleges and
universities have resorted to spending money on
glossy brochures, billboards and even on expensive
TV airtime.
The images they portray are usually one of happy
and attractive students having fun on campus, enjoying
athletic events and amenities that used to be more
likely to be found at country clubs than colleges. The
quality of education is almost an afterthought. The
name of the institution is being sold …
If You Think Education Is Expensive, Try Ignorance., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
If You Think Education Is Expensive, Try Ignorance., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
This is the 100th column of this series. During
the two years during which this column has been
published uninterruptedly on a weekly basis, a
common question I received is why do I defend
higher education?
I remember when I decided to become a scientist.
The day was October 5, 1957. I was a 6-year-old kid
living in Venezuela. The big headline in the newspaper
that day was that the Soviets had launched
an artificial satellite named Sputnik. I was amazed.
I asked my father all kinds of questions about it,
but he could not tell me much more than …
Viewing Obama’S Legacy In Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Viewing Obama’S Legacy In Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
For eight years as president, Barack Obama showed
an unusual interest in reforming higher education
when compared with any other U.S. president in history.
Most concerned themselves with primary and
secondary education. The only possible exception is
Abraham Lincoln, under whose administration the
land grant university system was created.
One reason for his interest in higher education may
be because Obama himself once taught at the law school
of the University of Chicago. Another may be that, in
retrospect, Obama has always been a great admirer of
Lincoln, mirroring his stances on many issues.
Higher Ed Sees Decline In Language Studies., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Higher Ed Sees Decline In Language Studies., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Despite much talk about the importance of globalization,
the very places where most people in
the U.S. learn foreign languages – colleges and universities
– are offering fewer and fewer courses in
them. In a report published last year by the Modern
Languages Association (MLA), statistics show that
for the first time since 1995 we are seeing a drop
in enrollment in courses in all major European languages,
including Spanish. And the drop is significant:
6.7 percent overall since 2009 after increasing
steadily since 1995.
Spanish, the most studied language in colleges
and universities (more than all other languages
combined), …
The Line Between Free Speech And Hate Speech., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
The Line Between Free Speech And Hate Speech., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
With the rise of incidents of bigotry on U.S. campuses
after the November elections, a question has
come up. How can we differentiate between free
and hate speech and what can we do about the latter?
The answer is complex, but there is a solution
to the problem.
At the federal level – and contrary to popular
belief – free speech is not absolute. The Supreme
Court has ruled many times setting limits on
speech, from child pornography cases, to deceptive
advertisement to specific threats of violence. The
fine line comes when dealing with espousing ideologies,
like the ones held …
Anti-Intellectualism Casts Shadow Over Higher Ed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Anti-Intellectualism Casts Shadow Over Higher Ed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
In addition to all of the issues affecting higher education,
like the lack of appropriate funding, diminishing
enrollments, insularity, and the like, now it is
time to recognize the biggest problem of all – anti-intellectualism.
Anti-intellectualism is defined as a negative attitude
toward intellectual pursuits, whether in the
form of education or scholarly activities and toward
their practitioners, such as college professors and
intellectuals in general.
The Consequences Of The Election For Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
The Consequences Of The Election For Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
“So, now what?” That is the question some people are asking when it comes to higher education after one of the longest and most contentious presidential elections in American history. The question comes up not only because of the results, but also because higher education is facing one of its most grave situations in its history due to, among other things, decreasing funding, exorbitant student debt and bad press.
So what can we expect in the months and years to come based on the platform and statements issued by the leaders of the upcoming administration? Here is a sample.
Higher Education Losing Ground In Public Opinion., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Higher Education Losing Ground In Public Opinion., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
No abstract provided.
Student Evaluations Of Instructors May Be Flawed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Student Evaluations Of Instructors May Be Flawed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
For years, one of the most standard practices in
higher education has been what’s called “student
evaluation of teaching,” also known by its acronym
SET. This is a process that is carried out in just about
every college and university course every semester or
term. They are used essentially to measure how effective
a teacher is by surveying student satisfaction.
And the results of these surveys are used to make
many important decisions, such as whether or not
faculty members should be granted tenure – or even
keep their jobs.
A new study, however, is challenging the conventional
wisdom that …
College Libraries Eye Tradition In Era Of Change., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
College Libraries Eye Tradition In Era Of Change., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
One could argue that universities originated
from places like the Library of Alexandria, established
23 centuries ago in Egypt. Libraries like
the one in Alexandria attracted the most talented
intellectuals.
