Are we witnessing a preview of fall on America’s college campuses right now?

Comparing situations always leaves you open for criticism. That’s because no two situations are exactly alike. So, at the risk of being subjected to criticism... I fear the last few weeks around the U.S. are a precursor to what’s going to happen on America’s college campuses this fall. It’s not a pretty picture. Much like …

Another open letter to faculty

Faculty colleagues, We continue to see stories about coronavirus in the news, and we become anxious. We continue to hear about people we know contracting the virus, and we become fearful. We continue to wonder what might happen to us once the fall term begins, and we become uncertain. We need to address what's behind …

How will your fall classes be delivered?

A simple poll to close out the week.  

Purdue University president Daniels: We can reopen safely (I’m skeptical of the tone of the message)

Let’s take a closer look at Mitch Daniels’ editorial in today’s Washington Post. The Purdue University president questions his critics (you can count me among them) who looked askance at his open letter to the university campus, dated April 21. His message then is almost identical now: Purdue University has an obligation to its students …

Higher education’s priorities for fall

The spring semester has ended. A summer of, well, we’re not sure of what, awaits. There’s only one certainty over the next few months for those of us fortunate to be in higher education: All of us must contribute to ensuring our campus is ready for the fall term, no matter how, and when, instruction …

Horrible news: Missouri Western cuts faculty, programs

Readers: I think the decision made at Missouri Western is the most significant cut to faculty and programs any institution has made in response to the economic fallout from coronavirus. Please let me know if that's wrong. Inside Higher Ed outlines what's happening at Missouri Western. The institution is laying off 31 nontenured instructors, including …

UMass-Boston delivers bad news to many faculty

As WBUR reports, About half the non-tenure-track faculty at UMass Boston are getting notices that they may not have jobs this fall. The notices come as universities struggle to figure out whether they will be able to open campuses in the fall and how many students will enroll either on campus or online. Faculty may …

St. Edward’s University cuts faculty and staff

According to KXAN-TV, It’s unclear the exact number of people who have been impacted because the university will not release a total number of employees. It did say some non-tenure track, visiting faculty appointments and academic contracts were not continued.

University of Minnesota plans no job cuts, at least for now

The Star-Tribune also notes that the university would like to begin the fall semester with face-to-face instruction. For now, the budget includes a hiring freeze systemwide, a freeze on merit pay increases and bonuses for all employees — except those working under collectively bargained contracts, and a 10% cut for Gabel and her cabinet.