The hottest University Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top U.S. Politics Topics

Weekend reads: Are diversity statements political litmus tests?

Lean Out with Tara Henley β€’ 864 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jan 24
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ U.S. Politics University
  1. Diversity statements in academia could be seen as political litmus tests that impact hiring practices.
  2. The assumptions behind diversity statements, such as addressing historical discrimination, should be open to debate.
  3. The discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in academia should involve constructive dialogue and understanding of both sides' perspectives.

Friday Thread: Can a PhD be "just a job"?

The Recovering Academic β€’ 435 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
🚌 Education University
  1. Academia being viewed as a business can help job seekers transition to industry with a new mindset.
  2. The perception of a PhD as 'just a job' and academic institutions as commercial entities is crucial for adapting academic experience to industry expectations.
  3. For many faculty members, especially non-tenure track ones, the idea of a PhD as merely a job no longer aligns due to low pay and challenging work conditions.

Weekend Listening: From McDonalds Drive-Through to Star Harvard Professor

Common Sense with Bari Weiss β€’ 3292 implied HN points β€’ 18 Feb 24
🚌 Education University
  1. UATX, a new university founded by Pano Kanelos, has proven to be a real institution set to accept its inaugural class of students in 2024.
  2. Harvard economist Roland Fryer embodies academic excellence, emphasizing the pursuit of truth, admitting his mistakes, and overcoming obstacles.
  3. Fryer's life story showcases resilience, determination, and the importance of staying true to one's mission in the face of controversies and challenges.
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Tribunal respects β€˜anti-Zionism’

A Lawyer Writes β€’ 294 implied HN points β€’ 06 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics University
  1. An employment tribunal recognized that anti-Zionist beliefs are protected in a democratic society.
  2. The tribunal suggested that the professor should have faced disciplinary action instead of being dismissed.
  3. The University of Bristol was disappointed with the tribunal's decision but is committed to fostering a positive working and learning environment.

University administrators have forgotten what leadership is

The Recovering Academic β€’ 415 implied HN points β€’ 13 Oct 23
🚌 Education University
  1. University administrators are being criticized for forgetting what true leadership entails, especially in the field of academia.
  2. Leaders in higher education should prioritize trust, respect, and shared risk with faculty and staff for effective leadership.
  3. Lessons from military history, like trusting and respecting subordinates, can offer valuable insights into effective leadership practices in academia.

Do English professors think of themselves as priests?

The Recovering Academic β€’ 237 implied HN points β€’ 29 Aug 23
🚌 Education University
  1. English professors are encountering ideological shifts, with a significant decrease in conservative representation in the field.
  2. Debates about the importance of humanities education and literature often arise in the context of changing university priorities.
  3. There's a growing concern about the impact of identity politics and activism on literature education and the declining enrollments in humanities programs.

LECTURE NOTES: 1.1. What the History of Economic Growth Is

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
🚌 Education University
  1. Economic growth has a long history, with most of it being slow until a major change around 1870. Before then, people lived with little advancement in their living standards for centuries.
  2. Reliable data about economies was mostly unavailable before the 19th century. This makes it hard to understand past living conditions or wealth distribution.
  3. Many technological advancements didn't lead to better lives for common people until recently. Before 1870, despite progress, most still struggled with poverty and poor living conditions.

Medicine is becoming more corrupt

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts β€’ 184 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
πŸ₯ Health Politics University
  1. Medicine is being influenced by money from pharmaceutical companies, which can lead to biased practices. This means that decisions in healthcare might prioritize profit over patient care.
  2. Big donations to universities can result in naming rights and influence, creating a potential conflict of interest. This raises questions about the integrity and independence of academic institutions.
  3. There's a concern that this trend towards corruption could compromise the quality of medical research and education. Without accountability, the focus might shift away from ethical standards and patient welfare.

Where have the International Math Olympiad Gold Medallists Ended Up? Part Two of Three

Neeloy’s Substack β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 29 Jul 24
🚌 Education University
  1. Most International Math Olympiad gold medallists choose to study at MIT, as it is the top destination for them. Many also stay in their home countries, especially those from China and Russia.
  2. Around 70% of these medallists go on to pursue a PhD, but the trend is declining as more opt for jobs in tech and finance. Academia remains a popular path but is facing stiff competition.
  3. Google is a major employer of these medal winners in tech, while quant finance firms are increasingly attracting graduates. This shows a shift in career preferences towards finance and tech over traditional academia.

Advice for Young Coders

Amaca β€’ 223 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 23
🚌 Education University
  1. Seek free advice from boring people - valuable education might be a bit boring.
  2. Conformism works - traditional institutions like textbooks and universities are reliable sources of knowledge.
  3. Don't worry about AI, it's an opportunity - focus on building or learning to use AI.

Why University Matters Beyond Jobs and Skills

Theory Matters β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
🚌 Education University
  1. Universities are facing financial struggles due to a decline in student numbers, both domestic and international.
  2. There is a shift in the perception of universities, moving away from being seen as places of intellectual exploration to mere stepping stones for jobs.
  3. There is a call for universities to prioritize intellectual experiences over skill-building, avoid becoming 'skills factories,' and uphold honesty and standards.

Member Q&A with John Vervaeke

The Bigger Picture β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 09 Apr 20
🚌 Education University
  1. The post is about a Member Q&A session with John Vervaeke, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto.
  2. John Vervaeke is known for creating the popular YouTube series 'Awakening From the Meaning Crisis.'
  3. To access the full post and archives, a 7-day free trial subscription is available for The Bigger Picture.

Học

ThΓ‘i | Hacker | Kα»Ή sΖ° tin tαΊ·c β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 13
🚌 Education University
  1. Don't make decisions about higher education based on others' opinions, but rather on personal preferences and goals.
  2. It's essential to prioritize learning throughout life, regardless of formal education.
  3. Consider a pathway of continuous learning, including pursuing higher education, specializing in certain fields, and self-education even after leaving formal education.