The purpose of this action research study was to examine the relationship between organizational socialization and organizational culture at a small institution of higher education. Various forms of data were collected using semi-structured interviews, surveys, collaborative work sessions, written feedback, and document analysis. Collaborative…

This article provides university leaders an introduction to the emerging micro-credentials field, including a snapshot of the global landscape. Despite the accelerated interest in micro-credentials, this article also raises a fundamental strategic question for leaders at the outset: Are micro-credentials right for our university? Part I discusses…

Purpose: This article investigates the application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in experiential learning for authentic assessment in higher education. Recognized for its human-like content generation, GenAI has garnered widespread interest, raising concerns regarding its reliability, ethical considerations and overall impact. The…

With keen insight, Kathleen deLaski reimagines what higher education might offer and whom it should serve in "Who Needs College Anymore?" In the wake of declining US university enrollment and widespread crises of confidence in the value of a college degree, deLaski urges a mindset shift regarding the learning routes and credentials that…

Purpose: Alternative credentials are rapidly evolving. The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges and opportunities arising from this evolution with particular reference to their role in education and employment. Design/methodology/approach: The paper explores the credential initiatives with a unique perspective from introducing…

Post-pandemic, many universities are seeking ways to better engage students and support them to stay with and succeed in their studies. Immersive scheduling, whereby students complete units over shorter time periods than the traditional 12-15 week semester or trimester, may be a way to do this and improve academic outcomes at scale. This paper…

Reflection on the meaning of the word 'tradition', and related terms such as 'traditional', is conceptually complex but has been subject to limited critical scrutiny within academic discourse. The evidence of this study, drawing on the theory of tradition and a database of all 6947 papers published in "Studies in Higher Education"…

Purpose: Using a Problem Based Learning (PBL) approach, this paper examines whether internships can stand as a viable alternative to Higher Degree Apprenticeships (HDAs) within the UK Higher Education (HE) context. It was a process that was undertaken to identify work-integrated schemes as a part of a curriculum portfolio transformation project.…

Degree apprenticeships offer a new route to a degree in UK higher education, with policymakers emphasising their social mobility potential to widen access to graduate professions. In this context, this article compares the employability perceptions and strategies of aspiring solicitors on traditional university and degree apprenticeship routes in…

The article contextualises the emergence of the Feral Art School, established in Hull in 2018 by artist-educators following the winding down of Hull School of Art and Design. This alternative art school is the most recent of many established in the UK since the government's "Independent Review of Higher Education Funding & Student…

What do we mean when we say that a school is independent? This article, through a case study of non-state higher education providers in Kachinland, Northern Myanmar, looks at the ways in which these schools negotiate their place within both communities, states and economies. It is found that these alternative higher education (AHE) institutions…

Higher education took center stage during the Democratic presidential primaries, and congressional leaders in the party are calling for universal student loan forgiveness and tuition-free public college. The incoming Biden administration will thus face pressure to radically expand subsidies for higher education. Conservatives and moderates tend to…

Education serves as a powerful tool for advancing individuals and society, but learners enter formal education with vastly different opportunities, backgrounds, and challenges. Addressing these disparities requires a commitment to equitable access, personalized support, and inclusive learning environments that recognize diverse needs. By fostering…

In a rapidly changing context, US institutions of higher education are struggling amidst myriad pressures related, for example, to funding, accountability, standardisation and technology. In particular, pressures on 'progressive' or non-traditional colleges are immense. These schools, which have historically emphasised individualised,…

Malawi struggles with youth access to higher education. Up to 60% of eligible university candidates may not be accepted, while less than 1% of Malawi's qualified cohort get enrolled in some form of tertiary education. This paper reveals youth's experiences in alternative higher education programs and show if the programs align with their…