WELL: for those of you who are still around, thanks for downloading today's episode. And here's something else I hate about what's happened to Higher Education: being so incredibly exhausted from the Day Job that I have no energy to rant and rave. Even writing these show notes right now, I'm sitting in bed, watching The Megyn Kelly Show and drinking my morning coffee INSTEAD of writing in my planner or doing morning meditation and weights.

That's okay, as I am not bitter. Today's episode I reflect a bit about the most recent election, my political shift, and how higher education appears to be reacting. But there's going to be much more reflecting coming, assuming that I stick with this show.

I'm self-aware enough to know that this show has not found an audience, judging on the downloads, and perhaps it's time to make a shift. But we'll see. Our President-Elect has had a lot to say about getting rid of the Department of Education and that might be a pretty fun thing to talk about.

Either way, stay tuned.

Episode Summary:
In this passionate episode of I Hate Higher Ed, host Kris McPeak dives deep into a critical issue facing both high schools and higher education: the alarming lack of civics education. Kris shares her frustration with the current state of civic engagement in schools, especially as we approach another pivotal election season. Drawing from a revealing article by UC Riverside, she discusses the disappointing statistics on how few California school districts prioritize civics in their curriculum and mission statements. Kris also reflects on her own experiences with civics education and the enduring importance of understanding the foundations of American government. She closes with a call to action for educators to integrate civics into their teaching, regardless of their discipline, to better prepare students for their roles as informed citizens.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The absence of civics education in many high schools and its impact on higher education.
• Findings from UC Riverside's research on California school districts' civic education priorities.
• The importance of students understanding the structure of government and their role in democracy.
• Kris’s personal experiences with civics education and the significance of Schoolhouse Rock.
• The broader implications of under-educated young voters in upcoming elections.
• A passionate plea to educators and students to take civics education seriously.

Links Mentioned:

• UC Riverside News Article on Civics Education
• Book: Your Adult Civics Textbook (Kris mentions this book as a great resource for brushing up on civics knowledge. Check the show notes for more details.)

Connect with Kris:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismaspeak
• Twitter: https://x.com/krismaspeak
• Website: https://www.krismcpeak.com/

Call to Action:
If you’re an educator, think about how you can incorporate civics into your teaching. If you’re a student or just someone who wants to learn more, start exploring civics education resources. Our democracy depends on it!

In this episode of the I Hate Higher Education podcast, Kris McPeak dives into the madness of the first few weeks of college, offering insight into why students must focus on establishing routines rather than getting swept up in the social frenzy. Kris shares her own experiences from her college days, discussing the importance of prioritizing studies, getting to know your campus resources, and forming meaningful connections. She also critiques the pressure colleges place on students to immediately jump into social activities like Club Rush and Greek Rush, emphasizing the need for a solid academic foundation before diving into extracurriculars. Whether you're a student gearing up for the new semester or someone reflecting on your own college days, this episode provides a thought-provoking perspective on what the start of the academic year should truly be about.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of focusing on academic routines during the first few weeks of college.
• Personal reflections on the first semester of college and lessons learned.
• Why colleges should reconsider the timing of social activities for new students.
• Tips for new students: get to know your campus, prioritize your studies, and find your community.
• The pitfalls of trying to balance socialization and academics too early in the semester.

Listener Challenge: Think back to your first weeks of college. What would you have done differently? How can you apply those lessons to your current life or share them with someone entering college?

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Freshman Biology Class
• Importance of on-campus living
• Welcome Week and its impact on students
• The significance of building a solid academic foundation early on

Connect with Kris:

• Website: https://www.krismcpeak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismaspeak
• Twitter: https://x.com/krismaspeak