University System News
2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY SESSION NEWS:
www.wabe.org
http://wabe.org/post/exclusive-gov-deal-will-propose-half-billion-dollar-boost-education-spending
Exclusive: Gov. Deal Will Propose Half-Billion Dollar Boost in Education Spending
By DENIS O’HAYER
In his annual State of the State message on Wednesday, Jan. 15, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal will announce what he has promised will be a significant jump in state spending for elementary and high school education. Now, WABE’s Denis O’Hayer has learned exactly how big that proposed boost will be.
www.gwinnettdailypost.com
http://www.gwinnettdailypost.com/news/2014/jan/14/state-budget-expected-to-include-more-money-for-k/
State budget expected to include more money for K-12 education
By Keith Farner
For a decade, budget austerity cuts have caused Georgia’s school districts to be malnourished financially, and if that drop in funding continues, one legislative chairman said the districts could “starve to death.” Those were the words of Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, chair of the state senate’s Education and Youth committee, speaking to reporters last week at an education media symposium at Georgia Public Broadcasting headquarters in Atlanta. “The bottom line is, if we get used to (cuts), the schools are going to starve to death,” Tippins said. Fortunately, Gov. Nathan Deal is expected to boost K-12 education funding when he unveils his budget on Wednesday.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2014-01-15/deal-promises-funds-rural-air-ambulances-economic-development
Deal promises funds for rural air ambulances, economic development
By WALTER C. JONES MORRIS NEWS SERVICE
ATLANTA – Gov. Nathan Deal said Wednesday his budget recommendations will include added funds for rural helicopter ambulances and economic development. Deal gave the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs & Issues breakfast crowd a brief preview of his State of the State address. …He also announced a $25 million addition for economic development to help local governments woo employers, but he didn’t offer details on how the funds will be used. “These additional resources help local communities and development authorities build critical elements needed to attract companies and will allow us to continue to partner with local efforts, which will bring more jobs to our state,” he said.
Another $5 million will go toward technical-college courses in welding, health care technology, diesel mechanics and information technology.
CONSOLIDATION:
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/60144/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=c5c348ffbd444be1baf783400bbefd34&elqCampaignId=173#
Committee Meets to Discuss Merger of Ga. Colleges
By Associated Press
KENNESAW, Ga.—Representatives from Southern Polytechnic State and Kennesaw State University are working together to determine how their newly consolidated university should be organized. Kennesaw State officials said Monday that a 46-member committee composed of administrators, staff and students from both schools are considering merging the schools into 13 colleges that will make up the new Kennesaw State University. The Georgia Board of Regents voted to consolidate the two schools in 2013 and Board of Regents officials have said the move was intended to strengthen both schools’ ability to serve students.
USG NEWS:
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/first-massive-online-degree-program-begins-wednesd/ncnyF/
First massive online degree program begins Wednesday at Georgia Tech
By Janel Davis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Tech launches its massive online degree program Wednesday with a first session cohort of 375 students. The Master of Science in Computer Science program is the first degree program from an accredited university offered solely in a massive online course format, university officials said. Most online students will pay less than $7,000 for the graduate degree, compared to $45,000 for on-campus students. Georgia Tech, along with Emory University, has been a state leader in the massive online course movement, which launched about two years ago.
www.forest-blade.com
http://www.forest-blade.com/news/education/article_0694a844-77cb-11e3-9185-0019bb2963f4.html
EGSC hosts Bobcat Holiday Classic
East Georgia State College recently hosted the Bobcat Holiday Classic, under the direction of EGSC’s Interim Head Basketball Coach and Health and Physical Education Instructor, Leroy Jordan. “The tournament was a great success,” stated Coach Jordan, “We were able to see a lot of potential recruits play right before our eyes on the home EGSC’s basketball court. It was a great high school tournament and we look forward to having it next year!”
