Governance, Drew University, Cutting Costs, Accountability

Drew University Bets the House on New Degree Programs

December 5, 2018 by Erik Gross |

Drew University recently announced an unconventional approach to solving its budgetary woes. The University plans to expand program offerings, and then trim operational costs and faculty benefits. The University… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Governance, Accountability

A Lesson in the Need for Transparency, Accountability, and Solidarity

November 28, 2018 by Erik Gross |

A faculty vote of no confidence against a college president is a common enough event; sometimes there is more pique than substance. But there are some significant issues at the University of the Pacific.… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Policymakers, Philip Merrill Award Gala, Philanthropy

ATHENA Roundtable: Protecting Freedom and Safeguarding Value in Higher Education

October 29, 2018 by Elliott Cole and Nathaniel Urban |

Over the last year, higher education has continued to garner national attention. Controversial speakers, college closures, exorbitant tuition costs, athletics scandals, and lack of career preparation have… Continue Reading >>

Athletics, Accountability, Academic Excellence

The Road to Athletic Glory Crumbles at the Gates of the Ivory Tower

March 5, 2018 by Christine Ravold|

The late winter ritual of filling in the NCAA March Madness Bracket is nearly upon us. The risk-takers will bet on the success of student athletes, and loyal alumni will cheer their teams on, hoping to make… Continue Reading >>

Policymakers, In Memoriam, Cutting Costs, Accreditation

In Memoriam: Betty Capaldi Phillips

September 27, 2017 by Michael Poliakoff|

It is with great sadness that ACTA mourns the loss of Elizabeth Capaldi Phillips. Her career as a professor, scholar, and university administrator was one of brilliant achievement. It took only moments in… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Governance, Cutting Costs, Accountability

Land of Opportunity

September 19, 2017 by Brianna Suggs |

From 1947–1995, “Land of Opportunity” was the official motto of the great State of Arkansas, before it was changed to “The Natural State.” Arkansas is the birthplace of Wal-Mart… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Cutting Costs, Accountability

Calculating and Cutting Costs: A Q&A on ACTA’s Project on Administrative Costs

July 26, 2017 by ACTA|

Since “The Great Recession,” both public and private colleges have been feeling a financial squeeze. Consequently, reformers are asking important questions about improving efficiency and fiscal… Continue Reading >>

Policymakers, Accountability

Keeping Track of Colleges—and Students

June 29, 2017 by Rushad Thomas |

Do students currently possess the tools they need to get good value for money out of their education? This question has produced a variety of creative efforts to evaluate the comparative strengths and weaknesses… Continue Reading >>

Governance, Accountability, Academic Freedom, Academic Excellence

2017’s Top Stories for Higher Ed Reform…So Far

June 7, 2017 by Ted Eismeier |

Who sets the agenda for coverage of higher education issues in the news? Last week, ACTA had the opportunity to find out while attending the Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Guides, Governance, Cutting Costs

Blueprints for Reform: A Q&A on ACTA’s New Guide on Cost, Efficiency and Innovation

May 5, 2017 by Kara Brounstein |

How can colleges do more with less? Bold Leadership, Real Reform 2.0: Improving Efficiency, Cutting Costs, and Expanding College Opportunity, is ACTA’s newest guide for trustees, describing… Continue Reading >>

Assessment, Accreditation, Accountability

An Accreditation “Dear John” Letter: Two Top J-Schools Make a Big Move

May 3, 2017 by Ted Eismeier|

Is accreditation reform on the march? Possibly so. Paul Fain of Inside Higher Ed is out with a story… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Governance, Alumni and Donors, Accountability

Disrupting the Boardroom? A Plea for Engaged Trusteeship in Turbulent Times

March 17, 2017 by Ted Eismeier |

Should college trustees be more than just wealthy donors? According to two experts, the answer is a no-brainer. University Ventures Co-Founder and Managing Director Ryan Craig and Willamette University College… Continue Reading >>

Policymakers, Accreditation, Accountability

ACTA Congratulates Rep. Virginia Foxx

December 12, 2016 by Christine Ravold|

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) congratulates Representative Virginia Foxx on being named chair of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

ACTA previously worked… Continue Reading >>

Trustees, Cutting Costs, Accountability

Quick Take: Hidden College Fees, Hidden College Bloat

December 1, 2016 by Armand Alacbay & Dani Jack |

In “Those Hidden College Fees,” Rochelle Sharpe correctly observes that the underlying reasons… Continue Reading >>

Accountability, Academic Excellence

Quick Takes: Failing Humanities Programs Have Themselves to Blame

October 11, 2016 by Michael Poliakoff|

If students who major in humanities disciplines tend to have good job prospects (“When parents won’t let their kids study literature” August 4), why are do many parents object to majors… Continue Reading >>