They contained not only a large number of
papyrus scrolls but also served as botanical gardens,
collections of art and places of residence
for scholars.
When modern universities were built, libraries
occupied a distinctive place where students and
faculty went on an almost daily basis to seek the
information they needed for their studies. But
over the last few decades their role has transformed
and lessened. One reason for this …
What Democrats Have Planned For Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
What Democrats Have Planned For Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
The Democrats have made a number of concrete
promises regarding higher education if they win
the presidential elections. They promise concerted
actions against sexual assaults on campuses that
include comprehensive support for survivors, fair
judicial processes that prevent the use of cultural
biases against females as “inciters,” and increased
prevention efforts through education programs.
The Clinton campaign also promises support for
net neutrality, the idea that Internet service providers
should enable access to all content and applications
regardless of the source without favoring or blocking
particular products or websites. The Democratic plan
also proposes expanding availability of fiber-optic
broadband Internet …
How Higher Ed Will Fare Under Gop President., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
How Higher Ed Will Fare Under Gop President., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Last week we reported that when it comes to
higher education, the Republican platform for this
election was a single paragraph with no real details
of what they propose to do for the next four years.
Given that, the only thing we can do to discern what
their policies will be for the sector is to analyze their
speeches and past policies and stances.
For example, during their Cleveland convention
Republican leaders propose to decouple accreditation
from federal financial aid. That means that a lot
of colleges and universities will feel no pressure to
maintain a minimum of standards and …
What The Candidates Promise For Higher Ed, Aldemaro Romero Jr.
What The Candidates Promise For Higher Ed, Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
With the general elections just one month away it is
time to look at what the candidates for president of the
United States and their party platforms offer in terms of
higher education. Let’s start with the Republican party.
Donald Trump has not said much on the issue and his
party platform on higher education is confined to one
paragraph. “When student loan debt exceeds the nation’s
credit card debt, we must recognize that our higher education
system is on an unsustainable path. The Republican
Party supports an education system that provides families
with greater transparency and more information so …
What The Death Of Moocs Has Taught Us., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
What The Death Of Moocs Has Taught Us., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
One of the loudest hypes in the history of higher
education has been all the chat about MOOCs.
The idea of Massive Open Online Courses was
launched five years ago when Stanford University
announced that by using Internet-based technologies
they would be able to offer college classes
for free.
Imagine, a world-class university offering a free
education from the comfort of your home, one that
didn’t require any admission tests or high school
transcripts. The possibilities were so exciting that
immediately there was talk about the final revolution
in higher education – the end of colleges and
universities as we …
Learning From Australia’S Funding Of Higher Ed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Learning From Australia’S Funding Of Higher Ed., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
One of the most controversial issues in higher education today is its cost, particularly for the students who end up carrying the burden of heavy college loan debt. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the total U.S student loan debt was $1.26 trillion in 2016, which is more than the total credit card debt in the country.
Despite Changes, College’S Role Remains The Same., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Despite Changes, College’S Role Remains The Same., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
In these times of continuous change and challenges
to higher education, it is not a bad idea to ponder
whether or not its fundamental mission has changed.
Most people accept that the main mission of colleges
and universities is the transmission of knowledge.
Whether that knowledge is used to learn
skills, get a better job, or simply for advancement of
intellectual growth, that is and has always been the
mission of higher education.
Declining Financial Support Drives Students Away., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Declining Financial Support Drives Students Away., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Cutting taxes in order to spur economic development
is an idea still making its way around
the political landscape. It doesn’t seem to matter
how many times “trickle down” economics has
been debunked not only by economists, but also
by history, it seems to linger. Yet, this is part of
an ideology that is considered as gospel by many
politicians.
Of course the idea has one superficial appeal
and one superficial appeal only. It promises to
cut taxes, even if the ones who benefit the most
from such policies are the ones who need them
the least.
Extreme Poverty Affects Many College Students., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Extreme Poverty Affects Many College Students., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
One of the most painful realities of higher education in the 21st century – and one that gets very little attention – is the fact that some college students live in extreme poverty, oftentimes sleeping in libraries, cars, or temporarily with friends. Despite the extreme conditions under which they live, or in many cases because of them, these students still seek the education and training needed to be able to get a job and move out of poverty. Some colleges and universities are taking steps to help.
Slavery, Racism Still Cast Shadow On Colleges., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Slavery, Racism Still Cast Shadow On Colleges., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
No abstract provided.
