Academe Today

Athletics

Ohio State Suspended Its Head Football Coach. Does That Show Universities Are Taking a Stronger Stand on Domestic Abuse?

Urban Meyer isn’t the first coach to be accused of mishandling domestic-violence allegations. But his university’s tough initial response reflects a new climate of caution in college sports.

From the Archives

How Independent Are Those ‘Independent’ Investigations Into Campus Sexual-Assault Scandals?

Renewed criticism of a 2016 inquiry at Baylor University has raised questions about the law firms colleges call in for help. Some critics say the lawyers have incentives to serve the college, not expose its failings.

Leadership

U. of Texas System Picks Former CUNY Leader as Its Next Chancellor

After the departure of a former Navy admiral, the Texas system chooses a seasoned academic hand.

Students

After Racial Profiling of a Student, Smith College Hires an Investigator to Review What Happened

A college employee called the police on a black student eating on campus, saying she seemed “out of place.”

Fund Raising

As Colleges Distance Themselves From Papa John's Founder, Ball State U. Sticks With Him

After John Schnatter's use of a racial slur on a conference call, the Indiana institution says his generosity and contrition will cause it to keep his name on its entrepreneurship center. 

Advice

Lessons on the Craft of Scholarly Reading

Yes, you know how to read. But do you know how to read scholarship effectively?

From the Archives

Ph.D.s Are Still Writing Poorly

To get published now, your book must be well written. So why are new faculty members still producing deadly dull monographs?

Colleges Need to Prepare for the Future of Learning. Here’s How to Give All Students a Shot at Success.

Campus leaders are under pressure to modernize the educational experience, using technology and the science of learning to improve results. Our new report on the future of learning can help you innovate. Buy a copy in the Chronicle Store.

Commentary

Want to Teach on This Campus Again? Not So Fast

Lecturing at a university for over three decades didn’t save an instructor from having to go through a baffling background check when he agreed to return there the next semester.

Lingua Franca

New Immigration Words From the ‘Never-Finished Dictionary of Politics in the 21st Century’

Allan Metcalf finds tender-age shelter, Einstein visa, and container camp in the second edition of the lexicographer David Barnhart’s political dictionary.