Governance

University boards have the primary responsibility for ensuring fidelity to the institution’s mission, managing university finances, and setting personnel policies. The following articles expose poor governance practices and identify policies that keep boards accountable to the taxpayers, students, parents, alumni, and donors whom they serve.

Feb 16, 2022 · Jay Schalin

On Academic Freedom, Public Comments, and the “Fitness” of Faculty

Editor’s note: This is part 1 of a two-part series of articles. Part 2 can be found here. Does academic freedom protect faculty members who promote such activities as genocide,…

Feb 10, 2022 · Natalia Mayorga

Did You Know? Covid-19 in Spring 2022

As the Omicron variant spreads throughout the United States, university campuses are modifying their mode of instructions and their COVID guidelines for the spring 2022 semester. UNC Charlotte commenced the…

Jan 31, 2022 · Jenna A. Robinson

The UNC Alumni Free Speech Alliance: A Conversation with a Founding Member

Alumni have been making their voices heard over the past few months. After seeing the alarming direction that their alma maters are taking, alumni at institutions such as Davidson College,…

Jan 10, 2022 · Matthew Wilson

From Hiring to Admissions, Universities Seek Ideological Conformity in Applicants

Are you a freshly-minted Ph.D. holder interested in becoming a tenure-track computer science professor at UNC-Chapel Hill? First, you’ll have to submit a “diversity statement” describing your “commitment to diversity.”…

Jan 3, 2022 · Jay Schalin

The Bell Tolls for Tenure?

A bill making its way through the South Carolina legislature may have a tremendous impact on the state’s public higher education system. And if successful, it may prove as a…

Dec 31, 2021 · Martin Center Staff

Reform in 2022: Our Hopes for the New Year

While the year 2021 wasn’t quite as tumultuous and unpredictable as 2020, the higher education landscape continues to look very different: overall enrollment continues to drop and countless institutions have…

Dec 30, 2021 · Natalia Mayorga

Did You Know? Undergraduate Enrollment Still on the Decline

Despite many universities going back to in-person teaching this fall, undergraduate enrollment is still on the decline. Back in Fall 2020, in the midst of lockdowns and virtual classes, undergraduate…

Dec 16, 2021 · Natalia Mayorga

Did You Know? UNC System’s 50th Anniversary

The University of North Carolina system celebrated 50 years since its establishment as a 17 campus system. On November 16, North Carolina State University chancellor Randy Woodson hosted the anniversary…

Nov 30, 2021 · Jenna A. Robinson

Board Members Object to “$100 Million Raleigh Move”

Last week, the Martin Center reported on the UNC system’s mandated move to Raleigh in 2022. Now, members of the UNC Board of Governors are questioning the speed and the…

Nov 29, 2021 · Jay Schalin

Survey Says: Davidson College Should Mend Its Ways

One of higher education’s most enduring enigmas is the continued support given by relatively traditional donors to their rapidly radicalizing institutions. This deep division between the beliefs of important donors…