Study Abroad Scholarships A Good Use Of Taxes., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Study Abroad Scholarships A Good Use Of Taxes., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
There is little doubt that an international experience
is one of the most life-changing events for a college student.
That is what one hears from students when they
return, particularly from those who have never even
been abroad in their lives. Cost is usually mentioned
as the major barrier for Americans to have such an
experience. And this barrier can be particularly high for
minority and first-generation college students.
Yet, there is a little known but very successful federal
program known as The Benjamin A. Gilman International
Scholarship Program that serves to help U.S. college students
interested in going abroad.
Scandals Are Threatening Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Scandals Are Threatening Higher Education., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Among the unfortunate curses affecting the
image of higher education are the scandals taking
place with unrelenting regularity. Whether
they have to do with athletics, sexual assaults,
murders, cheating, hazing, or corruption, the
media are echoing those scandals, sometimes
in excruciating detail. In some cases, like the
“Sandusky affair” that made headlines for
months and tarnished the reputation of Penn
State University and its renowned football coach
Joe Paterno, these scandals have a lasting effect
on public opinion.
We in academia have always been worried
about the effect of these scandals on an issue
very important to colleges and universities …
America’S Law Schools Need To Be Reformed, Aldemaro Romero Jr.
America’S Law Schools Need To Be Reformed, Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Increasing costs, decreasing enrollments and doubts about its practical value has placed legal education in the U.S. under a controversial light. Until the mid-19th century legal training was essentially technical in nature. During that time many lawyers – like Abraham Lincoln – could afford to study the law by themselves without even attending any law school. By passing the bar exam, they were admitted into the legal profession.
After the Civil War legal education started to change. In 1870 a lawyer named Christopher Langdell was named dean of the Harvard Law School. During his 25 years at the helm of …
Affirmative Action In Higher Ed Sustained With Caveats., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Affirmative Action In Higher Ed Sustained With Caveats., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
The term affirmative action was first used in an executive order by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The motivation was to favor members of a disadvantaged group that historically suffered from discrimination due to oppression of any kind. This concept has been employed in many spheres and one of those has been to promote diversity in higher education on the basis that many universities have effectively discriminated against admitting and/or promoting minorities. Two weeks ago the U.S. Supreme Court announced a decision on affirmative action that originated in higher education. The 4-to-3 decision reaffirmed the University of Texas’s admission …
Review: Posner, Richard A. Divergent Paths: The Academy And The Judiciary. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2016., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Review: Posner, Richard A. Divergent Paths: The Academy And The Judiciary. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2016., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Legal education in the United States has been controversial in the last few years
due to its cost, decreasing enrollments, and doubts about its practical value. Until
the mid-nineteenth century legal training was essentially technical in nature. At
that time many lawyers—like Abraham Lincoln—could afford to study the law by
themselves without even attending law school and then, by passing the bar exam,
were admitted in the legal profession.
Review: The New Celebrity Scientists. Out Of The Lab And Into The Limelight. Fahy, Declan. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Review: The New Celebrity Scientists. Out Of The Lab And Into The Limelight. Fahy, Declan. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
In the last couple of decades, we have seen the widespread ascendancy of the
phenomenon of celebrity in society. Celebrities as a cultural manifestation are not
necessarily something new. We saw that notion in the twentieth century being
exploited by Hollywood through their “star system” as well as by sports teams
hungry to increase their revenues. Now that phenomenon has expanded into areas
that we would not have imagined decades ago, and one of them is in the field of
science. With the advent of social media and the relaxation of social views
regarding stereotypes, we have seen the rise …
Not All Are Created Equal: An Analysis Of The Environmental Programs/Departments In U.S. Institutions Of Higher Education From 1900 Until March 2014., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Not All Are Created Equal: An Analysis Of The Environmental Programs/Departments In U.S. Institutions Of Higher Education From 1900 Until March 2014., Aldemaro Romero Jr.
Publications and Research
Environmental academic programs in U.S. institutions of higher education have traditionally lacked definition of their nature and unifying principles. In order to ascertain how these programs are presently constituted in U.S. institutions of higher education, we surveyed 1050 environmental programs/departments between November 2013 and March of 2014. The states with the highest number of those programs/departments were New York (100), Pennsylvania (92), California (76), Ohio (56), Massachusetts (54), while those with the lowest numbers are Oklahoma, and Utah (4), Delaware (3), Arkansas, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Wyoming (2), North Dakota (1), and Idaho (0). However, when the state population is …