Last season, Jeff and Michael explored the reinstatement of the Pell Grant for incarcerated learners. The question now is what’s next for these learners and where can they actually get to use their federal funds? In this episode, Jeff and Michael look at the innovative College Unbound model with co-founder and president Adam Bush and Jose Rodriguez, the assistant vice president for community and belonging. College Unbound is an accredited college with a single degree and a model that allows learning to happen wherever it happens, in kitchens or even in prisons. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(1:15) - Innovative college model and accreditation(5:34) - Prison education program and its impact on inmates' lives(9:19) - Scaling a non-traditional college model(12:02) - College Unbound's innovative approach to adult education(19:31) - Higher education for incarcerated individualsLinksCollege Unbound Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

The Hechinger Report’s Jon Marcus and Chris Quintana of USA Today join hosts Jeff and Michael for a roundtable discussion to talk about recent headlines in higher ed. Jon discusses the impact of lower birth rates in Japan on university enrollment, while Chris dives into the current state of the Biden Administration’s student loan debt repayment plans. Other topics include efforts by universities to articulate the value of higher ed, the rollout of the simplified FAFSA, and culture wars on campus. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:47) - Declining college enrollment in Japan and US(8:04) - Student loan forgiveness and career centers in higher education(12:35) - College career preparation and job placement(14:37) - FAFSA simplification, college affordability, and higher ed news(20:25) - Higher education trends and challenges in the US  Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

How do you engage learners in the post-pandemic age? Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn are joined by Carrie Bartek, from Wake Technical Community College, and Randi Harris, from Portland State University, to ask some important questions: What has changed for students since the pandemic? And what needs to change moving forward to ensure students’ success? They consider the evolving landscape of higher education and the importance of addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of students to ensure their success in this new educational paradigm. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

To kick off the new year, host Jeff Selingo welcomes Lynn Perry Wooten, President of Simmons University, for a conversation on the unique position of smaller universities in higher education. They discuss some vital concerns facing smaller universities like Simmons, such as combining less popular liberal arts majors, combatting dropping college enrollment numbers, and embracing online education programs. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Links MentionedStrategies for Digital TransformationKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(4:10) - Small college challenges and strategic planning(11:51) - Small college competitiveness and online education(19:58) - Leadership and collaboration in higher education(21:31) - Higher education leadership and decision-making(27:00) - Higher education data analysis and institutional growth(32:42) - Online education and revenue diversification at Simmons College  Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn wrap up 2023 by discussing some headlines in higher ed, including the reaction on campuses to the Israel-Hamas War, the big changes afoot at 2U, and more college closures. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.LinksNo Revenge for Nerds? Evaluating the Careers of Ivy League AthletesKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:29) - College campuses and generational divides(9:20) - Higher education challenges and solutions(13:31) - The decline of 2U and the future of online education(19:03) - Online education, university finances, and potential bankruptcy(26:14) - College admissions and career outcomes(32:54) - Nate Silver hiring preferences Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

New York Times columnist and author David Leonhardt discusses his new book, “Ours Was The Shining Future: The Story of the American Dream." In his conversation with Michael and Jeff, they talk about the impact of the high-school movement on the U.S. economy last century, what a similar higher ed movement might look like in this century, and why the value of the college is being questioned. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(6:18) - The evolution of high school education and its impact on society(11:27) - Public higher education expansion and quality in the US(15:10) - Higher education's role in society and political polarization(21:34) - Economic inequality and political polarization in the US(27:10) - Education after high school, including college and non-college pathways(35:28) - Higher education growth and innovation Links We SharedOurs Was the Shining Future Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn take their conversation on the road with another stop on the Future U. Campus Tour, this time visiting the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. They sat down with president Santa Ono to discuss the future of higher education and Michigan's role in the local and global communities. Following that interview, Jeff and Michael had a discussion with a panel on a range of topics from sustainability to student wellness, and highlighting what it means in 2023 to be a public flagship with a national profile and serve the community at the same time. This episode is sponsored by Dell Technologies and Google Chrome OS.Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(4:54) - The role of the University of Michigan in the state and beyond(10:36) - Higher education, trust, and community involvement in Detroit(16:04) - The future of higher education and the Big Ten conference(21:37) - Mental health challenges in college students(27:41) - Mental health support for college students during pandemic(30:29) - Pandemic's impact on college experience and mental health(32:40) - Supporting international students at the University of Michigan(34:56) - Collective impact and sustainability in higher education(36:40) - Value of study abroad(42:45) - Global education and diversity at the University of Michigan(46:59) - Mental health supports for university staff(52:14) - Jeff Selingo's takeaways(54:07) - Michael Horn's Takeaways Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, we discuss why their model of the apprenticeship teacher is better than the traditional student-teacher model, how public universities that historically educated the bulk of teachers are following the Reach model, and how the idea can be scaled to other public-sector jobs in rural areas. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.Links We MentionReach University Key Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:47) - Teacher training and education in rural areas(6:38) - Apprenticeship-based teacher education model and its potential expansion(10:08) - Teacher shortages and innovative solutions(15:58) - Job-embedded learning in various industries(17:33) - Education model for teacher preparation.(28:57) - Rural education and apprenticeships Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedIn Connect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

In too many rural areas, workers lack access to affordable training pathways to high-quality jobs. Jeff and Michael sit down with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch, Chancellor of Reach University, to learn about how Reach is addressing this challenge with an apprenticeship approach to teacher education. In the first of this two-part conversation, they discuss the theory and practice that informed Reach’s founding and the college’s innovative enrollment, training, and funding models. Michael considers how the Reach’s clear focus helps keep their costs low, and Jeff discusses the importance of career-connected learning. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group.LinksAscendium Education GroupKey Moments(0:00) - Intro(2:45) - Innovative higher education model with Mallory O'Brien(4:57) - Rural teacher shortages and innovative solutions(8:28) - The importance of experience in education(11:54) - Alternative university model for teacher certification(17:57) - Education and career development(23:38) - Innovative teacher education model for rural areasConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Author Ana Homayoun joins hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to discuss her new book "Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission." They ask what other measures for success should we consider for a student in higher ed beyond academics. The conversation explores expanding one’s social circles, networking, finding mentors, and developing life management skills. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments00:00 - Introduction05:41 - Intentional College Experiences and Connections09:31 - College Social Connections and Their Impact On Economic Mobility16:34 - College Students' Soft Skills and How Colleges Can Help20:12 - Redefining Success In College And Beyond25:33 - Education And Career Goals With Ana Homayoun26:39 - College Students' Networking Challenges and Strategies31:34 - Networking, Career Advice, and Hands-on Learning.35:46- Intergenerational Relationships and Connecting Students Across Differences Links We ShareERASING THE FINISH LINE: The New Blueprint For Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedIn Connect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content. 

