WELL:  for those of you who are still around, thanks for downloading today's episode.  And here's something else I hate about what's happened to Higher Education:  being so incredibly exhausted from the Day Job that I have no energy to rant and rave.  Even writing these show notes right now, I'm sitting in bed, watching The Megyn Kelly Show and drinking my morning coffee INSTEAD of writing in my planner or doing morning meditation and weights.  

That's okay, as I am not bitter.  Today's episode I reflect a bit about the most recent election, my political shift, and how higher education appears to be reacting.  But there's going to be much more reflecting coming, assuming that I stick with this show.  

I'm self-aware enough to know that this show has not found an audience, judging on the downloads, and perhaps it's time to make a shift.  But we'll see.  Our President-Elect has had a lot to say about getting rid of the Department of Education and that might be a pretty fun thing to talk about.  

Either way, stay tuned.

Episode Summary: In this passionate episode of I Hate Higher Ed, host Kris McPeak dives deep into a critical issue facing both high schools and higher education: the alarming lack of civics education. Kris shares her frustration with the current state of civic engagement in schools, especially as we approach another pivotal election season. Drawing from a revealing article by UC Riverside, she discusses the disappointing statistics on how few California school districts prioritize civics in their curriculum and mission statements. Kris also reflects on her own experiences with civics education and the enduring importance of understanding the foundations of American government. She closes with a call to action for educators to integrate civics into their teaching, regardless of their discipline, to better prepare students for their roles as informed citizens.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The absence of civics education in many high schools and its impact on higher education.
• Findings from UC Riverside's research on California school districts' civic education priorities.
• The importance of students understanding the structure of government and their role in democracy.
• Kris’s personal experiences with civics education and the significance of Schoolhouse Rock.
• The broader implications of under-educated young voters in upcoming elections.
• A passionate plea to educators and students to take civics education seriously.

Links Mentioned:

• UC Riverside News Article on Civics Education
• Book: Your Adult Civics Textbook (Kris mentions this book as a great resource for brushing up on civics knowledge. Check the show notes for more details.)

Connect with Kris:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismaspeak 
• Twitter: https://x.com/krismaspeak 
• Website: https://www.krismcpeak.com/ 

Call to Action: If you’re an educator, think about how you can incorporate civics into your teaching. If you’re a student or just someone who wants to learn more, start exploring civics education resources. Our democracy depends on it!

In this episode of the I Hate Higher Education podcast, Kris McPeak dives into the madness of the first few weeks of college, offering insight into why students must focus on establishing routines rather than getting swept up in the social frenzy. Kris shares her own experiences from her college days, discussing the importance of prioritizing studies, getting to know your campus resources, and forming meaningful connections. She also critiques the pressure colleges place on students to immediately jump into social activities like Club Rush and Greek Rush, emphasizing the need for a solid academic foundation before diving into extracurriculars. Whether you're a student gearing up for the new semester or someone reflecting on your own college days, this episode provides a thought-provoking perspective on what the start of the academic year should truly be about.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of focusing on academic routines during the first few weeks of college.
• Personal reflections on the first semester of college and lessons learned.
• Why colleges should reconsider the timing of social activities for new students.
• Tips for new students: get to know your campus, prioritize your studies, and find your community.
• The pitfalls of trying to balance socialization and academics too early in the semester.

Listener Challenge: Think back to your first weeks of college. What would you have done differently? How can you apply those lessons to your current life or share them with someone entering college?

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Freshman Biology Class
• Importance of on-campus living
• Welcome Week and its impact on students
• The significance of building a solid academic foundation early on

Connect with Kris:

• Website: https://www.krismcpeak.com/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismaspeak 
• Twitter: https://x.com/krismaspeak 

In this episode of the I Hate Higher Education podcast, host Kris McPeak clarifies her stance on higher education and shares her extensive experience within the industry.

Remember - she really doesn't hate higher education.  She just hates some stuff about it these days.    She discusses the undue pressure on students to attend college immediately after high school and argues that not everyone is suited for this path. McPeak highlights the importance and benefits of community colleges, drawing from her career and observations. She shares personal anecdotes about her husband and sisters, who found success without adhering to the traditional college route.  Kris advocates for skilled trades and community colleges as viable and important educational paths, emphasizing that degrees from prestigious institutions are not always necessary for successful careers.

Questions?  Concerns?  Hate or Love the show?  Shoot me an email at [email protected] 

In this episode, host Kris McPeak reflects on the rebranding of the podcast to 'I Hate Higher Ed' and discusses the growing dissatisfaction with current trends in higher education - particularly her own.

Through the story of an international student debating between attending UCLA and other universities offering full financial aid, Kris emphasizes that the prestige of a university should not overshadow the practical aspects of affordability, connection, and gaining practical experience. Kris also briefly touches upon the broader issues in higher education, including student debt and the influence of politics and for-profit colleges on the system.

And she's just getting started.  

