Rethinking the Mission of Universities in View of Nationalist Revivals. Policy Brief. Number 10

Autor/in	Noorda, Sijbolt
Institution	Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) International Quality Group (CIQG)
Titel	Rethinking the Mission of Universities in View of Nationalist Revivals. Policy Brief. Number 10
Quelle	(2017), (2 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Monographie
Schlagwörter	Stellungnahme; Institutional Mission; Universities; Nationalism; College Role; Politics of Education; Reputation; Quality Assurance + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? University; Universität; Nationalismus; Educational policy; Bildungspolitik; Qualitätssicherung
Abstract	Over decades the collaborative mode and an especially keen sense for the benefits of international cooperation have driven the agenda of individual universities and national higher education systems alike. With the motto "internationalization in times of globalization," a range of positive connotations have entered university policies. Some observers however, see the present nationalist revival as the end of an era and predict that the theatre of the internationalizing university world will move away from North America and Europe to Asia, Africa and Latin America. The author makes the argument that nationalist policies are clearly the most visible expression of the new rule in the US and parts of Europe, however it should not be forgotten that this new rule enjoys strong support by the electorate. It clearly echoes disillusion and a sense of being left behind that reside with many. Others may have prospered in times of globalization, open economies and open borders. Many have seen no benefits and feel threatened. To them it is about time for a change, a new rule that will honour and protect the people that have been left out of the equation. This is where the nationalist revival links up with populist concepts and campaigns. Although pure and unadulterated populism is a much more sporadic phenomenon than popular opinion has it, many of its traits have become quite common and fashionable. The traditional narrative about higher education (widening access opens up a bright future both for the individual and for the community) has already lost much of its strength in view of inequalities in the labour market and fragmentation in society. The promise of a good job after graduation isn't true for all. The author of this policy brief suggests that a deeper rethinking of the mission of universities is called for in a time when fears of loss of major funding options and loss of market power are understandable. The question is raised: In the wake of all this, shouldn't universities seriously re-consider their research agendas and seek to re-balance them and re-frame their mission in teaching and learning? The author concludes by saying that new-style nationalist policies with their populist flavors are no doubt posing serious threats to higher education and research systems, menaces that shouldn't be underestimated and against which a vigorous defense is called for. At the same time, these new policies sound wake-up calls and offer compelling reasons for universities to rethink the social contract underlying higher education, the values driving individual institutions and the priorities of their agendas. This new social contract, with its renewed values and priorities, should inspire a new approach to quality assurance. (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	Council for Higher Education Accreditation. One Dupont Circle Suite 510, Washington, DC 20016. Tel: 202-955-6126; Fax: 202-955-6129; e-mail: chea@chea.org; Web site: http://www.chea.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01