The 21st Century University...

My colleague Jason Kinnear recommends a recent book -- The 21st Century University: Developing Faculty Engagement in Internationalization.  When he makes a recommendation, I pay attention.

Irish Economic Boom is "Largely Wasted"

More background on prospects for the Irish Economy...

This research report concludes that the recent high income years in Ireland have been "largely wasted" on housing, commercial and retail construction.  As a consequence, investment in national infrastructure (hospitals, schools, transportation and telecommunication) is insufficient, and in need of careful attention.

Focusing public investment in education is seen as a key to Ireland's future.

OECD: Assessing Higher Ed Learning Outcomes

I've just returned from annual meetings of the Association for International Education Administration (AIEA).  This was a very good conference, with record attendance, and participants from twenty-seven countries.  One of the topics that captured attention was the OECD's recently launched global Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes (AHELO).

As global competition in higher education heats up, and as calls for universities to be more accountable grow louder, AHELO deserves more attention.

For more background, see this recent post on GlobalHigherEd.

New Contest - to Transform Irish Economy

This summer I will lead a study abroad course on "Ireland facing the future".  The economic challenges before the Irish people are daunting.  In fact, President Mary McAleese just launched a competition called "Your Country, Your Call" that awards two significant cash prizes for ideas that could transform the Irish economy. 

The competition closes on April 30.

The Bologna Challenge

I've posted several times about the Bologna Process -- European higher education reform (for example, see here, here and here).

Today's Inside Higher Ed features Q and A with the author of a recent book, called The Challenge of Bologna.

This interview is quick -- and worth wide reading.

Major Cuts for UK Universities

I've been following the Guardian's coverage of major budget cuts ahead for UK universities.  If you're interested, this outlet is a handy source of news and opinion on global higher education.  If you're not, maybe you should be...

Twenty Years After Mandela's Release

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release from prison -- a key milestone in the history of South Africa and in worldwide struggle for human rights.

We'll never be able to measure the effects of Mandela's leadership.  The New York Times published essays by seven political prisoners who pay him tribute. 

Take time to read these today in his honor.

To learn more about the man, read  A Long Walk to Freedom. 

Career Guidance: University Support for Researchers

The European University Association's Council for Doctoral Education are convening this workshop next month. 

With the knowledge that the doctorate is more than the entrance ticket to an academic career and that doctorate holders are increasingly needed in society, how do institutions set up structures that improve the awareness of the numerous career choices, how do they prepare doctoral candidates for a career outside academic research and – not least – how do they communicate the value of the doctorate to potential employees? 

Influence without Authority

I'm reading Influence without Authority (by Cohen and Bradford).  If you're working in a dynamic, highly decentralized, ambiguous environment (such as a large public university), I highly recommend this book.

New Deal in Northern Ireland

I'm preparing to lead a study abroad program in Ireland this summer, so I'm following current affairs pretty closely.

Today a key agreement was reached to transfer the authority for justice and policing from Westminster to the Northern Ireland Assembly.


For further information, see RTE news , the BBC , and this statement by US Secretary of State Clinton.  Also, check out the New York Times coverage, which includes a useful background video, reader comments, etc.

The focus of our summer study is on what Irish people (both North and South) are doing to face a very uncertain economic future.  Today's agreement will certainly be a part of our discussion.

Negotiating Climate: Lessons Learned from Copenhagen...

To follow up on recent posts (here and here)... A campus seminar -- scheduled for Friday, February 12.

Last December, MU Geography professors Mike Urban and Mark Cowell attended the United Nations climate change conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark as observers for the Association of American Geographers.

Drs. Urban and Cowell will share their observations of the meeting and discuss some of the issues related to science, advocacy, politics, diplomacy and economics that were central to the UN negotiation process.

Sponsored by:  the MU International Center; Department of Geography; College of Arts and Science; Department of Soil, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences; School of Natural Resources; and the MU Transatlantic Center.

[download a pdf flyer for this event]