Higher Education News Week: 5th July 2024
With the UK general election result giving a substantial majority for the Labour party, much of the news this week has been looking at both the past record of the Conservatives and the future changes a new government could bring:
Times Higher Education: 5th July 2024
UK election: universities hope for change as Labour wins (timeshighereducation.com)
Having won the UK election, the Labour party faces pressure to fulfil promises regarding university funding and to address the sector’s financial crisis.
Labour plans to integrate universities with other skills training and has committed to 10-year research funding cycles. The new government is expected to move away from the previous administration’s negative rhetoric towards universities and may alter policies on free speech regulation and lifelong learning loans.
Higher Education Policy Institute: 04 July 2024:
What can the UK learn from the US when it comes to higher education? - HEPI
The paper, sponsored by HEPI and the Richmond American University London, provides an overview of the US higher education system, authored by Professor Nicholas W. Hillman.
It offers context for major higher education policy debates in the US, highlighting differences and similarities with the UK system.
The report emphasises the diversity of the US higher education system as a strength and points out funding complexities as a significant challenge. The paper suggests that educators, policymakers, and regulators can learn important lessons from how the US system operates and its inefficiencies.
BBC News: July 02 2024
Student loans: Almost 1.8 million owe more than £50,000 (bbc.com)
The article provides a detailed analysis of the current state of student debt in the UK.
Nearly 1.8 million people in the UK have student debts over £50,000, with some owing more than £200,000. Debts are repaid at 9% of earnings above a certain threshold, and are written off after 30 or 40 years, depending on the loan terms.
No major political party is proposing significant reforms to the student finance system in the current election campaign. High debt levels are concerning for graduates, with some fearing it may deter people from pursuing higher education.
The Guardian: July 02 2024
How the Tories pushed universities to the brink of disaster
The long read analysis discusses the detrimental effects of 14 years of Conservative rule on UK universities, highlighting issues such as financial struggles, declining international student numbers, and potential bankruptcies.
It explains how the funding model for higher education is heading towards disaster, with universities making losses on home students due to inflation and relying heavily on fees from international students.
The piece critiques the government’s insistence on treating higher education as a market, leading to a combination of excessive market forces and government control, which has resulted in a precarious situation for universities.
Despite challenges, the article notes that university degrees still carry a cultural and economic premium, and higher education remains a vital counterbalance to regional economic inequality in the UK.
And in the US…
Inside Higher Education: 03 July 2024
Survey: The college student academic experience (insidehighered.com)
The annual college student experience survey reflects the main views of college undergraduates regarding their academic experiences.
Students generally rate their college education highly, with many suggesting improvements such as reducing high-stakes exams and connecting coursework to real-world applications.
The Student Voice survey reveals diverse student experiences and preferences, including a desire for more interactive and relevant teaching methods. Students identify several factors that could enhance their academic success, such as better professor-student relationships and more affordable tuition.
In-person and interactive lectures are preferred by many students, although there is a growing interest in flexible and online learning options.
Insider Higher Education: 02 July 2024
Supreme Court decision weakens Education Department (insidehighered.com)
The Supreme Court struck down the 40-year Chevron precedent, affecting how federal agencies interpret ambiguous statutes. This ruling has significant implications for the Education Department’s authority and the future of higher education policymaking.
This change may halt the Education Department’s rule-making ability, creating uncertainty for higher education policies. Without Chevron deference, regulations like the gainful-employment rule face more judicial scrutiny and potential challenges.
The decision emphasises the need for Congress to pass clear, detailed legislation to avoid legislative gridlock and policy standstills.
