National briefs

Rankings can trigger innovation; the report says. On the other hand, there is “potential for rankings-influenced decision-making to undermine access for disadvantaged student populations”. Other concerns include over-emphasis on research, widening the ratio between full-time and adjunct academics, “substituting improvement of key rankings variables for comprehensive, institution-generated strategic planning”, and increasing the funding of world-class institutions at the expense of others that help to deliver national goals. Go to www.ihep.org