Introduction

The Munger Case Competition invites you to participate in an exciting and thought-provoking challenge centered around one of the most pressing issues in higher education today: how to build a public university that truly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year's competition will delve into the complex topics of affordability, employability, admissions, and the role of standardized testing. Set against the backdrop of the University of Michigan, participants will have the opportunity to propose innovative solutions that could shape the future of higher education.

The Challenge

Higher education plays a critical role in shaping individuals' futures and the overall socio-economic and political landscape. This year we will challenge competitors to think about how to work towards a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse university landscape while grappling with the structural questions of affordability, employability, admissions, and standardized testing. This competition calls for creative and feasible solutions to address the following challenges:

1. Accessibility and Affordability:

   • Challenge: How can we ensure that higher education is accessible and affordable for all, regardless of socio-economic background?

   • Considerations: Propose policies, financial models, or structural changes that could reduce barriers to entry. Think about scholarship programs, tuition-free models, income-based repayment plans, or public funding initiatives. How can technology and online learning be leveraged to provide cost-effective educational opportunities?

2. Employability and Education:

   • Challenge: What is the relationship between higher education and employability? How can universities better prepare students for the evolving job market? How do we simultaneously protect universities as a place for critical thought and creativity that goes beyond job training and make sure that students are highly employable when they graduate?

   • Considerations: Suggest curriculum changes that align with current and future industry needs. Explore partnerships with industries, internship programs, and experiential learning opportunities that provide real-world skills. Consider the role of career services in bridging the gap between education and employment. How can the desire for employability be balanced with research and/ or work that has social value but isn’t necessarily profitable or tied to industry?

3. Admissions and Standardized Testing:

   • Challenge: The role of admissions and standardized testing in evaluating applicants has been a topic of debate. What alternatives can be implemented to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process? What does a truly equitable and holistic admissions process evaluate?

   • Considerations: Examine the limitations and biases of standardized testing. Propose holistic admissions processes that consider diverse talents, backgrounds, and potential contributions to the academic community. Explore innovative assessment methods, such as portfolio reviews, interviews, and community service evaluations. How can data analytics and AI be used to enhance the admissions process? How can an admissions process be assessed for effectiveness?

Please note that competitors are not expected to respond to each of these prompts, but rather to focus on one and develop a detailed strategy to effectively move forward. Participants are welcome to envision a University of Michigan-specific program or a more generalizable intervention. Participants should detail why and how their intervention would improve current practices. They are also encouraged to consider how these interventions might contribute towards the excellence at scale and use of universities as an engine for the collective good promoted by the University of Michigan’s Vision 2034. 

We look forward to your innovative ideas and solutions that will contribute to making higher education more accessible, affordable, and effective in preparing students for their future careers. Join us in this vital discussion and showcase your vision for the future of education at the University of Michigan!

References and Resources

• Deslisle, J. with A. Bernasconi and P. Cooper (2020). Questioning the Case for Free College: Prices, Financial Aid, and Student Debt in Public Higher Education., American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research. https://www.aei.org/questioning-the-case-for-free-college/

• The Chronicle of Higher Education & American Public Media’s Marketplace with Maguire Associates, Inc. (2012, December). The role of higher education in career development: Employer perceptions [PowerPoint slides]. Chronicle of Higher Education. Accessed: 12/23/24. Retrieved from chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://chronicle.brightspotcdn.com/d8/0f/acaab24146a8be689d203b19c20e/employers-survey.pdf. 

• Zwick, R. (2023). The role of standardized tests in college admissions. Los Angeles, CA: The Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles, UCLA.