Megan Zahneis
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mzahneis.bsky.social
Megan Zahneis
@mzahneis.bsky.social
1.6K followers 1K following 160 posts
Senior reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education. Interested in the academic workplace and what it's like to live and work as a faculty member. Tell me about it: DM, Signal mzahneis.09, or email megan dot zahneis at chronicle dot com.
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mzahneis.bsky.social
Two-thirds of the Big Ten faculty senates have now endorsed mutual-defense compact resolutions, with Oregon and Penn State voting this week. Of note: Oregon's resolution cites the Trump admin "actively censoring curricula" and "carrying out politically motivated detentions." #HigherEd #AcademicSky
Excerpt from University of Oregon Faculty Senate resolution: "1.3 Whereas the federal government is actively censoring curricula, undermining due process, targeting scholars and students, and carrying out politically motivated detentions; and 1.4 Whereas this has already resulted in the creation of oversight committees and offices to surveil intellectual and academic activities (1 and 2); and"
May 1, 2025 at 3:56 PM
mzahneis.bsky.social
Add Ohio State's Faculty Council to the list. It endorsed a mutual-defense compact resolution this afternoon, with language expanding the call to join — not just Big Ten institutions but "other universities willing to work together on this issue." The resolution passed 35-11.
Partial text of resolution: "Be it resolved that, The Ohio State University Faculty Council urges the President of Ohio State to formally propose and help establish a Mutual Academic Defense Compact (MADC) among all members of the Big Ten Academic Alliance and other universities willing to work together on this issue; Be it further resolved that, under this compact, all participating institutions shall commit meaningful funding to a shared or distributed defense fund. This fund shall be used to provide immediate and strategic support to any member institution under direct political or legal infringement; Be it further resolved that, participating institutions shall make available, at the request of the institution under direct political infringement, the services of their legal counsel, governance experts, and public affairs offices to coordinate a unified and vigorous response, including but not limited to: Legal representation and countersuit actions, strategic public communication; amicus briefs and expert testimony; legislative advocacy and coalition-building; related topical research as needed."
April 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
mzahneis.bsky.social
Here's a copy of an NSF grant termination notice that went out today. "NSF is issuing this termination to protect the interests of the government pursuant...on the basis that they no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities." Not subject to appeal. #HigherEd #AcademicSky
Text of email: Dear [redacted], The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has undertaken a review of its award portfolio. Each award was carefully and individually reviewed, and the agency has determined that termination of certain awards is necessary because they are not in alignment with current NSF priorities. Effective immediately, the following are terminated: [redacted] NSF is issuing this termination to protect the interests of the government pursuant to NSF Grant General Conditions (GC-1) term and condition entitled Termination and Enforcement; on the basis that they no longer effectuate the program goals or agency priorities. This is the final agency decision and not subject to appeal. Costs incurred as a result of this termination may be reimbursed, provided such costs would otherwise be allowable under the terms of the award and the governing cost principles. In accordance with your award terms and conditions, you have 30 days from the termination date to furnish a summary of progress under the award and an itemized accounting of allowable costs incurred prior to the termination date. Sincerely, [redacted] Division Director Office of Budget Finance and Award Management (BFA) Division of Grants and Agreements (DGA)
April 18, 2025 at 11:19 PM
mzahneis.bsky.social
Hats off to @brownepoints.bsky.social, @andyandy.bsky.social, and estimable host @jackstripling.bsky.social for partaking. I got to relive some memorable scandals and learn about a few that were new to me.
"College Matters Higher Ed Controversy Draft" graphic showing Jack's, Andy's, and Sarah's picks in each of four categories: "Hey, Big Spender," "Presidents Behaving Badly," "Hot Mic," and "Wild Card."
March 26, 2025 at 4:21 PM
mzahneis.bsky.social
Apply now for @chronicle.com's reporting fellowship!
Flyer advertising the Chronicle of Higher Education's reporting fellowship in Washington, DC. What we're looking for: Recent college graduates or early-career journalists; interest in higher education (no previous beat experience required); able to write on deadline and juggle enterprise work; self-motivated and eager. What we offer: $55,000 salary + benefits; excellent work-life balance; freedom to carve out a beat; travel and collaboration opportunities; practice in a range of reporting formats and timelines; hybrid work environment. Zoom information sesstion information Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. ET (meeting ID 441 918 7951 and passcode 416484). Offers extended early March; start date July. Contact dburnette@chronicle.com with questions. Application deadline: January 15. The flyer has a white background with blue and yellow accents and features a photo of a Chronicle reporter and editor talking to one another, and a QR code for more information about the fellowship.
December 9, 2024 at 4:26 PM
mzahneis.bsky.social
Applications for @chronicle.com's 2024-25 fellowship are due soon! Student journalists, join us on Zoom on Monday to learn more.
A flyer for The Chronicle of Higher Education's Reporting Fellowship, with a photo of two people looking at a phone. The deadline to apply for the fellowship is January 15; offers will be extended in early April for a July 2024 start date. Bulleted lists describe the fellowship. Who we’re looking for: -Recent college graduates or early-career journalists -Passion for higher education (no previous beat experience required) -Able to write on deadline while juggling enterprise and long-form pieces -Self-motivated, eager to collaborate with other reporters What we can offer: -Freedom to carve out your own beats -Practice in a range of reporting formats and timelines -Chance to team up with experienced journalists -Opportunities to travel & for professional development -$55,000 salary + benefits -Excellent work-life balance (typically M-F, 9-5) -Flexible hybrid work environmen Info session will be held on January 8 at 1pm ET on Zoom; contact daarel.burnette@chronicle.com with questions.
January 4, 2024 at 4:21 PM