Paul Umbach
@higheredmoney.bsky.social
Professor, NC State University | Views are my own
Reposted by Paul Umbach
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SCOTUS: considering race as one factor in a college applicant's file is blatantly unconstitutional
ALSO SCOTUS: considering race as one factor in targeting whom to detain and deport is cool cool cool
ALSO SCOTUS: considering race as one factor in targeting whom to detain and deport is cool cool cool
September 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
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Reposted by Paul Umbach
My lovely gerrymandered-to-hell Republican-controlled state government cannot manage to produce a budget. We still do not have one. So that’s nice.
August 26, 2025 at 1:22 PM
My lovely gerrymandered-to-hell Republican-controlled state government cannot manage to produce a budget. We still do not have one. So that’s nice.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
the USA built a system of higher education so good that smart/rich people from across the world came here, spending billions to learn here, subsidizing education for Americans while spending money to live in our cities and towns. our government arbitrarily decided we should stop doing that
The US could see a 30-40% decline in new international student enrollment, resulting in nearly $7 billion in lost revenue and more than 60,000 fewer American jobs. https://www.nafsa.org/fall-2025-international-student-enrollment-outlook-and-economic-impact
August 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
the USA built a system of higher education so good that smart/rich people from across the world came here, spending billions to learn here, subsidizing education for Americans while spending money to live in our cities and towns. our government arbitrarily decided we should stop doing that
For those who care about quality education, @bakerdphd.bsky.social describes the Department of Ed's deeply troubling drop in reporting ed statistics. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
The US Department of Education is far behind on producing key statistics | Brookings
Federal education data releases have slowed dramatically, with major gaps in the 2024 Digest and Condition of Education report.
www.brookings.edu
July 1, 2025 at 1:39 PM
For those who care about quality education, @bakerdphd.bsky.social describes the Department of Ed's deeply troubling drop in reporting ed statistics. www.brookings.edu/articles/the...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
Hey! It's the official publication day for my book! I'm so proud of this work and hope it does some good in higher ed.
The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
July 1, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Hey! It's the official publication day for my book! I'm so proud of this work and hope it does some good in higher ed.
The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation
www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
The last time secretly recording higher ed workers was in the news, @thetattooedprof.bsky.social & I wrote about it. UNC chancellors are under intense pressure to respond to these videos, but firing people over them is abhorrent & yields power to these groups. www.chronicle.com/article/how-...
Advice | How College Leaders Can Stand Up for DEI Workers and Programs
Some of the most vulnerable employees at institutions are being hung out to dry.
www.chronicle.com
June 30, 2025 at 10:55 AM
The last time secretly recording higher ed workers was in the news, @thetattooedprof.bsky.social & I wrote about it. UNC chancellors are under intense pressure to respond to these videos, but firing people over them is abhorrent & yields power to these groups. www.chronicle.com/article/how-...
Door is wide open for Roy Cooper to walk right through. C'mon Governor!
Breaking News: Senator Thom Tillis said he won’t seek re-election after President Trump threatened him with a primary for opposing his domestic policy bill.
Thom Tillis, Republican Senator, Won’t Seek Re-election Amid Trump’s Primary Threats
The day after President Trump castigated the North Carolina Republican for saying he was opposed to the policy bill carrying his domestic agenda, the senator announced he would not seek a third term.
trib.al
June 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Door is wide open for Roy Cooper to walk right through. C'mon Governor!
Reposted by Paul Umbach
After ruling the NIH grant terminations illegal, Judge Young ended the hearing with an eye-opening speech.
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
THIS IS IT! THIS IS HUGE!!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
PLAINTIFF'S WIN!!
Judge Young rules that the NIH grant terminations at issue in these cases are illegal and therefore vacated. BOOM!
"This Court rules that the challenged directives . . . are arbitrary and capricious."
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
"They are of no force and effect."
"They are illegal and so are each of the terminations before this Court"
June 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
After ruling the NIH grant terminations illegal, Judge Young ended the hearing with an eye-opening speech.
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
“This represents racial discrimination, and discrimination against America’s LGBTQ community. That's what this is. I would be blind not to call it out. My duty is to call it out. And I do so.”
