Robert Kelchen
@robertkelchen.com
Professor & department head, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I study higher ed finance, accountability, and financial aid. Washington Monthly rankings data editor. Dad, gardener, and baker. Personal account.
https://robertkelchen.com/
https://robertkelchen.com/
Vanderbilt has already commissioned a white paper to argue why this should move them up three spots in the forthcoming US News rankings.
WHEN THE INTENTIONAL SAFETY GOES WRONG
NC STATE FUMBLES AND VANDY RECOVERS AND WINS AS TIME EXPIRES
NC STATE FUMBLES AND VANDY RECOVERS AND WINS AS TIME EXPIRES
September 19, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Vanderbilt has already commissioned a white paper to argue why this should move them up three spots in the forthcoming US News rankings.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
College sports are increasingly being subsidized by gambling in many states, including North Carolina.
www.wral.com/sports/unc-b...
www.wral.com/sports/unc-b...
UNC Board of Governors to consider limits on spending, subsidies for college athletics
The board, which oversees public higher education in North Carolina, plans to discuss the state of college athletics and possible policies to curb growing expenses and control fees from students or ca...
www.wral.com
September 19, 2026 at 7:17 PM
College sports are increasingly being subsidized by gambling in many states, including North Carolina.
www.wral.com/sports/unc-b...
www.wral.com/sports/unc-b...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Chaser: Without middle managers, NOTHING gets done including all the stuff "you made AI do" lol
This piece on how companies (and yes, this applies to higher education) getting rid of middle managers may backfire is well worth your time to read. If the positions are viewed as being too risky to take, there goes your leadership pipeline.
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
September 19, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Chaser: Without middle managers, NOTHING gets done including all the stuff "you made AI do" lol
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Shot: Using AI to replace entry-level workers cuts off your talent pipeline to middle management. 🤷🏿♀️
If you think of "hiring in entry level positions" as "procuring labor to do the tasks entry level people do" then you probably do think AI is a magical headcount reduction machine.
But the point of hiring in entry level positions is to produce mid-career employees.
But the point of hiring in entry level positions is to produce mid-career employees.
September 19, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Shot: Using AI to replace entry-level workers cuts off your talent pipeline to middle management. 🤷🏿♀️
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Still early, but it kinda looks like we’re having a K-shaped econ job market?
Top 50 PhD-granting departments: TT postings up 47% from this time last year (but still down 25% from recent median, excluding COVID)
Everywhere else: TT postings down 19% from last year & 35% from recent median
Top 50 PhD-granting departments: TT postings up 47% from this time last year (but still down 25% from recent median, excluding COVID)
Everywhere else: TT postings down 19% from last year & 35% from recent median
September 19, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Still early, but it kinda looks like we’re having a K-shaped econ job market?
Top 50 PhD-granting departments: TT postings up 47% from this time last year (but still down 25% from recent median, excluding COVID)
Everywhere else: TT postings down 19% from last year & 35% from recent median
Top 50 PhD-granting departments: TT postings up 47% from this time last year (but still down 25% from recent median, excluding COVID)
Everywhere else: TT postings down 19% from last year & 35% from recent median
The workforce Pell program is starting slowly (which I think is a feature, not a bug), as only about five programs have qualified since July 1 in spite of a lot of media attention.
This tidbit from here in Tennessee made me chuckle. Implementation is tough.
www.chronicle.com/article/work...
This tidbit from here in Tennessee made me chuckle. Implementation is tough.
www.chronicle.com/article/work...
September 19, 2026 at 9:29 AM
The workforce Pell program is starting slowly (which I think is a feature, not a bug), as only about five programs have qualified since July 1 in spite of a lot of media attention.
This tidbit from here in Tennessee made me chuckle. Implementation is tough.
www.chronicle.com/article/work...
This tidbit from here in Tennessee made me chuckle. Implementation is tough.
www.chronicle.com/article/work...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
US professors: I need to escape this country and pursue opportunities overseas where things are better.
Overseas:...
Overseas:...
EXC: 90 programmes in Edinburgh University's College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are to be closed.
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
The casualties, which include 48 language and literature programmes, will be 'taught out', w/ no admissions after 2027.
@heraldscotland.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2655839...
Ninety programmes to close at leading university as savings plan takes shape
According to the document, a total of 90 programmes will be “taught out” over the next several years, including 48 in the School of Language.
www.heraldscotland.com
September 17, 2026 at 11:01 PM
US professors: I need to escape this country and pursue opportunities overseas where things are better.
