CSHE Publications

pubilsh image

At the Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE), we are committed to publishing rigorous, relevant, and accessible research and policy work that advances understanding of higher education. We offer three distinct publication opportunities.

Research and Occasional Paper Series (ROPS)

Our long-standing Research and Occasional Paper Series (ROPS) has served as a vital platform for critical and timely scholarship. It is CSHE’s internal publication platform, featuring original research papers, reflective essays, and major reports from CSHE faculty affiliates, researchers, associates and visiting scholars. Reflecting multidisciplinary perspectives and peer reviewed for scholarly value, ROPS has been a trusted resource for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers around the world.

With a growing repository of over 340 publications, the journal has established itself as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners seeking evidence-based insights into higher education issues.

Our most-read publications demonstrate the journal's reach and influence:

Our publications regularly garner national and international media attention, including features in:

Through timely scholarship and broad visibility, ROPS helps shape the discourse on higher education locally and globally.

New Publication Series

To further expand our reach and impact, we are excited to announce two new publication series that complement ROPS and reflect our mission to foster public dialogue, policy engagement, and scholarly innovation in higher education:

  • Higher Education Policy Briefs

  • Higher Education Working Papers

These new series are open to submissions from both within and outside CSHE, and we especially encourage contributions from scholars of diverse backgrounds and at various stages of their academic or professional careers.

policy brief

Higher Education Policy Briefs 

Higher Education Policy Briefs are concise, accessible summaries of research findings, designed to inform decision-making in higher education policy and practice. These briefs translate complex research into clear, actionable insights for policymakers, institutional leaders, and the public. They typically include key findings, implications, and recommendations, making them an ideal format for highlighting timely issues and shaping policy conversations.

Length: 2-10pg

Review: Editorial review

working papers

Higher Education Working Papers

Higher Education Working Papers are research papers that have not yet been peer-reviewed or formally published in academic journals. They provide a space for scholars to share early-stage findings, theoretical arguments, or developing analyses with a broader audience. Working papers are often circulated for feedback, critique, and discussion among experts and practitioners, helping authors refine their work and contribute to ongoing conversations in the field of higher education.

Lentgh: Flexible

Review: Editorial review

Focus Areas

All CSHE publications are open to submsision on any topic of central concern in higher education or higher education policies. Potential topics include:

  • Access and equity

  • University admissions, retention, and student success

  • Affordability and student aid 

  • Academic freedom, university governance, and institutional leadership

  • Historical perspectives and contemporary challenges in higher education

  • International higher education

  • Science, technology, and innovation policy in higher education

  • Financing models and economic sustainability of institution

Publication Terms

CSHE is committed to open access publishing, ensuring that all content is freely available to readers worldwide. This approach facilitates broader circulation, increases citation potential, and supports equitable access to knowledge across institutions and borders.

  • Copyright remains with the author(s)

  • All accepted papers are published open access via eScholarship and available through CSHE's digital repository

How to Submit

Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis. For inquiries regarding potential submissions or the review process, please contact Editor Shanshan Jiang-Brittan at shanshan0233@berkeley.edu.

We look forward to your contributions to advancing knowledge and practice in higher education policy and research.