www.wsbtv.com
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/georgia-tech-professor-testify-over-changes-nsa/ncmqF/
Georgia Tech professor to testify over changes to NSA
By Craig Lucie
ATLANTA — A Georgia Tech professor is one of five people who will testify on Capitol Hill Tuesday recommending sweeping changes to the National Security Agency. Channel 2’s Craig Lucie sat down with him for a one-on-one interview before he and the other members of an intelligence panel appear in public for the first time in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
www.cbsatlanta.com
http://www.cbsatlanta.com/story/24449814/former-ga-tech-employee-fighting-to-clear-name-after-criminal-charges-dropped
Former GA Tech employee fighting to clear name after criminal charges dropped
By Jeff Chirico
ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) – A former administrator at a Georgia Tech research facility said his career and his reputation were destroyed after the GBI arrested him on charges that were later dropped. Chris Evans, 60, of Marietta, was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in 2012 – two years after he was arrested and charged with racketeering relating to his position at the institute. In 2010, state authorities told CBS Atlanta that Evans, professor Joy Laskar and researcher Stephane Pinel funneled $2 million from the university to Sayana Wireless, a company owned by Laskar and Pinel. The state attorney general later dropped charges against Evans after Evans said he provided information proving he did nothing criminal. Despite being cleared, Evans said he has not been able to find full-time employment. …Earlier this month, a DeKalb County judge issued a blow to Evans’ attempt to hold the GBI accountable by refusing to force the agency to turn over its investigative file on Evans.
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/student-found-dead-inside-uga-dorm-room/ncpBb/
Student found dead inside UGA dorm room was from Marietta
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
A University of Georgia student found dead inside his dorm room Tuesday night has been identified as a 21-year-old from Marietta. The student, identified Wednesday morning as David Peacock Braun, was found around 7:30 p.m. in a room in Vandiver Hall in the East Campus Village, Chief Jimmy Williamson said. Suite mates concerned about the student’s welfare called UGA housing officials, who contacted police, he said. A cause of death had not been determined Wednesday morning, but investigators do not suspect foul play, Williamson said. An autopsy will be conducted by the GBI.
Related article:
www.accessnorthga.com
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=269939
UGA police probing death of student found in dorm
GOOD NEWS:
www.oconee.patch.com
http://oconee.patch.com/groups/university-of-georgia/p/federal-state-and-local-officials-join-uga-president-morehead-to-dedicate-the-j-phil-campbell-sr-research-and-education-center
Federal, state and local officials join UGA President Morehead to dedicate the J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center
The dedication will be January 21 in Watkinsville.
Posted by Rebecca McCarthy (Editor)
By J. Merritt Melacon
University of Georgia officials will host a dedication ceremony for the J. Phil Campbell Sr. Research and Education Center at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21 in Watkinsville, Ga. The facility becomes the newest research and education center in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences network of research facilities across the state. Formerly a USDA Agricultural Research Service research station, the 1055-acre farm and laboratory complex was formally transferred to the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to help expand the college’s education, research and outreach programs.
www.rockdalenews.com
http://www.rockdalenews.com/section/23/article/18628/
College Fair at Springfield Baptist, Jan. 18
High schoolers and parents looking for more information on college options may want to check out the free College Fair at Springfield Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. – noon. There will be representatives from several colleges and universities present, including Georgia Southern University, Georgia State, Clark Atlanta University, Alabama A&M, Fort Valley State University, and Georgia Perimeter College. The representatives will be able to provide valuable information to students and parents pertaining to college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, Georgia College 411, and Real Talk.
www.athens.patch.com
http://athens.patch.com/groups/university-of-georgia/p/uga-to-host-colleges-in-your-backyard-on-jan-19
UGA to host ‘Colleges in Your Backyard’ on Jan. 19
The event is free and open to the public.
