University System News
USG NEWS:
www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/same-sex-spouses-added-to-university-system-of-geo/ngWzX/
Same-sex spouses added to University System of Georgia retirement plan
By Janel Davis
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The state Board of Regents voted Monday to comply with federal laws and recognize same-sex marriages for participants in a University System of Georgia retirement plan. The vote amends the definition of spouse in the system’s Optional Retirement Plan, and it allows same-sex spouses to receive the same federal tax benefits as those in heterosexual marriages. The required change follows Internal Revenue Service guidelines for some qualified retirement plans issued after a Supreme Court decision last year overturned the Defense of Marriage Act, limiting marriage to being between a man and a woman.
Related articles:
www.myajc.com
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/georgia-regents-recognize-same-sex-marriage-for-re/ngWy6/#8b54dde9.3566685.735415
Georgia Regents recognize same-sex marriage for retirement plan
www.accessnorthga.com
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=276659
Ga. university system changes gay couples’ benefits
www.chronicle.augusta.com
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2014-06-30/university-system-georgia-changes-gay-couples-benefits
University System of Georgia changes gay couples’ benefits
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2014-06-30/regents-amend-university-system-retirement-plan-include-same-sex-spouses
Regents amend University System retirement plan to include same-sex spouses
www.insurancenewsnet.com
http://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/2014/06/30/georgia-regents-might-change-retirement-plan-to-recognize-same-sex-marriage-a-524246.html#.U7LewSgRseU
Georgia Regents might change retirement plan to recognize same-sex marriage
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/07/01/education-department-updates-its-rankings-most-costly-colleges#sthash.Mk8t69co.dpbs
Most Expensive Colleges
By Michael Stratford
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Education on Monday released its rankings of the most and least expensive colleges in the country — an annual ritual that some lawmakers are eyeing for elimination in the coming reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. As has been the case in previous years, many well-known institutions appear on this year’s list, which ranks the top 5 percent of the most expensive colleges based on tuition and the average net price students pay after receiving financial aid.
GOOD NEWS:
www.bizjournals.com
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2014/06/30/former-bank-of-america-ceo-gives-5m-to-gsu-school.html
Former Bank of America CEO gives $5M to GSU School of Nursing and Health Professions
Ellie Hensley
Staff Writer- Atlanta Business Chronicle
Georgia State University alumnus and former Bank of America CEO Kenneth D. Lewis donated $5 million to the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions.
Lewis has donated to the university for years and this is his biggest donation yet.
RESEARCH:
www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2014-06-30/uga-experts-weigh-georgia-heat-dangers
UGA experts weigh-in on Georgia heat dangers
By UGA NEWS SERVICE
With summer temperatures on the rise, University of Georgia experts warn of the dangers of the Georgia heat, especially when caring for children. “It is never safe to leave a child unattended in a car for any length of time,” said Andrew Grundstein, a geography professor who researches climate and health. “Cars can get dangerously hot very quickly this time of the year.” In hot weather in an open parking lot, the inside temperature of a car can rise by 7 degrees Fahrenheit in five minutes, 13 degrees in 10 minutes, 29 degrees in 30 minutes and 47 degrees in an hour, according to Grundstein.
Editorials/Columns/Opinions
www.savannahnow.com
http://savannahnow.com/opinion/2014-06-29/editorial-arming-teachers-its-dud#.U7HGhygRseU
Editorial: Arming teachers? It’s a dud
SCHOOL OFFICIALS across Georgia should advance to the head of the class when it comes to arming teachers. According to published reports, few, if any, school districts plan to do it, even though a sweeping state law goes into effect Tuesday and expands where Georgians can legally carry firearms. On July 1, each district has the option of arming teachers or staff, but requiring them to set training schedules. In other words, just giving a pistol to the staffer who’s closest to the front door was never an option, although that’s of little comfort. Law-abiding Georgians have a constitutional right to own and carry firearms. But the idea of arming teachers, paraprofessionals, principals, secretaries and others employed in school districts, as a way to prevent or bring down killers who prey on school children, was poorly conceived and mostly motivated by election-year politics.
