Refiguring Universities in an Age of Neoliberalism

"Lawrence turbo-charges a spreading collective awareness, sharpening quickly in the pandemic, that the current university campus model is unsustainable, unsafe. She goes to the root of the problem, no punches pulled, on why it is compassion that is the institution's most realistic hope of changing course away from generating suffering on an industrial scale, and towards its central, publicly agreed remit: to serve the public good. This courageous, powerhouse of a book is richly researched and beautifully written in plain accessible language. It lights the way to HE's best chance of its own survival in the coming few decisive years."

-Theo Gilbert, Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching, University of Hertfordshire, UK

"A powerful and insightful call for action on the necessity and practicalities of embedding compassion throughout higher education. A fascinating and deeply thought-provoking read."

-Kate Lister, Lecturer in Education Studies, Open University, UK

This book examines the role of compassion in refiguring the university. Plotting a reimagining of the university through care, other-regard, and a commitment to act in response to the suffering of others, the author draws on various humanities disciplines to illuminate the potential of compassion in the campus. The book asks how the sector can reclaim the university from the tides of neoliberalism, inequalities and increased workloads, and which moral principles and competencies would need to be championed and instilled to build inclusive citizenship and positive connection with others. A value that is too scarcely taught, experienced, or advocated in contexts of higher education, compassion is reframed as an essential pillar of the university and a means to an epistemically just campus and curricula.

Louise J. Lawrence is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at the University of Exeter, UK. She currently serves as Co-Head of Department, but has been involved in Education Leadership at Exeter, with a particular interest in curricula design focused on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Student Mental Health and Wellbeing.