Posted by Rebecca McCarthy (Editor)
By Rosa Arroyo Driggers
High school representatives, students and their parents can learn about the college admissions process and how to apply for scholarships and financial aid at the fifth annual “Colleges in Your Backyard” event hosted by the University of Georgia Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Jan. 19 from 3-5 p.m. in the UGA Chapel on North Campus. The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature a panel discussion with representatives from the UGA Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Office of Student Financial Aid as well as representatives from Athens Technical College, Piedmont College and the University of North Georgia.
www.businesswire.com
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140114006288/en/Georgia-Bio-Announces-Phoenix-Award-UGA-Merial#.UtbSNSjGEeV
Georgia Bio Announces Phoenix Award, UGA & Merial Honored
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Georgia Bio today announced recipients for the Phoenix Award sponsored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber. Receiving the Phoenix Award are the University of Georgia and Merial for their dynamic collaboration, which has led to worldwide contributions to animal and human health care. …“The University of Georgia and Merial have had an extremely productive working relationship for decades,” said Bob Nordgren, head of External Innovation at Merial. The 30-year UGA-Merial partnership has produced over 100 formal collaborations ranging from the exchange of materials and information and sponsored research to license agreements that have transformed UGA technologies into commercial products.
www.securityweek.com
http://www.securityweek.com/department-energy-awards-georgia-tech-contract-detect-cyber-attacks-utilities
Department of Energy Awards Georgia Tech Contract to Detect Cyber Attacks on Utilities
By SecurityWeek News
Atlanta – The Department of Energy has awarded the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) $1.7 million to help detect cyber attacks on our nation’s utility companies. “By partnering with the Georgia Tech School of Electrical and Computer Engineering’s National Electric Energy Testing, Research and Applications Center (NEETRAC) and the Strategic Energy Institute (SEI), GTRI will work together with experts in smart grid technology to develop protocols and tools to detect such attacks.
Related article:
www.executivegov.com
Georgia Tech Awarded DOE Smart Grid Security Project
www.americustimesrecorder.com
http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/local/x1767981128/GSW-student-Alison-McCarter-named-top-writing-tutor-in-Southeast
GSW student Alison McCarter named top writing tutor in Southeast
From Staff Reports
The Americus Times-Recorder
AMERICUS — ‘Every writer needs a reader’ is the unofficial motto of the Georgia Southwestern State University Writing Center. The Writing Center has seven ‘readers’ and writing consultants who assist students from all disciplines in strategies for all aspects of the writing process free of charge. Alison McCarter is one of the GSW writing consultants, and she has been awarded the 2014 Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) Undergraduate Tutor Award.
RESEARCH:
www.usnews.com
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/data-mine/2014/01/14/ap-test-shows-wide-gender-gap-in-computer-science-physics
AP Test Shows Wide Gender Gap in Computer Science, Physics
By DANIELLE KURTZLEBEN
During the past week, tech and education writers have been talking about data showing that the gender gap in the tech world is evident even in high school. They cite Barbara Ericson, director of computing outreach at Georgia Tech, who recently broke down the 2013 Advanced Placement exams and found that in three states (Mississippi, Montana, and Wyoming), zero girls took the AP computer science test. Even in the state where girls are best represented among computer science test-takers, Tennessee, girls only took 29 percent of the exams.
www.sciencecodex.com
http://www.sciencecodex.com/researchers_find_substantial_drop_in_use_of_affirmative_action_in_college_admissions-126051
Researchers find substantial drop in use of affirmative action in college admissions
(Phys.org) —Buried deep in the mud along the banks of a remote salt lake near Yosemite National Park are colonies of bacteria with an unusual property: they breathe a toxic metal to survive. Researchers from the University of Georgia discovered the bacteria on a recent field expedition to Mono Lake in California, and their experiments with this unusual organism show that it may one day become a useful tool for industry and environmental protection. …To determine the magnitude of changes in affirmative action in states affected by bans and court rulings, Blume and Long examined nationally representative data on admissions decisions from 1994 and 2004. In Texas, the 1997 Hopwood v. Texas ruling effectively banned affirmative action in college admissions; voter referendums in California in 1996 and in Washington in 1998 and administrative decisions in Florida in 1999 had the same result. The Hopwood and 2001 Johnson v. Board of Regents of the University of Georgia rulings against affirmative action applied to public colleges in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
www.phys.org
http://phys.org/print308906761.html
Poison-breathing bacteria may be boon to industry, environment
(Phys.org) —Buried deep in the mud along the banks of a remote salt lake near Yosemite National Park are colonies of bacteria with an unusual property: they breathe a toxic metal to survive. Researchers from the University of Georgia discovered the bacteria on a recent field expedition to Mono Lake in California, and their experiments with this unusual organism show that it may one day become a useful tool for industry and environmental protection.