www.savannahnow.com
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2014/06/27/viewpoint-georgia-gets-the-picture-governor-s-high.html
Viewpoint: Georgia gets the picture: Governor’s High Demand Career Initiative to focus on film
Lee Thomas, Deputy Commissioner of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office
In 2007, the economic impact of the film and television industries in Georgia was $244 million. During Fiscal Year 2013 (July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013) – the number increased to $3.3 billion and at the close of our fiscal year next week we anticipate that the economic impact of the industry will increase twenty times over from 2007. This number does not take into account the more than 90 new companies that have located in Georgia to support this industry.These new companies are here because the level of business warrants it—they are not eligible for the film incentive. …The state of Georgia has a proactive legislature and Governor who supports the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act, a tax credit incentive for qualified Georgia-lensed projects. Georgia has a developed infrastructure, a temperate climate, a diverse topography, hotels to accommodate every budget, and the ease of access with the world’s busiest airport.Georgia does not have the highest incentive, but it is competitive and sustainable.
www.saportareport.com
http://saportareport.com/blog/2014/06/atlanta-police-say-crime-rates-down-around-college-campuses/
Saporta Report
Atlanta police say crime rates have decreased around college campuses
By David Pendered
The crime rate has been reduced notably around Atlanta university campuses in the two years since the Atlanta City Council called for dramatic improvements in public safety, according to a new report from Atlanta police. …he police department’s College Liaison Unit has been grinding out the work and recently issued a 42-page report that covers the past academic year. The report states that Atlanta police have established “effective collaboration” with student government associations of Georgia Tech, Georgia State, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Emory University, Atlanta Metropolitan College, and Clark Atlanta University.
www.forbes.com
http://www.forbes.com/sites/caranewlon/2014/06/30/female-college-grads-still-earn-less-than-men/
Female College Grads Still Earn Less Than Men
Cara Newlon
Forbes Staff
Many female millennials believe that they’re exempt from the wage gap. After all, the debate surrounding equal pay has raged on for over 40 years, from the time their grandmothers were working. They would be wrong. According to a survey released by Wells Fargo WFC +0.48% this month, median household income for college-educated male and female millennials differs by $20,000 —$83,000 per year for men compared to $63,000 for women.
Education News
www.americustimesrecorder.com
http://www.americustimesrecorder.com/local/x1130767530/HOPE-changes-mean-good-news-for-Georgia-students
HOPE changes mean good news for Georgia students
The Americus Times-Recorder
AMERICUS — “New Hope Grant opportunities and additional Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grants (SIWDG) will mean good news for those students enrolling at South Georgia Technical College Fall semester,” announced South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) President Sparky Reeves. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia General Assembly signed legislation that approved four major initiatives to support technical college students and Georgia’s workforce earlier this year.
www.members.jacksonville.com
http://members.jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2014-06-27/story/georgia-school-systems-passing-option-arm-teachers
Georgia school systems passing on option to arm teachers
How to shoot easily taught, knowing when to shoot more difficult, officials say
By Kathleen Foody
ATLANTA | Georgia school leaders are turning down a new option to arm teachers, arguing that it doesn’t make kids any safer and creates more problems than state lawmakers intended to solve. A string of attacks at schools and colleges in California, Oregon and Washington state hasn’t swayed education officials who say bluntly that they don’t believe guns belong in schools. “We could give [teachers] all the training in the world as to how to a shoot a gun, but knowing when to shoot poses a major problem,” said Steve Smith, superintendent of the Bibb County School District. “The folks we work with day in and day out don’t have that.”
www.pbs.org
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/ivory-tower-explores-american-higher-education-pricey/
‘Ivory Tower’ explores why American higher education is so pricey
The rise in U.S. college tuition is unsustainable. That’s the argument of a new television documentary, “Ivory Tower,” which tackles growing worries and critique over college costs and student debt. Jeffrey Brown talks to filmmaker Andrew Rossi about the origins of rising costs and financial competition among institutions, plus ideas about how to turn around the trend.
