Paul Greatrix
@registrarism.bsky.social
Experienced Higher Education professional, blogger and commentator. Personal views on higher ed stuff, rankings, regulation, #ncfc & True Crime on Campus. Also podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5093607-my-imaginary-university
Textbook inspires professor’s AI-enabled ‘academic trance’ album
Apparently it's “not just an album but an auditory roadmap for our increasingly virtual future”
It's sure to play well in REF
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/textboo...
Apparently it's “not just an album but an auditory roadmap for our increasingly virtual future”
It's sure to play well in REF
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/textboo...
Textbook inspires professor’s AI-enabled ‘academic trance’ album
Europop tracks based on chapters from Metaverse book have attracted thousands of fans, with one calling them ‘almost poetic’
www.timeshighereducation.com
December 19, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Textbook inspires professor’s AI-enabled ‘academic trance’ album
Apparently it's “not just an album but an auditory roadmap for our increasingly virtual future”
It's sure to play well in REF
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/textboo...
Apparently it's “not just an album but an auditory roadmap for our increasingly virtual future”
It's sure to play well in REF
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/textboo...
Reposted by Paul Greatrix
I tell you what, that Santa Claus has got real presence about him
December 18, 2024 at 5:32 PM
I tell you what, that Santa Claus has got real presence about him
Aha! No idea why "campus novels" is in inverted commas.
December 18, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Aha! No idea why "campus novels" is in inverted commas.
Those numbers are indeed large and it must be really difficult for students to experience such insecurity on their campus. Most worrying thing is the suggestion that the university's own security team is complicit.
(They still have one of the world's most impressive looking uni libraries though.)
(They still have one of the world's most impressive looking uni libraries though.)
One for @registrarism.bsky.social's Crime on Campus files. I know UNAM is a big place, but these are still some very large numbers.
La violencia cotidiana en Ciudad Universitaria: casi 400 delitos en un año dentro del mayor campus del país dozz.es/8ewwv5
December 17, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Those numbers are indeed large and it must be really difficult for students to experience such insecurity on their campus. Most worrying thing is the suggestion that the university's own security team is complicit.
(They still have one of the world's most impressive looking uni libraries though.)
(They still have one of the world's most impressive looking uni libraries though.)
25 years ago today!
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
For One Night Only: Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the University of Warwick
A brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 14, 2025 at 11:07 AM
25 years ago today!
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
For One Night Only: Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the University of Warwick
Brief blog reminiscing about a remarkable and exciting visit to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day. Includes bonus picture of commemorative mug.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
Brief blog reminiscing about a remarkable and exciting visit to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day. Includes bonus picture of commemorative mug.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
For One Night Only: Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the University of Warwick
A brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:05 AM
For One Night Only: Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the University of Warwick
Brief blog reminiscing about a remarkable and exciting visit to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day. Includes bonus picture of commemorative mug.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
Brief blog reminiscing about a remarkable and exciting visit to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day. Includes bonus picture of commemorative mug.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/12/f...
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day.
For One Night Only: Bill Clinton and Tony Blair at the University of Warwick
A brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:36 AM
A new blog with a brief reminiscence about a remarkable and exciting visit by President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair to the University of Warwick a quarter of a century ago, almost to the day.
Excellent report from McGregor (not sure about the graphic though). Impossible to disagree with the key message of just winning a game or two.
"Ik hou van jou, Clement." Jon McGregor samples an Orange Tuesday at Bramall Lane and likes what he sees. Now, to actually win some games. #NCFC
The ACN match review: Sheffield Utd (a)
"Ik hou van jou, Clement." Jon McGregor samples an Orange Tuesday at Bramall Lane and likes what he sees. Now, to actually win some games.
www.alongcomenorwich.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Excellent report from McGregor (not sure about the graphic though). Impossible to disagree with the key message of just winning a game or two.
Not sure I've ever seen this before. Secretary of state writes to literally everyone (about franchising). "Dear all" saves time I guess
December 10, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Not sure I've ever seen this before. Secretary of state writes to literally everyone (about franchising). "Dear all" saves time I guess
The Best Higher Ed Books and Albums of 2025
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/08/t...