www.sciencedaily.com
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140113143344.htm
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Traced from Genetic Roots to Physical Defect
Jan. 13, 2014 — A team including researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that a specific gene may play a major role in the development of a life-threatening birth defect called congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH, which affects approximately one out of every 3,000 live births. …In a paper published recently in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, lead authors at the University of Georgia, along with colleagues from the Rensselaer and the University of California at San Diego, demonstrated for the first time that the gene NDST1 plays a significant role in the proper development of the diaphragm, and that abnormal expression of the gene could lead to CDH.
www.datacenterknowledge.com
http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2014/01/13/georgia-tech-emory-team-create-tardis-supercomputer/
Georgia Tech, Emory Team to Create TARDIS Supercomputer
By: Rich Miller
There’s no sign yet that supercomputers have solved time travel. But Emory University and Georgia Tech are teaming to create a new high performance computing cluster named TARDIS, a nod to the time machine spacecraft from the popular science-fiction TV series. Why the name? The schools note that the TARDIS’ notable characteristic is that it’s “bigger on the inside” – is that its interior is larger than its exterior.
www.fastcompany.com
http://www.fastcompany.com/3024919/fast-feed/want-your-kickstarter-project-to-succeed-research-says-these-phrases-could-help
WANT YOUR KICKSTARTER PROJECT TO SUCCEED? RESEARCH SAYS THESE PHRASES COULD HELP
FUNDED PROJECTS OFTEN HIGHLIGHT RECIPROCITY, OFFERING GIFTS TO BACKERS.
BY ALICE TRUONG
What’s the difference between Kickstarter projects that fail and those that succeed? Georgia Tech researchers say it’s all in how the campaigns are phrased.
STATE NEEDS/ISSUES:
www.times-georgian.com
http://www.times-georgian.com/news/local/article_0af0b390-7d8b-11e3-a506-001a4bcf6878.html
UWG professor: Still pain, but some positive signs in economy
Ron Daniel/Douglas County Sentinel
In summing up his 2014 economic forecast for the region Tuesday, University of West Georgia economics professor Dr. Joey Smith used a pain management chart to show how things stand. He pointed to the chart that he joked should be on every wall in every hospital. It ranges from a yellow smiley face at one end to a face that’s frowning and in tears at the other. …Smith said the region is at a place in the middle where it “hurts a little more than usual.” “The fortunate thing is we’re now used to a lot of pain,” Smith said. “Everybody out here has endured a good bit of pain. We’re to the point where we just stand there and look at it.” Overall, Smith brought good news about where he thinks the economy is heading this year in the six counties that make up the west Georgia region – Carroll, Douglas, Coweta, Haralson, Paulding and Polk. Douglas is the only county in the region that has seen positive employment growth in the three major job sectors – goods, services and government – along with a nearly 1 percent growth overall in employment.
Editorials/Columns/Opinions
www.mdjonline.com
http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/24390717/article-Figuring-how-to-merge-KSU-and-SPSU-will-burn-lot-of-man-hours?instance=lead_story_left_column
Figuring how to merge KSU and SPSU will burn lot of man-hours
by Don McKee
Can you imagine how many man-hours — and woman-hours, to be politically correct — have been and will be spent in figuring out how to merge Southern Polytechnic University into Kennesaw State University? The “preliminary draft of a possible college structure” was presented Monday by KSU to a committee of 40 faculty and administrators charged with deciding the fate of Southern Poly’s name in the merged institution as well as its organizational structure and new vision and mission statements. This group, expanded from an original 28 members, is going to meet five times during the next five weeks, according to SPSU President Lisa Rossbacher. To get the job done by the Feb. 14 target set by KSU President Dan Papp, no less than 81 “operational work groups,” with eight to 10 members each, must start meeting no later than Jan. 30.
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/is-letting-college-kids-have-guns-really-a-priorit/ncnn6/?icmp=ajc_internallink_invitationbox_apr2013_ajcstub1
Jay Bookman – THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION
Is letting college kids have guns really a priority?
