Politics

Nick Petford tells a festive tale of the ivory-tower dwellers convinced that the sky is falling in on their world

Theresa May, the home secretary, has been accused by a vice-chancellor of acting “like a Dalek” and of “casting a dark cloud over British higher education” in her refusal to change course on student visas.

David Willetts points to the price paid by Ivy League for donor cash. David Matthews writes

MPs told that universities can’t always take their IP straight to the bank. Elizabeth Gibney reports

Sandy Hook shootings likely to fuel debate over carrying weapons on campus. Jon Marcus reports

Behind closed doors, elite institutions were highly critical of White Paper reforms, finds John Morgan

Fawzi Ibrahim implores the UCU to work collectively to save itself from political turmoil and financial meltdown

David Matthews on growing signs of cross-party accord as BIS recasts education as an export

A Tory MP has warned that there is opposition on his party’s front bench to Les Ebdon, following criticism of his comments on the “snobbery” surrounding university education.

St Mary’s fails to transform into university following QAA critique of hypnosis course. Jack Grove writes

Holyrood seeks power over admissions, governance and, via the SFC, courses. David Matthews reports

Access, engagement and rankings too: ex-minister turned v-c sees bright future. John Morgan writes

Jack Grove speaks to the former president of Ireland who will lead an EU inquiry into higher education

Sir John O’Reilly will soon become the sector’s most powerful civil servant. He talks to Elizabeth Gibney

Legal expert identifies ‘unclear’ structure of landmark in coalition policy. John Morgan reports

A dean’s legal battle has wider implications for Tunisia’s universities. Matthew Reisz writes

GuildHE chief reassures sector as Willetts hails removal of size restrictions. John Morgan reports

Claims that overseas and private ventures may have added to financial woes. John Morgan reports

A national strategy on improving university access is set to be published by next autumn.

NUS march ends amid boos, grumbling and confusion in sodden outfield. John Morgan reports

No traditional partner needed for new foundation degree-level qualification. David Matthews writes