A Crisis in Higher Education

The term “miscarriage” used in this book is a metaphor for systemic failures, flaws, and unethical practices within higher education institutions (HEIs) that hinder students from realizing their academic dreams. These miscarriages can be in the form of institutional structures, policies, and everyday practices that often hinder students' academic progress and even end their journey before it even begins. To say that miscarriage in higher education occurs means that the system or parts of the system fail to support students, especially the most vulnerable, in their growth, transformation, and the future they were promised. These miscarriages harm students and their families as well as other HEI stakeholders, thereby eroding societal confidence in HEIs. The chapter concludes by outlining how the book unfolds. Each chapter follows a consistent format, divided into five sections. How did we get here? Where the harm happens. The real cost. What must be done? And, a proposed institutional response to prevent recurrence of miscarriages and to support repair.