Jeff and Michael are joined by the CEOs of Academic Partnerships, Fernando Bleichmar, and Coursera, Jeff Maggioncalda, to talk about the future of online learning, including a new study on ROI, the role of degrees vs. credentials in the job market, and what AI will mean for online ed. This episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments00:00 - Intro04:58 - ROI of Online Programs at Universities10:45 - Online Education and Pricing with Coursera and Academic Partners16:04 - Future of Higher Education Partnerships21:01 - Online learning, Certifications, and Their Value in the Job Market26:27 - The Impact of AI on Higher Education.33:17 - Higher Education Innovation And Online Learning36:42 - Disruptive Innovation In Higher Education With A Focus On Pricing40:29 - Higher Ed Partnerships And Their Impact On The Future Of Online Education47:09 - Education and Government RegulationLinks We MentionedAcademic Partnerships Report on ROIConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

In this episode, hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn delve into the world of data analytics, as they discuss the evolution of data science needs across various industries and how universities are preparing students to meet those needs in the workforce. They then offer hot takes on recent higher ed headlines, from disenchantment with higher ed to the lack of economic diversity at exclusive institutions. The episode is sponsored by Ascendium Education Group and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.Key MomentsIntroduction [02:38]: The hosts, Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo, introduce the episode and discuss the annual New York Times Education Issue and the importance of data science skills across various industries. New York Times Education Issue [00:13:25]: Michael and Jeff delve into the New York Times Education Issue, discussing its timing, content, and the use of outside writers for the issue. Value of Higher Education [00:15:00]: The hosts analyze an article by Paul Tough on the declining faith in the value of college, discussing root causes of this disenchantment, and the role of informal learning through non-accredited institutions, online platforms, apprenticeships, and certification programs.College Access Index [00:21:51]: Jeff discusses the New York Times magazine story David Leonhardt and Ashley Wu about the college access index.Links We MentionTurning Data into WisdomUpcoming Next Office Hour Webinars and ArchivesConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads  Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn review  recent headlines around higher ed before they speak in person to a community college board at a retreat in Sun Valley, Idaho. They compare the different value propositions of two- and four-year colleges and discuss government intervention into university mergers and acquisitions. Other topics they discuss include legacy admissions and the value of credentials from prestigious universities. And Jeff makes an exciting announcement: his new book! The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group. Key Moments00:00 Intro00:03:36 Declining enrollment at community colleges.00:09:35 Co-location with four-year colleges.00:12:13 Dual enrollment in community colleges.00:14:28 Dual enrollment funding disparities.00:18:29 Merger and acquisition reviews.00:22:03 Community college focus on employment.00:24:24 Legacy admissions in higher education.00:28:56 Seeing colleges as businesses.00:31:21 Cheaper credentials and alumni networks.00:34:30 Planning for college challenges. Links We MentionedDually Noted: Understanding the Link Between Dual Enrollment Course Characteristics and Students’ Course and College Enrollment OutcomesHow Can Community Colleges Afford to Offer Dual Enrollment College Courses to High School Students at a Discount? Connect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)Threads Connect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedIn Submit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Hosts Jeff and Michael are joined by President Jim Gash of Pepperdine University to discuss student resilience and mental health and Pepperdine’s attempt to proactively support students through its RISE (Resilience-Informed Skills Education) program. President Gash also spoke about the impact of cancel culture on student wellbeing and the importance of campuses being places where students grapple with difficult ideas with which they may not agree. The episode is sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Key Moments00:00 Intro00:03:12 Colleges can help students build resilience.00:08:07 Integrating resilience into the curriculum.00:11:07 Resilience programs benefit student mental health.00:16:14 Importance of global experiences.00:24:30 Promote civil discourse in education.00:31:38 Addressing mental health through resilience.00:32:08 Integrating resilience into education.00:37:14 Importance of building resilience00:43:04 Lean into differences for success.LinksPepperdine Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) ProgramAmerican College President ReportResearch by Richard SagorConnect with President Jim Gash:LinkedInConnect with Michael Horn:Sign Up for the The Future of Education NewsletterWebsiteLinkedInX (Twitter)ThreadsConnect with Jeff Selingo:Sign Up for the Next NewsletterWebsiteX (Twitter)ThreadsLinkedInConnect with Future U:TwitterYouTubeThreadsInstagramFacebookLinkedInSubmit a question and if we answer it on air we'll send you Future U. swag!Sign up for Future U. emails to get special updates and behind-the-scenes content. Transcripts from all episodes.

In this Season 7 kickoff episode, Jeff and Michael discuss a wide array of headlines from the summer that have long-term impacts on higher education.Key Moments00:02:49 - Michael Horn Book Update00:05:45 - "This year is about a new normal."00:06:55 - "The Pac-12 Collapsed Overnight"00:11:37 - "…you cannot outspend reality."00:17:00 - "The nation's best known public universities have been on an unfettered spending spree."00:19:23 - "These places are just devouring money, offering everything to everyone all at once is unsustainable."00:21:49 - "policy should be focusing on student outcomes…"00:24:30 - "I don't think they're going to negatively impact those liberal arts programs that in my view offer very valuable skills and credentials in the labor market."00:26:34 - "I think that was all fair. And I actually was shocked. I thought the article did a really good job of depicting the purpose of secret societies in my mind, which is really to broaden your social experience."00:30:45 - "it was a very patriotic, pro-American, deeply affected campus that doesn't accord at all with some of the allegations that were printed in the article."00:32:49 - "A Return of the Presidential Fitness Test?"Relevant LinksAcademy for Innovative Higher Ed LeadershipColleges Spend Like There’s No Tomorrow. ‘These Places Are Just Devouring Money.’Higher Ed Spending Problem Demands Attention No Matter Court’s OpinionIt’s time to rethink incentives for higher edMichael Horn’s Testimony to CongressHow Ron DeSantis Joined the “Ruling Class” - and Turned Against ItSummaryThe ‘New Normal’Jeff Selingo brings up what people are referring to as the ‘New Normal.’ He discusses the changes that higher education institutions, such as West Virginia University, are having to make to adapt to the changing landscape.The 'New Normal' he describes is characterized by financial challenges, changing demographics, and shifting priorities in higher education. Selingo uses the example of West Virginia University, which is planning to cut more than two dozen programs to close a projected $75 million deficit by 2028. This deficit was largely due to overly optimistic enrollment goals that were not met. The university initially planned to cut all its language programs, but later decided to retain Spanish and Chinese, while graduate programs and math programs are still at risk.Michael Horn brings up a related point regarding the demographics of college-aged students, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest, which are not favorable. This could be another aspect of the 'New Normal' that Selingo is referring to - universities having to adapt to changing demographics and potentially declining student populations. This example illustrates the 'New Normal' of universities having to make tough decisions and prioritize certain programs over others due to financial constraints and demographic shifts.Selingo suggests that this trend is likely to continue as universities navigate the challenges and changes brought about by the pandemic, demographic changes and other factors. This 'New Normal' will require universities to reassess their strategies and adapt to new realities in higher education.Conference RealignmentJeff explains how the PAC-12 athletic conference collapsed overnight while attempting to secure a new television deal. This resulted in the University of Washington and the University of Oregon leaving for the Big 10, while the University of Arizona, Arizona State, and the University of Utah moved to the Big-12.These moves were financially motivated as these universities needed funds to maintain their expenditures on coaches and facilities. Selingo suggests that the traditional linear television model, which presently provides significant funding, is on the decline. He also believes that streaming services like Apple could become a financial lifeline for universities by the end of the decade.Selingo also links these events to the 'New Normal' in higher education. The changes in the PAC-12 and other athletic conferences can be seen as part of this broader shift in the higher education landscape.Harvard's Opportunity Insights ProjectHarvard's Opportunity Insights Project included a study conducted by economist Raj Chetty using data compiled by Open Campus. The study used tax records to measure the wealth of students attending various colleges. The top 1% in the study referred to families with incomes of $660,000 a year and above, while the top 0.1% were significantly higher.The study found that at a group of 12 institutions, including the entire Ivy League, Stanford, Duke, MIT, and the University of Chicago, applicants from families in the top 1% were 34% more likely to gain admission than applicants with the same SAT and ACT scores from lower-income families. Those from the top 0.1% were more than twice as likely to be admitted.The study didn't just focus on elite universities, but also included 139 institutions in total. The results showed that the ultra-rich are not only enrolling at Ivy League schools but also at other institutions further down the ranking, such as Elon or Wake Forest.Public School SpendingMichael Horn discusses a Wall Street Journal article by Melissa Korn, Andrea Fuller, and Jennifer Forsyth, which detailed the spending spree of these institutions, stating "The nation's best known public universities have been on an unfettered spending spree."The University of Kentucky was cited as an example, having upgraded its campus to the tune of $805,000 a day for more than a decade. A graphic indicated that spending has risen much faster than enrollment from 2002 to 2022, leading to increased spending per student. At the median flagship university, spending rose 38% over these two decades.For every $1 lost in state support, the median school increased tuition and fee revenue by nearly $2.40. Michael argues that these universities, driven by prestige and revenue growth, lack economies of scale and tend to overspend. Horn also touches on the enrollment patterns of wealthy families, suggesting that attracting such families can have long-term implications for the universities' finances.Ron DeSantis at YaleMichael Horn shares about his experiences at Yale, especially in relation to the description given by Governor Ron DeSantis in a recent article, and his involvement in a secret society. Michael explains that the society serves as a way of opening up and introducing members to other students they would not have otherwise met, and presents an intimate way to broaden horizons. Horn mentions that these society members weren't his friends before, but many of them have since become close friends. He confirms that DKE, where DeSantis was a member, is known as the wilder fraternity on campus, mostly filled with athletes.Horn disagrees with DeSantis' depiction of Yale as a place of fervent anti-Americanism, stating that his experience was different. He acknowledges that Yale leans more politically liberal but also points out there are conservative enclaves, particularly in the history department. It's not hard to express one’s opinion, even if it's not the majority view. Horn also discusses some of the social issues on campus during his time at Yale, including graduate students' efforts to organize as employees and concerns about Yale's clothing being made in sweatshops.He suggests that the university environment might have changed since his time, possibly aligning more with DeSantis' allegations. However, he also recalls a statement from Rick Levin who said, "Look, the Wall Street Journal is going to print what it prints about Yale. And they have this view that is so out of touch with the majority experience on campus that you just can't read too much into it." While Horn senses that the campus culture has changed, he advises caution when extrapolating too much from these articles, which tend to generalize and create caricatures. Lastly, Horn notes that the 9/11 attacks occurred after DeSantis' time at Yale, during his own senior year, which may have influenced the campus culture and experiences of students.Recommendation by Vivek Ramaswamy - The Presidential Fitness TestMichael and Jeff express skepticism about Vivek Ramaswamy's recommendation to bring back the Presidential Fitness Test as a section of the SAT. Selingo, after delving into the history of the test and its components, acknowledges the importance of physical activity for students but dismisses the idea of its relevance as a criterion for college admission. He suggests that this proposal shouldn't be given any more attention. Both Jeff and Michael seem to view the idea as a distraction from more important topics related to college admissions.

