Routledge Contemporary Issues in Higher Education (Core Concepts in Higher Education)

The latest text in the Core Concepts in Higher Education series, this volume speaks to the complex dimensions that higher education scholars and educators need to understand about the shifting role of postsecondary education in the United States. Chapter authors clarify current issues affecting the field, and offer fresh perspectives articulating how policy, demographic, and institutional changes influence the everyday practices of those who work in higher education. This book explores macro perspectives affecting institutional decision-making and processes as well as students’ perspectives on campus―from colleges’ credentialing procedures to the current demographic changes in students’ enrollments, to students’ social identities. Guiding questions at the end of each chapter offer readers an opportunity to frame discussions in which they can engage and invite readers to consider avenues for future research and exploration. This is a valuable resource for graduate students, administrators, and researchers who seek to understand and improve the policies and contexts of higher education today. Review "This forward-thinking book is a wake-up call to those of us who remain largely oblivious to the unprecedented diversity of students in our colleges and universities (including incarcerated, homeless and undocumented students). With unblemished candor, the authors call out practices, such as stereotyping, oppression, indifference, sexual violence, invisibility, that are undermining not only the learning but the persistence of far too many of these students." ―Clifton Conrad, Vilas Distinguished Professor, Higher Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison "This book brings together an intergenerational group of eminent scholars to advance the thinking required to address enduring and emerging issues in higher education. It provides an accessible touchstone for new and experienced higher education scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to enhance their perspectives and examine complex educational problems."―Anne-Marie Núñez, Associate Professor, Higher Education and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University "Contemporary Issues in Higher Education is an important volume that is both timely and timeless. Chapters highlight both new vital issues in higher education, as well as on-going issues that remain unsolved or have become even more prominent in this turbulent time of national political disunity. The perspectives from new scholars as well as established scholars provides rich insights and courageous conversations focusing on the changing cultural environments in higher education today and in the future."―Timothy P. Fong, Professor, Ethnic Studies, California State University, Sacramento About the Author Marybeth Gasman is the Judy and Howard Berkowitz Professor of Education and the Director of the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. Andrés Castro Samayoa is Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Higher Education at the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, USA.