Low-Density University: 15 Scenarios for Higher Education

COVID-19 has placed American higher education at a crossroads, and this book provides a roadmap for institutions to move forward in safe and effective ways. The Low-Density University presents fifteen scenarios for how colleges and universities can address the crisis, including fully online semesters, hybrid models, and preserving the college experience. The choices we make now will shape the future of college for generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 92 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2021
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

COVID-19 has placed American higher education at a crossroads, triggering an existential crisis that has led most colleges and universities to switch to remote learning during the 2020 spring semester. However, the future offers more choices about how institutions can fulfill their mission of teaching and research. In this concise guide, authors Edward J. Maloney and Joshua Kim provide clear ways for colleges and universities to move forward in safe and effective ways.

The Low-Density University presents fifteen scenarios for how colleges and universities can address the current crisis, from a fully online semester to others with students in residence and in the classroom. The book explores how changing the calendar or shifting to hybrid models of blended classrooms can impact teaching, learning, and the college experience. It also considers the potential for emerging from the crisis with new models that are better adapted to today's world.

While The Low-Density University primarily focuses on teaching and learning, student life (housing, athletics, health, etc.) is core to the college experience. The book examines safe and effective ways to preserve the best of that experience, while also recognizing that the lessons learned here extend beyond the classroom. The choices made now will shape what college looks like for generations to come, as the pandemic will undoubtedly change American higher education.

In conclusion, The Low-Density University is a valuable resource for colleges and universities seeking to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19 and shape the future of higher education. By presenting fifteen scenarios and offering practical solutions, the book provides a roadmap for institutions to adapt and thrive in an uncertain and shifting environment. As the pandemic continues to unfold, this guide will remain a valuable tool for decision-makers and educators alike.

Weight: 168g
Dimension: 228 x 150 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421443171