Businessification of Higher Education Flashcards
Informative Speech (16 cards)
What was the total U.S. student loan debt in 2023?
$1.7 trillion
This figure reflects the growing financial burden of student loans on graduates.
What trend is referred to as ‘businessification’ in higher education?
Treating students as customers, prioritizing retention and satisfaction over academic rigor
This shift impacts the fundamental mission of education.
What are the three key areas impacted by the businessification of higher education?
- Commercialization of the student experience
- Rise of adjunctification
- Decline in academic standards
How has the focus of colleges shifted in terms of student experience?
From academic rigor to branding and luxury amenities
This includes investments in gyms and dining facilities.
What percentage of colleges spend more on marketing and amenities than on instructional costs?
More than 50%
This reflects a significant shift in budget priorities.
What was the average increase in applications for schools with luxury campus features according to a 2022 study?
15%
This indicates a correlation between amenities and student interest.
Define ‘adjunctification’ in the context of higher education.
Increasing reliance on part-time faculty for instruction
Adjuncts now make up over 50% of college faculty.
What is the average salary range for adjunct faculty?
$25,000 to $30,000 per year
This is significantly lower than administrative salaries.
What is the average salary range for administrative roles like ‘Student Success Coordinators’?
$80,000 to $93,000 per year
This highlights the disparity between teaching and administrative salaries.
What trend has been observed regarding grading policies in higher education?
Adoption of lenient grading policies
This is driven by the need to retain students.
What was the average GPA increase from the 1990s to 2020?
From 2.8 to 3.3
This trend is associated with grade inflation.
What percentage of higher education employees were administrators in 2023?
Nearly one-third
This is an increase from just 20% in 2000.
How much did administrative staffing grow between 2000 and 2020?
Over 60%
This contrasts sharply with a 6% increase in full-time faculty positions.
What is the primary focus of administrative roles like ‘Retention Specialists’?
Keeping students happy rather than promoting academic growth
This reflects the priority shift within institutions.
True or False: Businessification enhances the transformative power of education.
False
It prioritizes satisfaction over rigor.
What is the ultimate question raised about the current state of education?
Are we shaping students for success or simply selling them an illusion?
This question challenges the purpose of education.