Reposted by Paul Umbach
Got word today that the UNC system is freezing all salaries and admin headcount at April 2025 levels. All hiring needs chancellor approval. Bracing for expected state revenue decline and to make up for tax cuts. amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
UNC System president restricts campuses’ salary spending, hiring amid funding threats
North Carolina’s public universities must keep their total administrative employee headcounts and total, permanent salary spending at April levels.
amp.newsobserver.com
June 16, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Got word today that the UNC system is freezing all salaries and admin headcount at April 2025 levels. All hiring needs chancellor approval. Bracing for expected state revenue decline and to make up for tax cuts. amp.newsobserver.com/news/local/e...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
The rally was one of about 2,000 protests held under the “No Kings” banner across the country Saturday to coincide with Trump’s birthday and Flag Day.
“Strength Comes From Us”: Thousands Gather in Durham to Protest Trump
The rally was one of about 2,000 protests held under the “No Kings” banner across the country Saturday to coincide with Trump’s birthday and Flag Day.
indyweek.com
June 16, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The rally was one of about 2,000 protests held under the “No Kings” banner across the country Saturday to coincide with Trump’s birthday and Flag Day.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
The current wave of federal immigration raids began in January with a “rogue” operation in California’s Central Valley.
My new study finds these raids increased school absences by 22%—a leading indicator of the resulting family stress & lost learning opportunities👇
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/u...
My new study finds these raids increased school absences by 22%—a leading indicator of the resulting family stress & lost learning opportunities👇
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/u...
Immigration Raids Add to Absence Crisis for Schools
www.nytimes.com
June 16, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The current wave of federal immigration raids began in January with a “rogue” operation in California’s Central Valley.
My new study finds these raids increased school absences by 22%—a leading indicator of the resulting family stress & lost learning opportunities👇
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/u...
My new study finds these raids increased school absences by 22%—a leading indicator of the resulting family stress & lost learning opportunities👇
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/u...
I couldn't find me in the picture either. Great crowd.
I found me!
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
Enormous turnout today in Durham (not my photo!) Vibe was very Durham: hot, friendly, a little wacky.
June 15, 2025 at 3:23 PM
I couldn't find me in the picture either. Great crowd.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
I found me!
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
Enormous turnout today in Durham (not my photo!) Vibe was very Durham: hot, friendly, a little wacky.
June 15, 2025 at 3:33 AM
I found me!
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
(I did not find me, there were so many people)
Reposted by Paul Umbach
This is the first media coverage that I have seen of the UNC board's quiet decision to largely pause granting tenure outside of the health sciences. This is worth watching over the coming weeks.
At Chapel Hill, Only Health-Sciences Professors Have Been Getting Tenure
The UNC Chapel Hill board hasn’t tenured a single professor in fields outside the health sciences since January. The inaction has prompted confusion and alarm among faculty.
www.chronicle.com
May 28, 2025 at 12:06 AM
This is the first media coverage that I have seen of the UNC board's quiet decision to largely pause granting tenure outside of the health sciences. This is worth watching over the coming weeks.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
This framing is all wrong
Our international students are not a “crucial funding source”
They are our STUDENTS
They are the reason we EXIST
We teach STUDENTS
Our international students are not a “crucial funding source”
They are our STUDENTS
They are the reason we EXIST
We teach STUDENTS
May 22, 2025 at 6:21 PM
This framing is all wrong
Our international students are not a “crucial funding source”
They are our STUDENTS
They are the reason we EXIST
We teach STUDENTS
Our international students are not a “crucial funding source”
They are our STUDENTS
They are the reason we EXIST
We teach STUDENTS
Reposted by Paul Umbach
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has terminated Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, ratcheting up the conflict between the Trump administration and the institution. chroni.cl/3YZHUTf
Trump Administration Revokes Harvard’s Ability to Enroll International Students
Foreign students make up almost 28 percent of its total student body. The unprecedented move would also force existing students to transfer or lose their legal status.
chroni.cl
May 22, 2025 at 8:17 PM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has terminated Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students, ratcheting up the conflict between the Trump administration and the institution. chroni.cl/3YZHUTf
Reposted by Paul Umbach
I am testifying to Congress at 10:15am EDT today. The hearing, “Restoring Excellence: The Case Against DEI,” will be live streamed via YouTube. Watch at the link below.
Restoring Excellence: The Case Against DEI
YouTube video by House Committee on Education & Workforce
m.youtube.com
May 21, 2025 at 1:38 PM
I am testifying to Congress at 10:15am EDT today. The hearing, “Restoring Excellence: The Case Against DEI,” will be live streamed via YouTube. Watch at the link below.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
I worked in this bldg. for 3 years. I brought my child to this bldg. I knew there was dust & asbestos abasement, but I trusted the university to keep us safe. I was fortunate to leave with no known negative health effects. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for others. www.wral.com/news/investi...