In this special episode of the Future U Podcast, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo engage in a lively conversation with faculty members Crystal White from the University of Memphis, and Stephanie Speicher from Weber State University. The discussion, sponsored by Course Hero and recorded live during their annual summit, revolves around the need for leadership, connection, relevance, and a culture of care in higher education. The podcast delves into the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive environment in the classroom, as well as the disparity between the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty and students in U.S colleges and universities.

Jeff and Michael look back on Season 6 and the stories they’ve covered, from college rankings and affirmative action to religion and student mental health. They each pick their favorite episode from this season and make predictions for what the higher ed headlines will be next season when Future U. resumes after its traditional summer hiatus. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.Relevant LinksThe Financially Resilient University

On the Marymount University campus, Michael speaks with University President Irma Becerra about the university's decision to incorporate the liberal arts in the context of high-demand programs that result in jobs, while Jeff fields a panel discussion on how to keep Higher Ed current and how best to prepare students for their futures. This episode is made possible with support from Dell Technologies and Google ChromeOS.

Far too often, individuals in higher education don't understand the nuances of how accreditors operate and the role they play in supporting—or constraining—institutions. Jeff and Michael welcome Barbara Brittingham, former president of the New England Commission on Higher Education, to give the history of accreditation, break down how accrediting agencies operate, show how they compare to one another, and delve into how they might evolve in the future with an eye toward how these organizations impact institutional transformation and support learners in achieving their education and career goals. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

Even as higher education in America has its roots in religion, over the centuries it's drifted away from those beginnings. And yet, as our guest informs us, enrollment at religious higher ed institutions has actually risen over the past 20 years, as these institutions serve as havens for young people looking for belonging. Jeff and Michael discuss the role of religion in higher education with Clark Gilbert, Commissioner of Education of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and hear him delve into the unique value that schools like these present to tackle some of the central challenges facing higher education, such as accessibility, affordability, and value. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.Relevant LinksDare to be DifferentPopulace InsightsWhat Does Stanford Stand For?

In a discussion with George Mason University president Dr. Gregory Washington, Jeff and Michael delve into a few ways to get to and through college: programs that allow students to more seamlessly move from community college to four-year college programs, the difficulties faced by transfer students, and the importance of presidential leadership to improve the situation. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group.

At the recent National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) annual meeting, Debra Wilson, the incoming president of the NAIS, flips the script and interviews Jeff and Michael about key takeaways from the pandemic for schools and higher education, how mental health plays into students’ transition to college, and how colleges can encourage more students to enter the teaching profession. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

It’s often a forgone conclusion that you should not only go to a four-year college, but also that the better the university’s ranking, the better you’ll do in life. On this episode, Jeff and Michael dig into the data behind these assumptions. Might the U.S. News and World Report college rankings even disappear?And do you still need to invest in a four-year degree in order to excel professionally or are employers putting less stock in a bachelor's? This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.Relevant LinksReport on Bachelor's Degrees from Jeff Selingo and Matt Sigelman

With Florida politics and the current governor’s recent moves in higher ed attracting so much attention, we caught up with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush to add context to the current debates. Bush reflected on his own experiences, successes, and regrets when it comes to the higher ed policies he championed. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

As Chat GPT and other AI tools have garnered immense interest in the last few months, people have begun to wonder how these tools will impact higher ed: Will it represent the end of writing? Will we see a rampant rise in cheating? Or maybe these tools herald a new age of an improved quality of student work? Jeff and Michael pose these questions and more to computer science experts Charles Isbell of Georgia Institute of Technology College of Computing and Michael Littman of Brown University. This episode is made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.