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/08/t...
The Best Higher Ed Books and Albums of 2025
It’s that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:16 PM
The Best Higher Ed Books and Albums of 2025
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/08/t...
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/08/t...
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
The Best Higher Ed Books and Albums of 2025
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:47 PM
It's that time again in the higher ed timetable when we look at all the best books and albums produced over the last 12 months. So, here they are, the top 10 HE books and LPs of 2025.
Are other editions of Trivial Pursuit allowed? Am thinking particularly of the 'Baby Boomer' edition
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
December 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
Are other editions of Trivial Pursuit allowed? Am thinking particularly of the 'Baby Boomer' edition
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
This is a really interesting development at the University of Canberra. Plenty of US universities have built retirement communities on or next to campus but this seems to go a step further in terms of its "intergenerational community" ambitions.
www.insidehighered.com/news/busines...
www.insidehighered.com/news/busines...
On-the-Job Training on Offer at Campus Opening Retirement Home
The University of Canberra’s “intergenerational community” will help educate the young, house the elderly and ease loneliness for both, advocates say.
www.insidehighered.com
December 5, 2025 at 11:40 AM
This is a really interesting development at the University of Canberra. Plenty of US universities have built retirement communities on or next to campus but this seems to go a step further in terms of its "intergenerational community" ambitions.
www.insidehighered.com/news/busines...
www.insidehighered.com/news/busines...
Is it time to ditch degree classifications for good?
Latest blog. Grade inflation is in the news once more. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/02/i...
Latest blog. Grade inflation is in the news once more. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/02/i...
Is it time to ditch degree classifications for good?
The growth over the past fifteen years in the award of first and upper second class degrees, often viewed as grade inflation, is in the news again. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to i…
wonderfulhighered.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Is it time to ditch degree classifications for good?
Latest blog. Grade inflation is in the news once more. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/02/i...
Latest blog. Grade inflation is in the news once more. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/12/02/i...
Latest blog. The growth over the past fifteen years in the award of first and upper second class degrees, often viewed as grade inflation, is in the news again. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
Is it time to ditch degree classifications for good?
The growth over the past fifteen years in the award of first and upper second class degrees, often viewed as grade inflation, is in the news again. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
wonderfulhighered.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Latest blog. The growth over the past fifteen years in the award of first and upper second class degrees, often viewed as grade inflation, is in the news again. With the regulator looking increasingly keen to intervene it is time for the sector to take control. It's time to consider GPA again.
Reposted by Paul Greatrix
A ranking of "the most festive universities in the UK"
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Most festive universities in the UK
Our interactive table breaks down which UK universities are the most festive and truly embody the Christmas spirit.
unifresher.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A ranking of "the most festive universities in the UK"
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
A ranking of "the most festive universities in the UK"
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Most festive universities in the UK
Our interactive table breaks down which UK universities are the most festive and truly embody the Christmas spirit.
unifresher.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
A ranking of "the most festive universities in the UK"
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Obviously it's just a bit of fun but when one of the criteria is proximity to the North Pole there are going to be some structural inequities.
This kind of thing risks making other rankings look credible
unifresher.co.uk/uni-prep/cho...
Brief review of an impressive novel critiquing Victorian family values and then some
Family Values
The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler "The Way of All Flesh" (1903) exploded like a bomb in Edwardian drawing rooms. Based on Samuel Butler’s own life and published posthumously, it offers a scathing indictment of Victorian bourgeois values as personified in five generations of the Pontifex family.Butler’s satire centers on Ernest Pontifex, an orthodox young man who suddenly sees the falseness of the rules and expectations forced on him by parents and teachers, an epiphany which leads him to renounce the moral, religious, and social values he once held.
proleartthreat.wordpress.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:36 AM
Brief review of an impressive novel critiquing Victorian family values and then some
I fear you might be overthinking this Hugh! A lot of it comes down to how it sounds. Back in 1992 I think some choices of U of X were made just because they sounded grander.
