Universities of Wisconsin and Joe Gow — A Controversy of Privacy and Public Image
Recently, the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents voted to fire Joe Gow, the former UW–La Crosse chancellor, from his tenured faculty position. The reason? He and his wife appeared in a video on an adult website. This decision has sparked a lot of conversations about privacy, professionalism, and the boundaries between personal lives and […]
The Risks of Neutrality: How Colleges Sabotage Their Reputation by Staying Silent on Social Issues
In an era marked by significant social upheaval and demands for change, institutions of higher education face mounting pressure to take a stand on critical social issues. Whether it’s racial justice, climate change, gender equality, or immigration, the expectation is clear: colleges must use their platforms to advocate for what is right. However, some institutions […]
Striking the Balance: Mitigating Inappropriate AI Usage While Embracing Its Benefits in Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of education, offering new opportunities for personalized learning, efficient administrative processes, and enhanced student engagement. However, as with any powerful tool, AI also brings challenges that must be carefully managed. The key to harnessing AI’s full potential in education lies in striking a balance between mitigating inappropriate […]
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Intentional Strategies for Embracing Your Authentic Self
Imposter syndrome—a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud”—is a common yet insidious challenge many of us face. Despite external evidence of competence, those grappling with imposter syndrome often feel undeserving of their success, attributing their achievements to luck or timing rather than their skills and hard work. […]
Navigating Uncertain Waters: The Impact of Anti-DEI Campaigns on Higher Education and International Education
In recent years, the political landscape surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in higher education has experienced seismic shifts. Across various states, legislative efforts aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives in colleges and universities have created a contentious atmosphere, challenging the foundational principles of inclusive education. While these developments might not directly impact institutions in states […]
The Risks for International Students in Campus Protests
In recent developments, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on May 17, 2024, there is growing concern about the potential implications of stricter immigration policies in the United States. This concern is particularly acute for international students who rely on visas to study in the U.S. and whose status might be jeopardized by participation […]
Rethinking Language: The Impact of the Word “Alien” on Immigrants Through a DEI Lens
In discussions around immigration, the language we choose carries profound implications. The term “alien,” historically used in legal contexts to describe individuals not holding citizenship or nationality in a country, has sparked considerable debate. Through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), it’s crucial to examine the impact of this terminology on immigrants and […]
Reimagining International Student Orientation: Engaging the New Generation
As international educators, our primary goal is to equip students for success, both academically and socially, in a new cultural environment. However, as the demographic and behavioral patterns of students evolve, so too should our methods of orientation and education. Today’s generation of students—digital natives who thrive on interactive and engaging content—requires a fresh approach […]
U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the “Chevron Doctrine”
This ruling represents a significant shift in the balance of power between the judiciary and federal agencies, and it poses a substantial threat to the stability and effectiveness of international education programs in the United States. The “Chevron Doctrine,” established in the 1984 case of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., has […]
Value Proposition of Higher Education
In recent years, many colleges and universities, once heralded as bastions of opportunity and engines of social mobility, have come under scrutiny for perpetuating inequality. This shift in perception reflects a broader decline in public trust, posing a significant challenge for university leaders to reaffirm the value of higher education and better align with the […]