The role of Online Program Managers (OPMs) in the recruitment of students for online university programs has been a controversial issue, and one that is still up for debate. Michael and Jeff delve into OPMs, as well the federal government’s guidance on third party services, like OPMs, over the last few administrations.Relevant LinksWhat's the OPM Episode?The Credential Cluster

The digital economy has been driving job growth across the country for much of the last decade-plus. But nearly all of those jobs, no matter the industry, were created in major metropolitan areas. Michael and Jeff look at how one town and one university in Ohio can serve as a national blueprint for growing the rural economy. This episode made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group.Listen to more episode on our website at www.futureupodcast.com.Relevant LinksEconomic Impact of Hospitals and Higher Education Institutions Revealed in New Tool from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on affirmative action yet again, the president of James Madison University, who played a key role as a lawyer in the University of Michigan's Supreme Court cases 20 years earlier, joins the show to offer historical perspective and an explanation of how the Court's decision could impact far more than just higher education admissions. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

New CDC data show that more than half of teenaged girls in the U.S. felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, but it's not just girls who are struggling. Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, breaks down the struggles of teenagers and the implications for colleges and universities from admissions to graduation and beyond. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.Relevant LinksThe CDC report on increased sadness and exposure to violence among teen girls and LGBQ+ youthLisa Damour’s latest book, The Emotional Lives of TeenagersLisa’s podcast on the psychology of parenting

The pandemic didn’t bring the wave of mergers and acquisitions that many in higher ed expected. Michael and Jeff talk with the head of Northeastern U’s M&A committee and an expert on M&A in health care and education about what’s next. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.Listen to the March 2022 Future U episode on college consolidations at https://www.futureupodcast.com/episodes/is-consolidation-coming/Higher Ed Dive is tracking closings, mergers, acquisitions and other consolidation among public and private nonprofit institutions from 2016 to the present: https://www.highereddive.com/news/how-many-colleges-and-universities-have-closed-since-2016/539379/Fitch Ratings anticipates a deteriorating credit environment for U.S. Public Finance Higher Education in 2023 relative to 2022. A new study from researchers at Harvard University and the National Bureau of Economic Research finds that health system mergers only marginally improve the quality of care, but at significantly higher cost.In the late 1990s, several members of Congress made a push for cost controls in higher education. To learn more, listen to Episode 119 of Future U for our interview with Bill Troutt, former chair of the National Commission on the Cost of Higher Education who's also President Emeritus of Rhodes College in Tennessee, and Harvard economist Susan Dynarski.

Historically, rapid technological change sidelines unskilled or under-skilled workers.  Michael and Jeff talk to the leaders of Merit America and the Marcy Lab School, two institutions providing an on-ramp to working adults who either never enrolled or dropped out of college. This episode is made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group.View More episodes on our website: www.FutureUPodcast.com

Back by popular demand: Reporters' Roundtable. Pam Kelley on how a motivational speaker and businessman turned around High Point University; Emma Pettit on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis's efforts to overhaul higher ed; and Paul Fain on the future of the bachelor degree. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero. Relevant LinksA Harbinger for 2023? Presentation College, a small private institution in South Dakota, has announced its plans to close due to "slumping enrollment and rising costs."How to Sell a University -- An examination of High Point University President Nido Qubein turned HIgh Point University around "wow" amenities, flag-waving patriotism and a focus on life skills. High Point's Controversial New Law Dean Speaks Out (Sort Of) -- Critics of former North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin say he needs to take responsibilty for his role in fighting the 2020 election outcomes. DeSantis's Higher-Ed Push Just Got Bigger. Fresh Resistance is Starting to Bubble Up -- DeSantis announced a wide-ranging plan that includes greater authority for boards and college presidents to hire and fire, including tenured faculty membersWhat is Happening in Florida? -- Demands for diversity data, a governing-board overhaul, and a pledge to strip "trendy ideology" from higher ed. Is Ron DeSantis just getting started?DeSantis Asked Florida Universities to Detail their Their University Spending. Here's How They Answered -- The amounts the state’s public universities reported spending on diversity and critical race theory came out to 1 percent or less of their overall budgets.Pennsylvania is axing its college degree requirement for 65,000 state jobs, calling it an "arbitrary requirement" Measuring the returns on college -- Paul Fain examines several studies on the value of college credentials.A 'Divorce' Creates Florida's 11th University -- Jeff's 2001 article on the creation of New College of Florida.The Rich-Poor Gap Widens for College Students -- Jeff's 2006 article on the growing divide between students.

A record 50.5 million Americans quit their jobs in 2022. Most left for offers of higher pay or the ability to work remotely. Higher Ed isn’t immune. Michael and Jeff talk with a former university human resource officer and a professor who studies how colleges manage their talent. This episode is made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Relevant LinksJeff's article in The Atlantic on higher ed staff during the pandemic."Right Now, Your Best Employees Are Eyeing the Exits," The Chronicle of Higher Education.Book: Involving Colleges: Successful Approaches to Fostering Student Learning and Development Outside the Classroom.

Three years after the start of the pandemic, professors still report a disconcerting level of disconnection among students even as campuses return to “normal.” Michael and Jeff talk with MIT's former head of digital learning initiatives about what the science tells us on how to reach and teach students. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.Relevant Linkshttps://openlearning.mit.edu/ideas-designing-affordable-new-educational-institution

We have come to accept there is no cure for rising costs in higher ed, so we treat the symptoms with measures like loan forgiveness. What are the root causes and what to do about them? Michael and Jeff ask two veterans of the college cost debate on this episode, made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  

Some 1.5 million people are in state and federal prisons in the United States, but for more than two decades they haven’t been eligible for federal Pell Grants. That’s about to change on July 1, 2023, offering an opportunity for incarcerated people and colleges alike. Michael and Jeff talk with a scholar in prison education and a formerly incarcerated student who went on to earn his degree about providing meaningful rehabilitation through a college education. This episode made possible with support from Ascendium Education Group

Elite law schools are ditching the U.S. News rankings but what does it mean for the undergrad rankings? Also, Georgetown is making a bet on an online undergrad degree with Coursera. Plus, Michael asks about Jeff's piece for New York Magazine on the SATs. Send us your questions!  This episode made possible with support from Course Hero, Ascendium Education Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About 91% of colleges understate or don't include the net price in their financial-aid offers to would-be students, the U.S. Government Accountability Office has found in a new report. We go into the archives for a 2019 episode when Rachel Fishman from New America joined us to discuss her research. With support from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Relevant Links:Report from GAO: https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-23-104708.pdf Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/most-colleges-give-inaccurate-price-details-in-financial-aid-letters-federal-report-finds-11670273500 Decoding the Cost of College: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/policy-papers/decoding-cost-college/ Design Principles for Financial Aid Offers: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/design-principles-financial-aid-offers/ Nothing Has Changed Much With Financial Aid Offers. Congress Must Act: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/edcentral/nothing-has-changed-with-financial-aid-offers-congress-must-act/

On the latest stop of Future U.'s campus tour, hosts Michael Horn and Jeff Selingo visit Bowie State University to speak with President Aminta Breaux, as well as faculty and administrators at the Maryland institution about increased enrollment at HBCUs, partnerships with employers, and student engagement. With support from Salesforce.org.

In a special episode recorded at The Chronicle of Higher Education Festival, Jeff Selingo and guest co-host Bridget Burns talk with three students about what has worked (and what hasn't) in their college experiences. With support from Ascendium Education Group, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Course Hero.

Penn State’s new president Neeli Bendapudi sits down with Jeff and Michael to talk about not only her personal leadership journey, but also shifting demographics, clear pullback in public financing of higher ed, college athletics, and more. With support from Course Hero and Ascendium Education Group.

In the second half of their conversation with Victoria Jackson and Matt Brown, Michael and Jeff dive into "Name Image Likeness," paying student athletes, and what shifting professional pathways to sports can mean for rethinking college athletics overall. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

So many headlines to parse this week: What the NYU brouhaha says about how we educate top students; how the coverage of ACT scores missed the real headline; and is it better to serve in the U.S. Senate or as a university president. Michael and Jeff break it all down. This episode made possible with support from Course Hero, Ascendium Education Group, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Relevant Links:NYU’s Firing of a Chemistry Professor Caused a Furor. Here’s What He Has to Say About It.

