The Higher Education Research Group (HERG) was established in April 2016. HERG emerged from a monthly meeting of graduate students working with Dr. Amy Scott Metcalfe, in the Department of Educational Studies at the University of British Columbia. This meeting of graduate students interested in higher education research topics, known as the “Volcano Meeting” (because research ideas start as simmering thoughts and then erupt like lava), grew in size over its two year history. HERG was formed by a volcano!

Currently, HERG is open to all students, faculty, and staff who are interested in discussing higher education research topics. The central feature of HERG is a monthly lunchtime meeting where students and faculty share their current research in a conference presentation format. Usually, two selected speakers are featured at each HERG lunchtime seminar, with ample time for feedback and discussion. The preferred format is conference presentations (either recently presented or upcoming) or presentation of new publications (either in print or in press). The emphasis of HERG seminars is on research development and dissemination.

The HERG website and blog chronicles the lunchtime seminar topics, and serves as a communications hub for higher education news and events.

Want more information about HERG? Please contact Dr. Metcalfe (amy.metcalfe@ubc.ca).