UCI Compass Community of Practice Book Club - Session 6 - Recording

Provide a summary of Tom's presentation and the moderator/audience discussion as it related to the book, "The Abundant University: Remaking Higher Education for a Digital World" by Michael Smith, specifically the final section, "Part IV - Commencement: Rediscovering Our Mission."

Based on the context provided, here's a summary of Tom Andriola's presentation and the discussion related to the book "The Abundant University":

Tom emphasized the importance of challenging the status quo in higher education and being open to new ideas and technologies.
He discussed the need for universities to adapt to changing student needs and expectations, particularly in light of technological advancements like AI and virtual reality.
The conversation touched on the book's theme of rediscovering the mission of higher education, with Tom suggesting that institutions need to rethink how they serve students and prepare them for the future.
There was discussion about the importance of personalization in education and meeting students "where they're at" in terms of their individual needs and circumstances.
Tom highlighted the need for universities to focus not just on graduation rates, but on ensuring students become "first-generation professionals" - emphasizing the importance of career readiness and employability.
The group discussed the challenges of scaling innovation within higher education institutions and the need for more effective models to do so.
There was mention of external criticisms of higher education, including issues of underemployment among graduates, and the need for universities to address these concerns.
The conversation included the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing job market and the potential role of certifications alongside traditional degrees.
Tom emphasized the value of peer-to-peer conversations and influence in driving change within academic institutions.
The discussion touched on the need for universities to engage with students earlier in their educational journey, potentially as early as elementary or middle school, to better prepare them for higher education and future careers.

While the summary doesn't explicitly tie each point back to specific sections of the book, it's clear that the discussion was framed around the themes of reimagining higher education's mission and adapting to a digital world, which aligns with the book's final section on "Rediscovering Our Mission."