It's not often a university president talks about how degrees are being devalued and how higher education must align with workforce needs, but that's exactly what new Temple University president, Jason Wingard, does when he joins Jeff and Michael to discuss his book, “The College Devaluation Crisis," and what's next for Temple. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group, Course Hero, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Follow Future U on Twitter • LinkedIn

With all the talk about the metaverse, Michael and Jeff examine where the latest bright shiny objects in edtech--augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR)--really stand when it to comes to transforming teaching and learning.This episode made possible with sponsorship from Course Hero.Follow Future U on Twitter • LinkedIn

The pandemic accelerated experimentation across industries, including education. Jeff Selingo interviews co-host Michael Horn about his new book called From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child. The book provides educators with practical examples and roadmaps for change in K-12, many of which can also be applied to higher ed. This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.Purchase From Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child 

It was bombshell news when the Big Ten announced this summer that UCLA and USC would be joining the conference in two years. Many think this latest edition of athletic conference realignment in higher ed has nothing to do with the wellbeing of students and it’s all about the money for their institutions. Reporter Matt Brown from The Athletic and Arizona State University sports historian Victoria Jackson break down why the conferences have so much power over the historical foundations of American higher education.This episode made possible with sponsorship from Ascendium Education Group and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Jeff and Michael discuss the current state of higher ed. The impact of economic conditions, a massive realignment of NCAA athletic conferences, the great resignation, and how to re-engage students in their learning after the last academic year are just some topics they'll investigate in Season 6. This episode made possible with sponsorship from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Ascendium Education Group.Relevant LinksFrom Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child Hardcover – July 13, 2022Is Biden’s student debt cancellation a moral hazard? | Higher Ed DiveBiden Just Forgave Some Student-Loan Debt. Now What?2022 CHLOE 7 Report | Quality MattersThe Financially Sustainable University: The Lost Decade | Bain & CompanyThe real reasons why “alarming” numbers of Americans are rejecting college

Tune in for the Season 5 finale of the Future U podcast, as hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn reflect on the challenges and changes in higher ed as the country emerges from the pandemic, the end of federal stimulus dollars, the podcast's 100th episode, and the Future U. campus tour. Listen to their predictions for the coming year, and get ready for a new season this fall, as the podcast hits the road again with a visit to Bowie State University.Relevant Links:Education Needs to Strengthen Its Approach to Monitoring Colleges' Arrangements with Online Program Managers | US GAOFrom Reopen to Reinvent: (Re)Creating School for Every Child Hardcover – July 13, 2022

On the campus of Georgia Tech, Future U. host Michael Horn and guest host Aimée Eubanks Davis talk with Georgia Tech's President Ángel Cabrera, Emory University's President Greg Fenves, and members of both communities on strengthening student wellbeing, the role of an urban campus, and the impact of research universities. President Ángel Cabrera, Georgia TechPresident Gregory L. Fenves, Emory UniversityDean Charles Isbell, College of Computing, Georgia TechJoyelle Harris, Faculty Director, Georgia TechEric Weeks, Director, Emory's Center for Faculty Development and ExcellenceRazan Fasheh-Roberts, Senior Director, Salesforce  

Two storied Jesuit institutions, the College of Holy Cross and Fordham Universities, have their first lay presidents. But Vincent Rougeau and Tania Tetlow are also both trained lawyers and each one respectively is the first Black president and first woman president to lead their institutions. Michael and Jeff welcome Vince and Tania to the podcast.Relevant Links:The future(s) of public higher education: How state universities can survive­–and thrive–in a new eraChoosing College: How to Make Better Learning Decisions Throughout Your Life by Michael B. Horn and Bob MoestaHearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made by David GergenThe March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam by Barbara Tuchman

The second stop of the Future U campus tour took hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Chancellor Gene Block and a panel of guests from the UCLA community fielded questions about the impact of university size on access, a flexible student experience, and the future of the higher education workforce.With support from Salesforce.org. Learn more about the podcast at futureupodcast.com

Given all we hear about the pandemic, learning loss, and mental health issues in K-12, how will Covid-era kids fare as they leave high school behind, and what will the ripple effect be on colleges and universities over the next decade-plus?Relevant Links:The Stolen Year: How COVID Changed Children's Lives, and Where We Go Now , Anya KamentezFrom Reopen to ReinventRethinking Student Success Strategies for Engaging Learners in a Post-Pandemic Era by Jeff Selingo  

Michael and Jeff celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast, with its origin story, some themes that have emerged in five seasons, and lots of predictions from previous guests and our listeners.

In its fifth season, Future U took the show on the road and recorded on campus at Northeastern University. University President Joseph Aoun, faculty, staff, and students weighed on the future of higher ed, in a post-pandemic world.Relevant Links:The New U papers by Jeff SelingoWatch this event on YouTube

A perfect storm of economic factors are driving the narrative for mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships in higher education. John MacIntosh and Kasia Lundy, both advisors to colleges and universities, join Michael and Jeff to explain the landscape and what's next for the sector.Relevant Links:Unlocking the Power of Collaboration: How to Develop a Successful Collaborative Network in and around Higher EducationMergers, Acquisitions & Higher Ed: Mergers and acquisitions are common in the corporate world but not so much in higher ed. With so much talk about colleges going out of business as we come out of the pandemic, Jeff and Michael explore the idea of mergers and acquisitions with Jeff Senese, the president of Saint Leo University, which recently acquired a college thousands of miles away and wants to build a national network of Catholic colleges.

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Sean Gallagher, an author and expert on college credentials, joins Michael and Jeff to explain the rise in new kinds of credentials and what they mean for the value of the degree in the job market.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Salesforce.org. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Legendary University President Freeman Hrabowski takes Future U on a tour of University of Maryland Baltimore County as he prepares to turn over leadership of the institution. He leaves a strong legacy of student success for the university to build on.

Authors Beth Akers and Josh Mitchell join the podcast to talk about what's next for student loans as the Covid-19 pause in payments is lifted in January.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Phil Hill's Blog - "Phil On Ed Tech"OPM Market Landscape Graphic: https://philonedtech.com/opm-market-landscape-and-dynamics-fall-2020-updates/The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • FacebookMusic from Xylo-Ziko "Submersible" - under CC License - No Changes Made

New York Times economics writer Ben Casselman and Guild CEO and co-founder Rachel Romer Carlson join the Jeff and Michael to talk about why there are so many Help Wanted signs and how higher ed might fill the void for giving workers needed skills.

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

David Thomas, president of Morehouse College, joins us to talk about the challenges of building on the legacy of a storied institution and stretching traditions in transformative ways.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

So much for the much-heralded “hot vax summer.” As Jeff and Michael return from their summer break, they continue to talk about the impact of Covid on higher ed and catch up on the news headlines from the sale of edX to the Supreme Court's NCAA ruling as well as preview what's to come on Season 5 of Future U.Relevant LinksEducation Next: College Sports Cartel Crashes as Athletes Prepare to Cash in on “Name, Image, and Likeness” [Link]White paper: What's Next for Higher Education Pricing [Link]LinkedIn: How to Fly and Attend Conferences in 2021 [Link]The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationFollow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Jeff and Michael recap what they've learned from this past year, answer audience questions, and look ahead to next fall in the final episode of this season of Future U. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

As the academic year comes to a close, Jeff and Michael spoke with higher education reporters from the Washington Post, NPR, and the Chronicle for HIgher Education and Open Campus about their perspective on the past year and what the future will hold for campuses—including the stories that they believe aren't being discussed nearly enough.

