In this week's episode of Higher Ed. Hot Takes, we dive into the alternative grading movement—a model that challenges traditional grading systems and centers equity, growth, and the student voice. Instead of rewarding perfection on the first try or failing students for not fully grasping the content, this approach encourages reattempts, revisions, and reflection to support true content mastery and real-world application.

During today's episode we discuss the current Administration attempts at a full-scale attack on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism. First by examining how this could roll back decades worth of progress made for first-generation, low socioeconomic, disabled students, students of color and students from other marginalized groups. We then talk about how this might effect faculty and staff on campus and offer some suggestions on ways to move forward. Tune in to our conversation for more than just the highlights!

Thanks for joining us for episode 2 of Higher Hot Takes. Today we are discussing the controversial use of AI in the classroom, how the CA community colleges, the Cal-States and the UC's are teaming up to create their own version of the famed AI-chat bot and how as educators we can begin to reframe the delicate dance off between academic integrity and AI-usage for the purposes of equity.

To kick off episode 1 of Higher Ed. Hot Takes, we are jumping straight into the current administration's plans to dismantle the Department of Education (DOE) and what some of the blowback of that decision may look like for educators working in higher education. If you haven't read Project 2025 yet, here is the cliff notes version of the chapter on the DOE (you're welcome!).