Your next challenge is to set out the rationale for the inclusion or otherwise of 'The' before U of X
Your next challenge is to set out the rationale for the inclusion or otherwise of 'The' before U of X
I was asked why, in the UK, is it sometimes University of Z and sometimes Z University
I *think* University of Z is default unless:
Named after a person (eg Brunel)
Place name is qualified (eg Bucks New)
Place is a village(eg Cranfield)
Name is translated from Cymraeg (eg Swansea)
1/n
I *think* University of Z is default unless:
Named after a person (eg Brunel)
Place name is qualified (eg Bucks New)
Place is a village(eg Cranfield)
Name is translated from Cymraeg (eg Swansea)
1/n
November 28, 2025 at 12:05 PM
I fear you might be overthinking this Hugh! A lot of it comes down to how it sounds. Back in 1992 I think some choices of U of X were made just because they sounded grander.
Your next challenge is to set out the rationale for the inclusion or otherwise of 'The' before U of X
Your next challenge is to set out the rationale for the inclusion or otherwise of 'The' before U of X
The OfS is currently consulting on changes which it hopes will provide a coherent approach to assuring quality and standards. This approach would combine the current relevant conditions of registration and TEF
This blog provides a brief summary of our key concerns
www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
This blog provides a brief summary of our key concerns
www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
OfS Consultation on the future approach to quality regulation
Summary of the OfS consultation on reforms to quality regulation, highlighting key concerns with the modified TEF, high-stakes assessments, punitive incentives, and implications for institutional auto...
www.shma.co.uk
November 28, 2025 at 8:48 AM
The OfS is currently consulting on changes which it hopes will provide a coherent approach to assuring quality and standards. This approach would combine the current relevant conditions of registration and TEF
This blog provides a brief summary of our key concerns
www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
This blog provides a brief summary of our key concerns
www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
It's direct cost for institutions and more admin cost for the OfS (who are already trying to plan for lots of extra post White Paper activity).
On plus side there are easy payment options: "Providers will have the option to set up a quarterly direct debit with the OfS to pay their levy invoice."
On plus side there are easy payment options: "Providers will have the option to set up a quarterly direct debit with the OfS to pay their levy invoice."
It says here: “The international student levy will require providers to pay a flat fee of £925 per international student per year. It will be collected by the Office for Students”
www.gov.uk/government/c...
www.gov.uk/government/c...
International student levy technical detail
We are seeking views on the technical detail of the international student levy, to ensure its effective introduction and delivery.
www.gov.uk
November 26, 2025 at 2:09 PM
It's direct cost for institutions and more admin cost for the OfS (who are already trying to plan for lots of extra post White Paper activity).
On plus side there are easy payment options: "Providers will have the option to set up a quarterly direct debit with the OfS to pay their levy invoice."
On plus side there are easy payment options: "Providers will have the option to set up a quarterly direct debit with the OfS to pay their levy invoice."
Genuinely intrigued by these presentation types to be offered as part of this forthcoming @advancehe.bsky.social event. I like to imagine that a 'thunderbolt' is essentially a single sentence which lasts about 10 seconds, stuns the audience completely and then is done. I reckon I could have a go.
November 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Genuinely intrigued by these presentation types to be offered as part of this forthcoming @advancehe.bsky.social event. I like to imagine that a 'thunderbolt' is essentially a single sentence which lasts about 10 seconds, stuns the audience completely and then is done. I reckon I could have a go.
Reposted by Paul Greatrix
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic symbols on them. Some of these have living creatures pictured. What could be more diverting then than to imagine battles between these various ani…
wonderfulhighered.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
For the completists...
I feel like this could be done with more detail: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armoria...
November 26, 2025 at 8:27 AM
For the completists...
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic symbols on them. Some of these have living creatures pictured. What could be more diverting then than to imagine battles between these various ani…
wonderfulhighered.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:31 PM
The Great Big University Shield Animal Battle
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...
Most universities have shields with fancy heraldic beasts and symbols on them. But which animals would win in an imaginary fight? Let the great big university shield animal battle commence!
wonderfulhighered.com/2025/11/25/t...