In the wake of COVID-19, many university presidents have struggled to communicate amidst a fluid and fast-changing set of circumstances outside their control. What does it take to lead in these times? David Gergen, advisor to four U.S. presidents and several university presidents, joins Jeff and Michael for a wide ranging conversation on leadership on campus in these challenging times. 

Michael Baston, president of Rockland Community College, joins Jeff and Michael to talk about the precipitous decline in enrollments in community colleges since COVID-19 and to reflect on what it will take to boost student outcomes at community colleges. 

Tamara Hiler joins us to talk through the opinions of higher education institutions and policy by students and the public, and Jeff and Michael reflect on key issues one year into the pandemic response.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Former Secretaries of Education Margaret Spellings and John King join Jeff and Michael to discuss their views about the new administration in Washington, DC and what they hope is on the horizon for higher ed policy. High on their list? A return to normalcy and support for the neediest students.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and by Nelnet Campus Commerce. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

With daily signs of momentum in the effort to vaccinate U.S. adults, college leaders are beginning to plan for a new normal in higher ed after the pandemic. The president of Georgia State University, which has been a leader in the student success movement, joins Future U to talk about what institutions need to do to improve the student experience in the decade ahead. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Colleges have received more than $36 billion from federal stimulus bills over the last year. Two former Hill staffers representing both sides of the aisle, Alison Griffin and Julie Peller, discuss how higher ed legislation really moves on Capitol Hill and what Congress should be tackling next.  

The pandemic has dramatically changed the outlook for new college graduates. Matt Sigelman, CEO of Burning Glass Technologies, a labor-market analytics firm, discusses what higher ed can do to help students prepare for life after college, including the academic programs to put in place.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

Michelle Weise returns to Future U to talk about her new book, Long Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs that Don’t Even Exist Yet and why creating a new learning ecosystem for what’s ahead is so critical for all of us.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

As part of an annual tradition on the podcast, Jeff and Michael sit down with higher ed reporters to talk about the biggest stories and trends. Melissa Korn from the Wall Street Journal and Kirk Carapezza from GBH radio in Boston.The Future U Podcast is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Follow Future U on Twitter • Facebook

The 23-campus California State University system was among the first to announce in the spring it would go mostly online for the fall (and eventually for the spring). As a complement to the previous episode where Jeff and Michael talked about what it took to welcome students back to campus, in this episode they talk with the president of Sonoma State University about why the Cal State system made the early call to go online.   Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

As colleges considered whether to open their campuses to students in-person for the fall, different institutions approached the question from different vantage points. In this episode, Michael and Jeff talk with the president of Boston University, which welcomed students back, to understand what went into that decision and the logistics behind pulling it off. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Emily Oster joins Michael and Jeff as the debate over reopening both K–12 schools and colleges has reached a fever pitch. Oster, a Brown University economist, has been at the forefront of the public conversation about schools and COVID-19. Jeff and Michael asked Oster about the dynamics of being a public intellectual on a university campus and how she deals with criticism. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Regional public universities are the workhorses of the higher ed systems of many states. Overall, the 400-plus regional public universities across the U.S. educate some 40% of all American undergraduates. But often they are stuck in the middle between better known public flagship universities and community colleges. After years of declining state revenues, and in some states declining enrollments, many have arrived at a crossroads. In this episode, Dan Greenstein, the chancellor of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, talks about his plan to remake the Pennsylvania system as well as why similar institutions elsewhere need to recapture their affordability edge. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

When we think of hybrid education we tend to think of the classroom–a mix between online and face-to-face learning. In this episode, Marni Baker Stein, provost and chief academic officer at Western Governors University talks about how the fast-growing online institution had to rethink all its services and offerings to students in the virtual world, providing a roadmap to traditional institutions in what a hybrid world after Covid-19 might look like. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Southern New Hampshire University has skyrocketed to the top of largest higher education institutions over the past decade, as its president, Paul LeBlanc, has led it through a dramatic transformation. In this episode, LeBlanc talks about the perilous state of higher education, its importance for the nation and world, what Covid-19 and the recession will and won’t accelerate, and how the distinction between learning online and on campus may fade in the years to come. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

With international enrollment down sharply, especially in STEM fields, and potential students questioning the worth of mostly online education, how can graduate schools adapt and innovate? We talk to David Poole of the University of Miami College of Engineering and Jillian Baer of Liaison International about graduate admissions in 2020 and beyond. Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Jeff and Michael preview Jeff’s new book, Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions, which goes on sale September 15. Jeff, who embedded in three different college admissions offices, pulls back the curtain on how admissions decisions get made and discusses how their choices are much more than just GPAs and test scores. Please make sure to order your own copy of Jeff’s book today! https://archive.org/download/episode-64-s-4-e-3/Episode%2064%20%28S4%2C%20E3%29.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Higher education is now facing another fall of remote learning, just months after many colleges and universities had announced they’d be coming back to campus. Jeff and Michael talk to the president and CFO at one of the first institutions that decided to reverse course, Dickinson College. They also catch up with the College Crisis Initiative at Davidson College. https://archive.org/download/episode-63-s-4-e-2/Episode%2063%20%28S4%2C%20E2%29.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Is summer over already? Higher ed didn’t have much of a summer break this year, and Michael and Jeff begin the fourth season of FutureU by reviewing the big headlines and talk about the trends that will shape the coming academic year — as well as a preview of Jeff’s new book that will be released in September. https://archive.org/download/episode-62-s-4-e-1/Episode%2062%20%28S4%2C%20E1%29.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

When Michael and Jeff began season three of the podcast last August, few could have imagined the disruptions to higher ed and the country by the time this season comes to a close. In the last episode before the regular summer hiatus, Michael and Jeff look back on their favorite episodes and ahead on the issues that will shape the coming months. https://archive.org/download/ep-61-final/Ep%2061%20-%20Final.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Martin Van Der Werf from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce joins the podcast to discuss the center’s attempts to rank colleges and universities on the return on investment of their degrees. https://archive.org/download/episode-60-final/Episode%2060%20Final.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

As colleges and universities announce their plans for getting students back on campus, Michael and Jeff talk with Farnam Jahanian, president of Carnegie Mellon University and Lenore Rodicio, provost at Miami Dade College about their approaches to returning this fall. https://archive.org/download/episode-59_202006/Episode%2059.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

John Katzman, founder and CEO of Noodle Partners, and Ben Nelson, founder and CEO of the Minerva Project, join Jeff and Michael to talk about how COVID-19 might transform higher education in the longer – and what institutions should be doing in response. https://archive.org/download/episode-58/Episode%2058.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Fernando Bleichmar from Cengage joins Michael and Jeff to talk about three waves of the higher ed response to Covid-19, what’s worked and not worked on campuses, and the results of a new survey of faculty and institutions the company conducted with the Online Learning Consortium, UPCEA, and other organizations. This episode of Future U is brought to you by Cengage. https://archive.org/download/episode-57/Episode%2057.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

What happens to enrollment and revenue for colleges and universities in the next few months amidst a recession and COVID-19 shuttering physical campuses remains uncertain. Deloitte’s Pete Fritz joined Jeff and Michael to talk through how universities should plan and what’s likely to happen. This episode of Future U is brought to you by Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence. https://archive.org/download/episode-56/Episode%2056.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Carol Quillen, president of Davidson College, is the guest with Michael and Jeff to talk about how to build community with students spread out and maintain a college’s vision and mission in the midst of crisis management. https://archive.org/download/episode55_202004/Episode%2055.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Deloitte’s Scott Friedman and Tim Hurley join Jeff and Michael to talk about what the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be on university finances and how institutions can plan their cash flow in the rocky months ahead. This episode of Future U is brought to you by Deloitte’s Center for Higher Education Excellence. https://archive.org/download/episode54_202004/Episode%2054.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