In a 2014 legislative session with an abbreviated schedule and agenda, setting priorities is critical. And for some state leaders, one priority is pretty clear: By the time the General Assembly goes home, they want it to be legal for students to carry and possess firearms on college campuses. It’s a flatout terrible idea — young kids under stress and away from home, hormones, alcohol, drugs and oh yeah, let’s throw firearms into that witches’ brew. Most of Georgia agrees that it’s a terrible idea. In a statewide AJC poll taken earlier this month, 78 percent of Georgia voters said they oppose legalizing weapon possession on college campuses. Just 20 percent say they support it.
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/get-schooled/2014/jan/14/another-survey-says-georgia-tech-heck-deal/
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
Survey says Georgia Tech is a heckuva deal
A website released a list of top 50 public colleges for return on investment to graduates. And Tech is there. Georgia Tech earns the No. 3 spot on BestColleges.com after SUNY, Maritime College, in New York, and the Colorado School of Mines on the BestColleges list. Tech continually appears on lists of best return on investment for students based on costs and earnings.
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/get-schooled/2014/jan/15/more-money-coming-schools-should-it-go-pay-raises-/
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
More money coming for schools, but should it go to pay raises or restoration of full year?
At the annual Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education media forum Friday, the education leaders in the House and Senate and the state school superintendent agreed that schools cannot continue to limp by on the current funding provided by the state. And now it appears Gov. Nathan Deal sides with them. Deal says he plans to increase education spending by $547 million next year.
www.redandblack.com
http://www.redandblack.com/views/transfer-students-face-academic-obstacles-outsider-treatment/article_8639f272-7cbf-11e3-ac6e-0019bb30f31a.html
Transfer students face academic obstacles, outsider treatment
Sarah Lane
The Plain White Tees said it best, “Hate is a strong word, but I really really really don’t like you.” This is the feeling many transfer students get after relocating to the University of Georgia. I myself am a transfer student and since coming here in the fall, I still don’t feel welcome. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to be at UGA, but I don’t consider myself a Bulldog yet. Some of this is my fault, but a large portion comes from the environment created by my peers. Transferring here is no easy feat.
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/opinion/2014-01-14/what-others-say-georgia-should-invest-education-telegraph-macon
What Others Say: Georgia should invest in education (The Telegraph, Macon)
It’s been a long, dry drain, but top state economists predict 2014 will be the year when we will start feeling better about the state of the nation’s economy and particularly the economy in Georgia. Dr. Charles Knapp, president emeritus of the University of Georgia and now dean of the Terry College of Business, and Dr. Roger Tutterow, professor of economics at Mercer University, were the bearers of the good news at the Economic Outlook Luncheon at the Museum of Aviation.
www.beta.effinghamherald.net
http://beta.effinghamherald.net/section/2/article/23914/
10 reasons to be optimistic
By Sen. Jack Hill
We began this “10 Reasons” column in the middle of the recession when it seemed the only news there was, was bad news. There was a period of time where every month that went by, state revenues were worse than the same month of the previous year. This, in fact, was the record for some two-and-a-half years. So, amid the pessimism and just dreadful economic news for our state, which mirrored the country, it seemed a good exercise to try to find reasons to be optimistic in the midst of this downpour of bad reports. …2. Overall economic outlook — starting to outpace national recovery? — In the Georgia Economic Outlook by the UGA Terry College of Business, Dr. Jeffery Humphreys projects 3 percent growth in Georgia’s GDP, up by .7 percent over last year and more importantly up the same amount over the expected growth nationally. He also projects personal income to grow by 5 percent in 2014, a higher projection than the 4.2 percent national rate expected.
Education News
www.walb.com
http://www.walb.com/story/24448964/wiregrass-georgia-tech-receives-special-designation
Wiregrass Georgia Tech receives special designation
By Colter Anstaett
VALDOSTA, GA (WALB) – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has been ranked as one of the top military friendly colleges by Military Advanced Education in its 2014 guide to Military-Friendly Colleges and Universities. This is the fourth year in a row the college has received this designation.