Overseas:...
Overseas:...
This is another good reminder of why it's not a good idea to use ChatGPT for legal advice.
Inside the SEC's tangled legal battle with LSU and Lane Kiffin
It's a twisted tale of grandstanding politicians, colorful characters and college football's most polarizing figure.
www.espn.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:57 PM
This is another good reminder of why it's not a good idea to use ChatGPT for legal advice.
This piece on how companies (and yes, this applies to higher education) getting rid of middle managers may backfire is well worth your time to read. If the positions are viewed as being too risky to take, there goes your leadership pipeline.
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
September 17, 2026 at 10:15 AM
This piece on how companies (and yes, this applies to higher education) getting rid of middle managers may backfire is well worth your time to read. If the positions are viewed as being too risky to take, there goes your leadership pipeline.
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
www.wsj.com/lifestyle/ca...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
It appears the IES Restricted Use Data License program is continuing. But the annual cost is now $3500--nearly 9X costlier than the $400 I paid before. I've been operating under the assumption the whole program would end, and have adjusted my research around that. This just solidifies my decision.
September 16, 2026 at 4:57 PM
It appears the IES Restricted Use Data License program is continuing. But the annual cost is now $3500--nearly 9X costlier than the $400 I paid before. I've been operating under the assumption the whole program would end, and have adjusted my research around that. This just solidifies my decision.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
So many people think that the students who can't pay back their loans are going to like Vassar or Oberlin or even Harvard. In reality they're going to schools like Legends Barber College or Construction Training Center.
www.npr.org/2026/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2026/09/16/n...
September 16, 2026 at 5:34 PM
So many people think that the students who can't pay back their loans are going to like Vassar or Oberlin or even Harvard. In reality they're going to schools like Legends Barber College or Construction Training Center.
www.npr.org/2026/09/16/n...
www.npr.org/2026/09/16/n...
Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky is opting out of federal student loans, which is likely driven by existing concerns about student debt and new concerns about passing the federal earnings test. Expect this to show up in an ED press release soon.
www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
September 16, 2026 at 9:02 AM
Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky is opting out of federal student loans, which is likely driven by existing concerns about student debt and new concerns about passing the federal earnings test. Expect this to show up in an ED press release soon.
www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
www.insidehighered.com/news/institu...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Here’s an interesting question: would higher ed policy advocacy orgs accept or even encourage “tenure reform” as an appropriate accountability mechanism?
GOP won’t control Congress for much longer but it sure sounds like “tenure reform”
as a condition for Title IV access has entered the regulatory chat.
as a condition for Title IV access has entered the regulatory chat.
September 16, 2026 at 12:04 AM
Here’s an interesting question: would higher ed policy advocacy orgs accept or even encourage “tenure reform” as an appropriate accountability mechanism?
Two Republicans introduced a bill that would limit the share of international students on each college sports team to 20 percent if the college wants to receive federal financial aid.
The Big Ten and SEC would hate this, but it's a tricky lobbying effort with other big asks right now.
The Big Ten and SEC would hate this, but it's a tricky lobbying effort with other big asks right now.
GOP Bill Aims to Cap International Student Athletes
Republicans introduced a bicameral bill Monday to limit the number of international students who can compete in varsity college sports.
www.insidehighered.com
September 15, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Two Republicans introduced a bill that would limit the share of international students on each college sports team to 20 percent if the college wants to receive federal financial aid.
The Big Ten and SEC would hate this, but it's a tricky lobbying effort with other big asks right now.
The Big Ten and SEC would hate this, but it's a tricky lobbying effort with other big asks right now.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
A school employee was accused of biting a student. But, it turns out the employee... has no teeth.
Investigation into RPS ‘bite’ video found employee had no teeth
Internal investigators found no evidence that an instructional assistant at Fairfield Court Elementary School bit the hand of a student.
www.richmonder.org
September 15, 2026 at 12:31 AM
A school employee was accused of biting a student. But, it turns out the employee... has no teeth.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
An underdiscussed problem with the Final Rule was the prohibition on graduate students making academic program changes. Many important degree pathways (including interdisciplinary dual degrees) would be effectively banned. Glad to see the ruling address this.
September 14, 2026 at 10:00 PM
An underdiscussed problem with the Final Rule was the prohibition on graduate students making academic program changes. Many important degree pathways (including interdisciplinary dual degrees) would be effectively banned. Glad to see the ruling address this.