The co-chair of Northeastern’s COVID-19 task force, Mike Armini, joins Michael and Jeff to discuss what’s next for university planning after most institutions have sent their residential students home and shifted to remote learning for the rest of the spring semester. https://archive.org/download/episode53_202003/Episode%2053.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Angel B. Pérez, vice president for enrollment and student success at Trinity College, in Hartford, joins Jeff and guest co-host Karin Fischer to discuss his efforts to bring socioeconomic diversity to a liberal arts college and the tradeoffs admissions deans need to make to fulfill institutional priorities. https://archive.org/download/episode52_202003/Episode%2052.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

A provost at a regional public university and a faculty member at a private college join Michael and Jeff to talk about what it’s really like to turn a residential campus into a virtual one almost overnight. https://archive.org/download/episode51coronavirus2/Episode%2051%20Coronavirus%202.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Scott Cowen, who led Tulane University in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, joined Michael and Jeff to talk about how to manage a campus through an interrupted semester. https://archive.org/download/episode50coronavirus1/Episode%2050%20Coronavirus%201.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Mary Marcy, the president of Dominican University of California joins Jeff and Michael to talk about her new book The Small College Imperative, and how such institutions can innovate. She also shares lessons from her own innovations, including a partnership with a coding school. https://archive.org/download/episode49_202003/Episode%2049.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Jeff sits down with reporters Goldie Blumenstyk of the Chronicle of Higher Education, Open Campus’s Sara Hebel, and Paul Fain of Inside Higher Ed to discuss this year’s biggest stories and most interesting trends in higher education. https://archive.org/download/episode48_202002/Episode%2048.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Louisiana’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Kim Hunter Reed, join Jeff and guest co-host Paul Fain to talk about the state’s new master plan for higher ed, which sets an ambitious goal for doubling the number of credentials produced annually. https://archive.org/download/episode47_202002/Episode%2047.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Edmit cofounders Sabrina Manville and Nick Ducoff join Michael and Jeff to talk about the controversy behind their projections of the financial collapse of certain colleges and universities–and how their efforts are intended to help families make better financial decisions around college. https://archive.org/download/episode46_202001/Episode%2046.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Michael and Jeff take a look back at last year’s biggest higher ed stories and share and react to listeners’ predictions for 2020. https://archive.org/download/episode45newyear2020/Episode%2045%20-%20New%20Year%202020.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

As Future U takes a brief break in December, Michael previews what’s coming up on the podcast in 2020. https://archive.org/download/decemberupdate/December%20Update.mp3

Marcia Ballinger, the president of Lorain County (Ohio) Community College, talks to Jeff and Michael about some of the approaches she’s implemented that have resulted in boosting student success, including guided pathways and CUNY ASAP. https://archive.org/download/episode44marciaballinger/Episode%2044%20-%20Marcia%20Ballinger.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Joe May, the chancellor of the Dallas County (Texas) Community College District, joins Jeff and Michael to talk about how his institutions discovered the barriers to student success, what they’re doing to help students overcome them, and the importance of upskilling local residents who feel left behind in the new economy. https://archive.org/download/episode43joemay/Episode%2043%20-%20Joe%20May.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Michael and Jeff sat down with Beth Akers, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and the co-author of “Game of Loans: The Rhetoric and Reality of Student Debt.” Among the student debt issues she discusses, she explains why she thinks student loan forgiveness is a “pie in the sky idea.” https://archive.org/download/episode42bethakers/Episode%2042%20-%20Beth%20Akers.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Purdue University President Mitch Daniels talks to Jeff and Michael about the innovations he’s brought to Purdue since arriving there in 2013. The former Indiana governor also talked about what he’s learned on his journey from elected official to college administrator. https://archive.org/download/episode41mitchdaniels/Episode%2041%20-%20Mitch%20Daniels.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Jeff puts Michael on the hot seat along with his coauthor of Choosing College, Bob Moesta, for this episode as he grills them about their new book (click to purchase Choosing College). They explore why students choose the school they do and what that means for designing better educational experiences, whether more data would help students make better choices, and how choosing a college is kind of like buying a mattress. https://archive.org/download/episode40hornmoesta/Episode%2040%20-%20Horn%20Moesta.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Season 3 of Future U kicks off with Jeff and Michael catching up on what happened over the summer in higher ed as well as what’s new in their lives, including an update on their books. https://archive.org/download/season3debutfullep/Season%203%20debut%20Full%20Ep.mp3 Questions? Comments? Connect with us on Twitter or Facebook, or email FutureUpodcast at gmail dot com.

Michael and Jeff wrap up Season 2 of Future U by answering some of our listener questions. https://archive.org/download/FutureUMailbag/Last%20Ep%20Full%20ep.mp3

MIT professor Anant Agarwal, the founder and CEO of edX, a non-profit online learning destination, talks with Michael and Jeff about the evolution and impact of edX and how it competes with the growing for-profit online education industry. https://archive.org/download/AgarwalFullEp/Agarwal%20Full%20Ep.mp3

Katie Lynch-Holmes, Principal Strategic Consultant at Ellucian sat down with Michael and Jeff to unpack the results of a recent study Ellucian conducted that explored how much value college students and hiring managers place on degrees relative to credentials. https://archive.org/download/EllucianFullEp/Ellucian%20full%20ep.mp3

Rachel Fishman, a financial aid policy expert at New America, sat down with Michael and Jeff to discuss her research into the transparency problems and inconsistencies with financial aid letters. https://archive.org/download/FishmanFullEp/Fishman%20full%20ep.mp3

In a round of lightning interviews in front of a studio audience at the annual ASU-GSV summit, Michael and guest co-host Goldie Blumenstyk of the Chronicle for Higher Education dig in with two of the hottest young companies in education and training, the president who helped turn a struggling university around, and the longest-tenured member of the Gates Foundation’s postsecondary success team. Show note: Here’s a link to the story in the Chronicle that was referenced in this episode. https://archive.org/download/ASUGSVEp2/ASU-GSV%20Ep2.mp3

In a round of lightning interviews in front of a studio audience at the annual ASU-GSV summit, Michael and Jeff talk with the architects of the biggest deal announced at the conference as well as with leading CEOs and entrepreneurs about the future of traditional colleges and workplace learning. https://archive.org/download/ASUGSVEp1/ASU-GSV%20Ep1.mp3

Harvard University associate professor of public policy Joshua Goodman sat down with Michael and Jeff to talk about his research into how taking the SAT more than once factors into college admissions and what inequities exist in standardized testing patterns. https://archive.org/download/GoodmanFullEp/Goodman%20full%20ep.mp3

After a college admissions scandal rocked the world of higher education, Michael interviews Jeff to learn how it happened and what it means for the future of athletics, standardized tests, and admissions. https://archive.org/download/ScandalFullEp/Scandal%20full%20ep.mp3

The president of American Council on Education Ted Mitchell joins Michael and Jeff to discuss his organization’s role in a future where colleges and universities may not have a monopoly on producing content but can lead on quality assurance. Mitchell, a former college president and undersecretary of education in the Obama administration, also talked about the differences in being an advocate for the government vs. higher ed and how to restore public trust in colleges and universities. https://archive.org/download/TedMitchellFullEp/Ted%20Mitchell%20full%20ep.mp3

