Campus Files: Scandals, Secrets & Crimes at American Universities

Latest Episodes:

Breaking Deadlock Aug 20, 2025

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Lately you’ve probably been hearing about the Department of Education a lot as the Trump administration moves to dismantle it. For many, this move feels shocking and unprecedented. In reality, it's just the latest chapter in a long-running battle over who controls education in America.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

The Robinson Center Aug 13, 2025

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A student reporter uncovers troubling rumors about misconduct at University of Washington's prestigious Robinson Center, a school for students as young as 14.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

Campus Cult Aug 06, 2025

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As a freshman at Long Beach State, Chele joined a church that was popular with other students. What she didn't know: the group had been accused of cult-like behavior by students nationwide. Years later, she's sharing her story — and warning others about an organization that's still recruiting on college campuses today.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

The Army's Got Your Goat Jul 30, 2025

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In 1965 a group of 5 people broke into a secret Naval base to kidnap a key figure as part of a covert operation. That key figure? A goat named Bill. The kidnappers? West Point cadets.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

Coach v. Physician Jul 23, 2025

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In 2019, the head doctor for Penn State’s football team was fired after resisting pressure from the head coach to clear injured players. His story exposes a deeper crisis in college sports: when wins and revenue are at stake, who’s protecting the players?

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

Operation Free Kick Jul 16, 2025

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The operation we now know as Operation Varsity Blues didn’t begin the way you might expect. It was uncovered by chance. Prosecutor Eric Rosen takes us behind the scenes of how investigators discovered—and ultimately prosecuted—the largest college admissions scandal in American history.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

For more on Eric’s work, check out: https://www.dynamisllp.com/talent/eric-rosen-white-collar-defense

Who Speaks for Loyola? Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

In 2016, Loyola University welcomed a new president, sparking excitement on campus — the first woman and the first layperson ever to lead the school. But the honeymoon didn’t last. Soon, the student paper found itself facing an administration determined to protect the university’s image at all costs — even if it meant censoring the press.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

Bessie on the Dome Jul 02, 2025

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Pranks are a legendy part of life on campus in America. There's one campus in particular that has a unique tradition of it's own. This is the story of how Bessie, a 300 pound fiberglass cow, found her way to the top of the Great Dome at MIT.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

Higher Ed for Sale Jun 25, 2025

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Mills College, the first all-women’s college west of the Rocky Mountains, had a rich history of social justice and women's leadership. That is, until the school shocked everyone by announcing it was going bankrupt and would soon be absorbed by a new owner, leaving its storied legacy hanging in the balance.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

The D Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

For years, Dartmouth’s student newspaper quietly struggled to stay afloat. Then in 2021, a student uncovered a case of massive financial fraud that would shake the paper to its core.

For a transcript of this episode: https://bit.ly/campusfiles-transcripts

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