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/Summit-Gathers-College-Leaders/144013/?cid=at
White House Summit Gathers College Leaders Who Pledged to Expand Access
By Kelly Field
Washington
The White House won’t say who is coming to its higher-education summit on Thursday, but it looks as if elite institutions and state flagships will be well represented, and for-profit colleges will be scarcer. On Tuesday the leaders of several selective institutions and large public universities confirmed to The Chronicle that they planned to attend the event, which will focus on expanding college access for needy students.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/01/15/us-urged-give-incentives-states-college-funding
U.S. Urged to Give Incentives to States on College Funding
The federal government should create a matching grant program to reward states that maintain and increase their funding for public colleges, by linking the maximum Pell Grant awarded to students in states to per-student funding or higher education, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities argues in a new report. The paper documents the decline in states’ funding per full-time equivalent college student since 2000 and the role that trend has played in driving up tuition prices (and student debt).
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/15/blackboard-acquires-college-planning-company-myedu
Right for the Consumer
By Carl Straumsheim
The education software giant Blackboard delivered an endorsement of the “consumerization” of higher education on Wednesday, acquiring MyEdu, an Austin, Texas-based company that combines data, e-portfolios and recruitment tools to guide students through college and into the work force. …The combined effect of those features, Blackboard and MyEdu officials said, is that college students organize their undergraduate careers for a purpose — namely employment. And the more data at their disposal to pick the most suitable section of a course, decide between professors and plot their path to graduation, the better.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/01/14/ontario-creates-online-learning-hub
Ontario Creates Online Learning Hub
Ontario will create an online portal to give students in the Canadian province a shared point of access to online education, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities announced on Monday.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/01/15/suny-outlines-first-degrees-its-new-online-initiative
SUNY Outlines First Degrees in Its New Online Initiative
Open SUNY — through which the State University of New York plans to take existing online programs in the 64-campus system and to build on them, making them available for students throughout the system — has its first degree programs.
www.insidehighered.comhttp://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/01/15/after-two-years-mooc-mania-enthusiasm-online-education-dips
Tempered Expectations
By Carl Straumsheim
After two years of hype about massive open online courses, academic leaders’ expectations of all of online education have taken a small but remarkable step back. That’s the main takeaway from “Grade Change: Tracking Online Education in the United States,” an annual survey of more than 4,700 colleges and universities performed by the Babson Survey Research Group. The annual study was previously known as the Sloan Survey of Online Learning. The data, collected in partnership with the College Board, suggest online enrollment growth is slowing — though not yet plateauing — and that a divide is forming between institutions that offer online courses and degree programs and those that don’t.
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/60148/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=c5c348ffbd444be1baf783400bbefd34&elqCampaignId=173#
Alabama State Bans President from Campus Cohabitation
by Associated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—An Alabama university has barred its incoming president from living in her required campus home with any romantic interest as long as she remains unmarried. A contract signed by Gwendolyn Boyd to become head of Alabama State University in Montgomery prohibits her from sharing her presidential home with any “romantic relation.” The contract notes Boyd, 58, is single and requires her to live in the house. It says the no-cohabitation clause is in effect as long as Boyd isn’t married. Boyd signed the contract Jan. 2 under which Alabama State will pay her $300,000 annually. She starts work Feb. 1.
www.tampabay.com
http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/questions-linger-about-floridas-involvement-in-common-core/2160961
Questions linger about Florida’s involvement in Common Core
Kathleen McGrory, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
Only a handful of people asked questions during Tuesday morning’s workshop on the proposed revisions to the Common Core State Standards. One question was technical, but had political significance. Susan Pareigis, of The Florida Council of 100, asked if the proposed additions represented more than 15 percent of the total standards. That’s important because states can add up to 15 percent of their own benchmarks to the Common Core, and still be considered part of the initiative. Deputy Chancellor Mary Jane Tappen said the state education department had not done the calculation. Later, someone asked if Florida would be able to clarify and delete some of the Common Core benchmarks, as the state education department has suggested, or if education officials would be bound by the Common Core copyright.