The Higher Ed Workplace Blog

Many colleges and universities are facing the challenge of a “new normal” as the number of traditional college-aged students continues to shrink as we approach the 2025 higher ed enrollment cliff. What can HR do now to help their institutions prepare for and address the challenges related to fewer students on campus?

In honor of World Gratitude Day, which occurs each year on September 21, we’ve compiled 10 simple low- or no-cost ideas for showing gratitude in the workplace.

CUPA-HR General Counsel Ira Shepard highlights some recent rulings around First Amendment free speech, Equal Pay Act and sex discrimination violations, ADA violations and a flawed sexual harassment investigation.

Our comments confirm our commitment to addressing sexual harassment and sexual assault on campus, in labs and in education programs and highlight elements of the proposed reporting requirements that may have unanticipated consequences.

The start of the fall semester is already a busy time for colleges and universities around the country, but throw in the mix an unforeseen circumstance, like a natural disaster, and it can wreak havoc on a campus community. And while there is never a sure-fire way to completely prepare for the unknown, what you can do is have a plan in place.

With nearly one-third of the U.S. higher education staff workforce age 55 or older, the implications are many for colleges and universities. New research by CUPA-HR on the aging of the higher ed workforce highlights some challenges institutions will likely face in the coming years as staff begin to retire in large numbers.

In a recent series of FAQs, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs explains whether academic institutions should include student workers in their affirmative action plans and provides guidance regarding who is considered a student worker.

Each month, CUPA-HR General Counsel Ira Shepard provides an overview of some labor and employment law cases and regulatory actions with implications for the higher ed workplace. Read the latest from Ira.

While contingent workers are vital players in the higher ed landscape, they are often subject to unstable, grueling working arrangements. With 73 percent of all faculty positions now off the tenure track, it’s imperative for institutions to support this growing cohort.

The Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 imposes a 21 percent excise tax on applicable tax-exempt organizations that pay a covered employee in excess of $1 million or an excess parachute payment. Here’s what higher ed institutions need to know and do to comply.