News in brief

Do as I say, not as I did. An experienced dean offers her advice for new colleagues: learn your university’s culture by listening and asking questions before you offer your suggestions. (Chronicle Vitae)

Evaluating evaluations. A professor offers suggestions to increase the reliability of student evaluations following new research that shows they can be influenced by professors’ gender, class, race, and age. (Conditionally Accepted)

Student-centered activities. When it comes to conversations about university changes, a professor argues that the students’ place is at the table. (Chronicle of Higher Education)

Both sides of the equation. Two opinions on improvement in higher education: can we make incremental changes or must a flawed system be replaced? (Chronicle)

A tale of triumph. A student reflects on her journey from a poverty-ridden small town to social and academic success at the University of Kentucky. (Hechinger Report)

Complex conversations. It’s imperative for instructors to equip themselves to effectively lead students through sensitive class discussions about race, an expert on race and education says. (Inside Higher Ed)

Data discrepancies. Different methodologies give different results when it comes to measuring student success in college, but how should these tools be used? (Washington Post)

Career Ready. Students from less privileged backgrounds lack access to professional networks, a gap that hampers their chances of finding good employment after college. One course is seeking to change that by transforming the university classroom into a work environment. (NPR Ed)