This picture is worth several thousand words, but I also recommend reading the several thousand words in this piece on why people can't stop talking about one New England college.
www.chronicle.com/article/high...
www.chronicle.com/article/high...
September 14, 2026 at 9:21 PM
This picture is worth several thousand words, but I also recommend reading the several thousand words in this piece on why people can't stop talking about one New England college.
www.chronicle.com/article/high...
www.chronicle.com/article/high...
I'm struck by some of the responses from college presidents to this ACE pulse survey. There are a lot of people who are simply concerned with making enrollment numbers, even as the sector faces some crucial issues that affect everyone.
www.acenet.edu/documents/pu...
www.acenet.edu/documents/pu...
September 14, 2026 at 12:22 PM
I'm struck by some of the responses from college presidents to this ACE pulse survey. There are a lot of people who are simply concerned with making enrollment numbers, even as the sector faces some crucial issues that affect everyone.
www.acenet.edu/documents/pu...
www.acenet.edu/documents/pu...
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Let’s say a faculty member making $100,000 teaches 100 students in small classes across 4 or 6 sections. Add benefits and this costs at least $150k, which equals $1,500 in labor costs per student. At MSU an in-state student pays $588 a credit. So tuition barely covers direct labor costs.
One of the things that’s gonna send me up a wall will be the idea that it would be simple for colleges and universities to hire more secure, full-time faculty to reduce class sizes. Because it’s just not that simple.
September 13, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Let’s say a faculty member making $100,000 teaches 100 students in small classes across 4 or 6 sections. Add benefits and this costs at least $150k, which equals $1,500 in labor costs per student. At MSU an in-state student pays $588 a credit. So tuition barely covers direct labor costs.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
I just got a letter saying that my health insurance premium will go up by about 7.9 percent next year. It is lower than the national average (about 11 percent), but still way outstrips pay raises.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
September 12, 2026 at 10:12 PM
I just got a letter saying that my health insurance premium will go up by about 7.9 percent next year. It is lower than the national average (about 11 percent), but still way outstrips pay raises.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
I feel bad for the Akron fan who got to be offensive coordinator for the first drive...and then came away with zip after an unfortunate fumble.
Akron 'OC For A Day' contest winner sees drive end in fumble
Akron season-ticket holder Marty Whims, who won the "Offensive Coordinator For A Day" contest, saw his first drive as a coach end with a receiver's fumble.
www.espn.com
September 13, 2026 at 12:51 AM
I feel bad for the Akron fan who got to be offensive coordinator for the first drive...and then came away with zip after an unfortunate fumble.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
The US President's new proposal to tax international students has been approved by the White House for release this week.
It's an unprecedented $100,000 tax on int'l grads who stay to work after graduation on Optional Practical Training (most grads do), a crucial bridge to remaining by any channel.
It's an unprecedented $100,000 tax on int'l grads who stay to work after graduation on Optional Practical Training (most grads do), a crucial bridge to remaining by any channel.
September 12, 2026 at 10:56 PM
The US President's new proposal to tax international students has been approved by the White House for release this week.
It's an unprecedented $100,000 tax on int'l grads who stay to work after graduation on Optional Practical Training (most grads do), a crucial bridge to remaining by any channel.
It's an unprecedented $100,000 tax on int'l grads who stay to work after graduation on Optional Practical Training (most grads do), a crucial bridge to remaining by any channel.
I just got a letter saying that my health insurance premium will go up by about 7.9 percent next year. It is lower than the national average (about 11 percent), but still way outstrips pay raises.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
September 12, 2026 at 10:12 PM
I just got a letter saying that my health insurance premium will go up by about 7.9 percent next year. It is lower than the national average (about 11 percent), but still way outstrips pay raises.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
This frustrates both employers and employees alike, and hits higher ed especially hard.
Happy Saturday morning! We made apple cinnamon raisin and regular White Lily biscuits.
September 12, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Happy Saturday morning! We made apple cinnamon raisin and regular White Lily biscuits.
Reposted by Robert Kelchen
Prices have been rising faster than wages.
The result: Real wages -- average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation -- have been falling.
The result: Real wages -- average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation -- have been falling.
September 11, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Prices have been rising faster than wages.
The result: Real wages -- average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation -- have been falling.
The result: Real wages -- average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation -- have been falling.