'Please take care of us:' Federal cuts close PCB evaluation at NC State building
NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson says the Health Hazard Evaluation of Poe Hall has been closed due to federal cuts. Poe Hall was closed when toxic chemicals were discovered in the fall of 2023.
www.wral.com
April 25, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I worked in this bldg. for 3 years. I brought my child to this bldg. I knew there was dust & asbestos abasement, but I trusted the university to keep us safe. I was fortunate to leave with no known negative health effects. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for others. www.wral.com/news/investi...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
NCME sues to protect measurement data and research. "The law requires not only data access but data quality. For 88 years, our organization has upheld standards for valid measurements and measurement research. We do so again today.” @ncme38.bsky.social #NCME25 www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
April 24, 2025 at 5:11 PM
NCME sues to protect measurement data and research. "The law requires not only data access but data quality. For 88 years, our organization has upheld standards for valid measurements and measurement research. We do so again today.” @ncme38.bsky.social #NCME25 www.naacpldf.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
This is a great piece about the North Carolina community college system's proposed new funding model that goes all-in on workforce development. Between this and the Next NC scholarship, that state is trying some big new things in higher education.
N.C. Community Colleges Want $100 Million to Remake Program Offerings
North Carolina's 58 community colleges are seeking $100 million to reshape how the state prepares workers for high-demand jobs.
www.theassemblync.com
April 24, 2025 at 1:38 PM
This is a great piece about the North Carolina community college system's proposed new funding model that goes all-in on workforce development. Between this and the Next NC scholarship, that state is trying some big new things in higher education.
Reposted by Paul Umbach
Resistance with slides:
when presenting scientific evidence created by federal data and/or $
tell your audience what they won’t be seeing more of
Slides templates here
https://sites.google.com/view/tobeclear/
when presenting scientific evidence created by federal data and/or $
tell your audience what they won’t be seeing more of
Slides templates here
https://sites.google.com/view/tobeclear/
April 17, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Resistance with slides:
when presenting scientific evidence created by federal data and/or $
tell your audience what they won’t be seeing more of
Slides templates here
https://sites.google.com/view/tobeclear/
when presenting scientific evidence created by federal data and/or $
tell your audience what they won’t be seeing more of
Slides templates here
https://sites.google.com/view/tobeclear/
The NC State AAUP chapter calls on our chancellor, who has been conspicuously silent on the myriad of attacks on higher ed, to stand up for our international students. Our students deserve better. I encourage all faculty to join the @aaup.bsky.social. www.technicianonline.com/opinion/gues...
GUEST COLUMN: Letter to the chancellor: Defend our international students
Through this open letter, the NC State University Chapter of the American Association of University Professors calls upon the chancellor and officials of NC State to take action on behalf
www.technicianonline.com
April 16, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The NC State AAUP chapter calls on our chancellor, who has been conspicuously silent on the myriad of attacks on higher ed, to stand up for our international students. Our students deserve better. I encourage all faculty to join the @aaup.bsky.social. www.technicianonline.com/opinion/gues...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
Update! UMass-Amherst's faculty senate is now on board!!
Last night they passed their own resolution calling for two compacts:
1) of all public and land-grant higher ed in the country
2) of all public and private higher ed in Massachusetts
Read and spread widely!!
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ikin7...
Last night they passed their own resolution calling for two compacts:
1) of all public and land-grant higher ed in the country
2) of all public and private higher ed in Massachusetts
Read and spread widely!!
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ikin7...
April 11, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Update! UMass-Amherst's faculty senate is now on board!!
Last night they passed their own resolution calling for two compacts:
1) of all public and land-grant higher ed in the country
2) of all public and private higher ed in Massachusetts
Read and spread widely!!
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ikin7...
Last night they passed their own resolution calling for two compacts:
1) of all public and land-grant higher ed in the country
2) of all public and private higher ed in Massachusetts
Read and spread widely!!
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ikin7...
Reposted by Paul Umbach
BREAKING: Harvard AAUP & the nat'l AAUP have jointly filed a lawsuit & TRO to block the Trump admin from demanding that Harvard restrict speech & undermine academic freedom or else lose $8.7 billion in federal funds. This action challenges the Trump admin's misuse of funds for coercion. Stay tuned.
April 12, 2025 at 4:06 AM
BREAKING: Harvard AAUP & the nat'l AAUP have jointly filed a lawsuit & TRO to block the Trump admin from demanding that Harvard restrict speech & undermine academic freedom or else lose $8.7 billion in federal funds. This action challenges the Trump admin's misuse of funds for coercion. Stay tuned.