Michael and Jeff talk with Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University, who discusses how high-quality education can be achieved at scale. https://archive.org/download/PulsipherFullEp/Pulsipher%20full%20ep.mp3

Simmons University President Helen Drinan talked to Michael and Jeff about where small private colleges fit in the higher ed landscape and explained how her university bucked the trend of small schools that have failed. https://archive.org/download/DrinanFullEp/Drinan%20full%20ep.mp3

Holden Thorp and Buck Goldstein, authors of the book “Our Higher Calling: Rebuilding the Partnership Between America and Its Colleges and Universities,” talk to Michael and Jeff about the tenuous relationship between higher education and the public, especially the lack of clarity of what roles students, faculty, administrators and government officials should have in that relationship. https://archive.org/download/BuckGoldsteinAndHoldenThorpFullEp/Buck%20Goldstein%20and%20Holden%20Thorp%20full%20ep.mp3

Gov. Kate Brown, D-Ore., joins Michael and guest co-host Paul Freedman and discusses some of the major issues facing higher education including access and affordability, the future of online learning and the growth of apprenticeships. https://archive.org/download/GovBrownFullEp_201901/GovbrownFullEp.mp3

Trilogy Education Services CEO and Founder Dan Sommer talks with Jeff and Michael about the growing number of partnerships between colleges and for-profit companies like Trilogy that offer skills-based education bootcamps. https://archive.org/download/DanSommerFullEp/Dan%20Sommer%20full%20ep.mp3

The Atlantic’s Adam Harris joins Michael and Jeff to talk about the affirmative action lawsuit against Harvard and other stories making headlines in higher ed. https://archive.org/download/AdamHarrisFullEp/Adam%20Harris%20full%20ep.mp3

Michelle Weise, the Chief Innovation Officer & SVP, Workforce Strategies at Strada Education Network, talks to Michael and Jeff about the future of work and what it means for higher education. https://archive.org/download/MichelleWeiseFullEp/Michelle%20Weise%20full%20ep.mp3

Jason Delisle, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, talks to Michael about the student loan default process, how high default rates are affecting colleges and universities, and how the federal government may deal with the issue in the future. https://archive.org/download/JasonDelisleFullEp/Jason%20Delisle%20full%20ep.mp3

McKinsey Global Institute partner Susan Lund talks with Michael about what’s on the horizon for the workforce and the economy and how it will affect the future of higher education. https://archive.org/download/SusanLundFullEp/Susan%20Lund%20full%20ep.mp3

Michael and Jeff talk to 2U CEO and Co-Founder Chip Paucek about his company’s efforts to deliver digital higher education at scale as well as the overall future of online higher ed. https://archive.org/download/ChipPaucekFullEp/Chip%20Paucek%20full%20ep.mp3

After a summer hiatus, Michael and Jeff preview Season 2 of Future U and give an update on what they’ve been up to during their break, including a sneak preview of their upcoming books. https://archive.org/download/Episode19_20180924/Episode%2019.mp3

Gallup’s Brandon Busteed chats with Jeff and Michael about what Americans think about their colleges and about how relevant their higher ed experiences are to them now. https://archive.org/download/Episode18_20180617/Episode%2018.mp3

Pat McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University, talks to Jeff and Michael about what changes and innovations she’s implemented during her three decades in charge to keep Trinity competitive. https://archive.org/download/Episode17_201806/Episode%2017.mp3

Randy Bass, the Vice Provost for Education at Georgetown University, tells Jeff and Michael how his school has introduced structural changes to introduce innovation at an elite institution and offer its students more flexibility. https://archive.org/download/Episode16_20180605/Episode%2016.mp3

Lumina Foundation President and CEO Jamie Merisotis talks with Jeff and Michael about his organization’s goal to help higher ed institutions develop students to be better prepared to contribute to the future workforce. https://archive.org/download/Episode15_201805/Episode%2015.mp3

Long-time higher ed entrepreneur Paul Freedman talks to Jeff and Michael about his newest venture, Entangled, and how he hopes to help solve the challenges facing colleges and universities. https://archive.org/download/Episode14_201805/Episode%2014.mp3

Jeff and Michael talk to Hunt Lambert, dean of Harvard’s Division of Continuing Education and University Extension, about the imperative for lifelong learning and how Harvard maintains rigorous education quality while offering open enrollment. https://archive.org/download/Episode13_201805/Episode%2013.mp3

Jeff and Michael sat down with Bridget Burns, the executive director of the University Innovation Alliance, who discussed how collaboration between higher ed institutions has helped solve some problems facing colleges and universities. https://archive.org/download/Episode12_201805/Episode%2012.mp3

Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell talks to Jeff and Michael about how he turned around the school, which was in a financial crisis and facing a potential loss of accreditation, and transformed it into a “new urban college.” https://archive.org/download/Episode11_201804/Episode%2011.mp3

Arizona State University President Michael Crow discusses the waves of innovation throughout the history of higher ed and how it impacts what’s next on campuses. Plus, he talks about what he’s reading right now. https://archive.org/download/Episode10_201804/Episode%2010.mp3

Deborah Quazzo, the Founder and Managing Partner, GSV Acceleration Fund and the Co-Founder of the annual ASU+GSV Summit joined Jeff and Michael at this week’s summit in San Diego to talk about the evolution of private capital in higher ed and how the future of education blends work and learning. https://archive.org/download/Episode9_201804/Episode9.mp3

University of California at Merced sociology professor Laura Hamilton, author of “Parenting to a Degree,” joins Michael and Jeff to discuss student success and the role of parents on campus. https://archive.org/download/Episode8_201804/Episode%208.mp3

CUNY Professor Cathy Davidson chats with Jeff and Michael about her new book, “The New Education,” and discusses why she thinks innovation in higher education isn’t happening fast enough. https://archive.org/download/Episode7_201804/Episode%207.mp3

West Virginia University President Gordon Gee joins Jeff and Michael. He reveals what he thinks is the number one issue facing colleges and universities and also previews his upcoming book on land-grant universities. https://archive.org/download/Episode6_20180326/Episode6a.mp3

Doug Lederman, Editor of Inside Higher Ed, sat down with Jeff and Michael to discuss big changes in the for-profit college industry as well as turmoil in the non-profit college arena. https://archive.org/download/Episode5_20180319/Episode%205.mp3

This week, Jeff and Michael chat about some of the hot topics in higher education. Also, Northeastern University President Joseph Aoun sits down with Jeff to discuss how colleges and universities need to respond to better prepare students for the future of work. https://archive.org/download/Episode4_20180312/Episode%204.mp3

Goldie Blumenstyk, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, chats with Jeff and Michael about the market for adult students and why they are so poorly served. https://archive.org/download/Episode3_201803/Episode%203.mp3

Carleton College economics professor Nathan Grawe, author of “Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education,” talks to Jeff and Michael about how higher ed leaders are dealing with the constantly changing demographics of college applicants. https://archive.org/download/Episode2_201803/Episode%202.mp3

Get to know Jeff and Michael, the hosts of Future U and how they became experts on higher education. https://archive.org/download/Episode1_20180228/Episode%201.mp3

Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn introduce themselves and discuss what’s on tap for their new podcast, Future U. https://archive.org/download/Episode0_20180227/Episode%200.mp3