In the debut episode of the 'I Hate Higher Education Podcast,' formerly known as 'Higher Ed Happy Place,' host Kris McPeak discusses the reasons behind the show's rebranding and her intent to explore the aspects of higher education that frustrate her. McPeak shares her extensive experience across nine colleges and universities since 1991 and describes herself as the 'Mary Poppins of higher ed,' highlighting her transitions between institutions based on personal and professional reasons. She currently works at a community college foundation, managing scholarship awards and various programs. The episode pivots to McPeak's observations on recent protests on college campuses, emphasizing students' right to protest but critiquing disruptive behaviors that hinder others' education. She stresses the importance of respecting institutional policies and the balance between challenge and support in the educational environment. McPeak concludes by advocating for accountability and constructive dialogue over aggression, illustrating her points with personal anecdotes and broader reflections on the state of higher education.

00:00 Welcome to the I Hate Higher Education Podcast

00:17 A New Direction and a Personal Journey

00:36 The Heart of My Discontent with Higher Education

01:08 My Career Path and the Mary Poppins of Higher Ed

03:06 Navigating Changes and Challenges in Higher Education

03:53 The Complexities of Protests on College Campuses

05:04 Reflections on Academic Freedom and Student Behavior

08:49 The Role of Higher Education Administrators

14:01 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

In this episode of Higher Ed Happy Place, host Kris McPeak addresses the audience with an apology for not maintaining the podcast as intended. McPeak, with over 30 years of experience in higher education, reflects on the changes in the sector, particularly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards technology and remote work. Although still passionate about higher education, McPeak expresses disillusionment with current trends and the feeling of loss of faith in the system. The episode announces a shift in the podcast's direction, aiming to discuss and critique issues in modern college campuses, while seeking solutions. This change includes plans for a new show concept, format, and possibly a new title, signaling an intent to address the 'atrocities of our times' in higher education. This is billed as the last episode under the 'Higher Ed Happy Place' title.

00:00 Welcome Back & An Apology

00:21 A Journey Through Higher Education

00:56 Questioning the Passion for Higher Ed

02:10 The Changing Landscape of Higher Education

02:40 The Impact of COVID-19 on Education

03:29 Personal Reflections and Future Directions

04:18 A New Vision for the Podcast

06:16 Signing Off and Looking Forward

Well - I guess I got a little TOO excited about that Winter Break thing because I had all these plans and ideas and goals...and it all went to hell.

I was for sure not in a Higher Ed Happy Place - nor really any happy place, I guess.

And for sure, this stuff happens.  Particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, menopause, and leadership changes at your institution, among other things.  Sometimes it's just too much, and because you haven't taken good care of yourself, you begin to shut down.  

Don't get me wrong - I am still very committed to my job and my institution...and I still consider myself working in my dream job and for my dream supervisor.  But I needed to have a serious reboot and work on my priorities. 

That's what this episode is about.  And hopefully a journey back to really focusing on what I consider my Happy Place to really be.  

OH - MY - GOD!  I look forward to this time of year SO MUCH that it's a non-negotiable for any higher ed job that I've ever taken - if you don't close for the time between fall and spring semesters, I'm NOT fucking working here!!!

So here we are - it's after Christmas (because that's what I celebrate) and not quite New Year's yet, but there's time off and I have some thinking and reflecting to do.  There's the standard Winter Break Project at my house, there's the reflecting on the previous year, and most importantly - there is the process of coming up with my goals and wishes for the next year, what I've borrowed from Gretchen Rubin as "23 Things for 2023."  In past years, it's "18 Things for 2018" and so forth...and someday the years will be too big for a reasonable list of goals, LOL.  But for now, I can still live with 23 things.  And I am SO excited to talk about it!

This episode is just a short kick-off...I'm going to get into more detail as the break goes on AND I plan to host a webinar and challenge to help all of y'all come up with your own lists.  So stay tuned!  This is just the beginning!!!

First of all - THANKS to everyone who has downloaded the show so far, shared it with your friends, and left a rating and review!  I'm SO grateful to you for embracing this little labor of love (and a little bit of ranting) that I've got going on.

Next Up - Get the PERFECT companion piece for this show - Your Higher Ed Happy Place Daily Journal.  It's less than ten bucks and will help you find more happiness in this amazing calling that you've answered!

NOW - today's episode! 

I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving Weekend!  Mine would up being quite interesting...

For the first time in about ten years, my hubby actually wanted to make the saltine cracker stuffing for our turkey.  This is a family recipe from my father's side but the hubby never really liked it.  And, of course, that meant I had no idea where the recipe was.  So, that meant it was time to dig around some of the possible nooks and crannies where it might be hiding.  

I struck out with the "normal" places, such as other cookbooks - and then figured it HAD to be somewhere in the various "memory lane" boxes that I kept in the bedroom (reminding me again that I really need a big weekend to create some fun shadow boxes or scrapbooks for this stuff).

I was so positively overwhelmed while digging through these various boxes...and got into a little bit of trouble with the hubby when the stuffing recipe did not materialize (which led to a very last-minute trip to the store and some sub-par stuffing).  As we did not have any other guests, I decided that I could live with that!

For the rest of my discoveries, you'll just have to listen...but I'll just reinforce what I've always said before - this higher ed gig is totally a calling.  And I feel very grateful that this calling came my way.  

Are there topics you want me to cover on this show?  I'd love to hear about them!  Send an email to [email protected] and let me know what's on your mind!!