News

Illuminate the Future of Higher Education: Apply for the CSHE Capstone Fellowship

The Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE) is pleased to offer fellowships for the Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) Capstone projects. We invite applications from MPP, MPA, and MDP students whose innovative projects advance the Center’s mission of illuminating higher education. 

Award amounts will be determined based on individual project needs, with a strong commitment to ensuring that Fellows are fully funded to execute their Capstone projects effectively.

The SERU Consortium successfully hosted its 2025 Business Meeting and Symposium at UC Berkeley on October 22-23. Over 60 participants from 18 universities and institutions across 3 countries attended. Topics covered include student experience in the age of AI, political uncertainties in higher education, career readiness and employment pathways, survey governance and administration, and experiences of student subpopulations.

A data point from the California College Data and Policy Project (CCDPP) shows how many low-income students in California Community Colleges and in the University of California system would lose access to CalFresh benefits if they are cut off

New data points from the California College Data and Policy Project (CCDPP)

The Project is a joint initiative of the California Policy Lab and the Center for Studies in Higher Education. The CCDPP will generate new insights and research on what works to better support California students and their families as they transition through the education system.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New UC Berkeley Report Challenges Return to SAT: Calls for Public Universities to Double Down on Public Mission

CSHE Senior Research Fellow John Aubrey Douglass weighed in on the current landscape in the American higher education

CSHE Senioar Research Fellow John Aubrey Douglass presented at a webinar at the Centre for Global Higher Education. Douglass warned that the Trump administration’s “unprecedented assault” on higher education was part of an attempt to gain more power both nationally and internationally.

We're delighted to welcome four new visiting scholars to CSHE!

Our visiting scholar program brings leading experts from around the world to Berkeley to collaborate on innovative research in higher education. This fall, we're joined by four distinguished academics from top institutions. 

On August 29, 2025, CSHE Senior Research Fellow John Aubrey Douglass delivered a keynote speech at the European Higher Education Society Forum, held at Utrecht University. His speech, titled “Universities as the Enemy: How Rhetoric and Policies are Eroding Open Science,” was a central highlight of the event.

More information about the Forum can be found here.

We're pleased to share our 2024-25 annual report, which highlights an incredible year of progress and collaboration. This report reflects our growth and the profound impact we've made together—from our latest research and expanded community of scholars to active outreach initiatives. We invite you to explore the pages that follow to see how our work is helping to shape the future of higher education.

The Center for Studies in Higher Education (CSHE) is looking to hire an Executive Director for our Executive Leadership Academy (ELA). Over the past 15 years, ELA has grown into a prestigious program under the leadership of Josefina Baltodano, graduating 623 fellows who are now shaping the future of higher education.

With Josie's retirement, we are seeking the next visionary servant leader to take the helm and guide ELA into its next chapter. We invite qualified candidates to view the job description and apply.

The battle between the Trump administration and the University of California over a proposed $1 billion fine is more than just a legal dispute—it's a critical moment for the future of America's public research universities.CSHE Senior Research Fellow John Aubrey Douglassdives into why this case is important and what it could mean for institutions nationwide.

Commentary by our Senior Research Fellow, John Aubrey Douglass, reveals how politically motivated policies from the Trump administration—including visa restrictions, rhetoric, and threats to research funding—are causing a significant decline in international student enrollment. Douglass argues these actions are not only damaging to American universities but also pose a substantial risk to the US economy and its ability to attract top global talent.

CSHE Senior Research Fellow John Aubrey Douglass discussed the recent Department of Justice's filing against UCLA and what it means for the US higher education.