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/65281/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=22c821b1616f4e74a42528e7e9f96880&elqCampaignId=173
Student Loan Interest Rates Increasing
by Kimberly Hefling, Associated Press
WASHINGTON ― Interest rates go up today for students taking out new federal loans. This hike is relatively minimal but could foreshadow more increases to come. The change stems from a high-profile, bipartisan deal brokered last year by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama that ties the rates to the financial markets.
www.thebrunswicknews.com
http://www.thebrunswicknews.com/open_access/local_news/COLLEGE-070114-hr#.U7LhDygRseU
Technical colleges officially join forces
By Sarah Lundgren
The Brunswick News
It’s out with the old and in with the new for Altamaha Technical College and Okefenokee Technical College, which officially merge today to become Coastal Pines Technical College.
Staff across the seven instructional sites – in Alma, Baxley, Brunswick, Hazlehurst, Jesup, Kingsland and Waycross – will don the new navy and green colors of the joint technical college. Coastal Pines will serve 13 counties, including Glynn and Camden, making it the 16th largest technical college in the state.
www.post-gazette.com
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2014/06/13/Rising-college-costs-push-students-to-technical-schools/stories/201406130014#ixzz369HKDAYf
Rising college costs push students to technical schools
By Tim Grant / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While most high school students still plan to go the traditional route of attending four-year colleges and universities when they consider educational options after graduation, a significant number say they are open to the idea of attending community colleges and technical schools.
www.universitybusiness.com
http://www.universitybusiness.com/news/college-orientations-parents-help-ease-separation-pains
College orientations for parents help ease separation pains
Submitted by Stefanie Botelho
The Boston Globe
College orientation is a rite of passage for freshmen, a time to savor the first taste of independence. But the tradition is not just for students anymore. Special orientations for parents, once a rarity, have in recent years become common on campuses. “A lot of parents are living their lives through their children,” said the Rev. Joseph Marchese, Boston College’s orientation program director.
www.registerguard.com
http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/31746635-75/university-faculty-hiring-coltrane-clusters.html.csp
UO raises the bar on higher education
The university targets 10 specific areas in search of excellence
By Diane Dietz
The Register-Guard
Call it UO 2.0. The University of Oregon hopes to improve its scholarly standing by hiring new faculty in academic “clusters,” to lift the university to pre-eminence in specific narrow fields, mostly in the sciences. The 2014 Cluster of Excellence Faculty Hiring initiative involves adding up to 40 new professors in 10 fields ranging from volcanology to obesity prevention to sports products — if the UO can attract the money for the hires.
www.money.cnn.com
http://money.cnn.com/2014/07/01/pf/college/chinese-students-cheating/index.html?section=money_pf
Chinese students found cheating to get into U.S. colleges
By Timothy Pratt, The Hechinger Report
The application essay from a student in China sounded much like thousands of others sent each year to the University of Washington at Seattle. “‘I did this,” admissions officer Kim Lovaas remembers the essay saying, and, “‘I did that.'” Then she came to a phrase that stopped her short: “Insert girl’s name here.” “I thought, ‘Did I just read that?'” said Lovaas. “To me, that was a really big red flag.” Admission officers say as many as one in 10 applications to U.S. colleges by Chinese students may include fraudulent material, including phony essays and high-school transcripts.
www.bloomberg.com
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-01/corinthian-college-students-await-their-fate-as-breakup-looms.html
Corinthian College Students Await Their Fate as Breakup Looms
By Janet Lorin, James Nash and Kelly Blessing
Corinthian Colleges Inc. (COCO)’s 72,000 students will soon be swept into the biggest collapse the U.S. for-profit education industry has ever seen. Jessica Arellano, 30, a medical assistant student at Corinthian’s Everest College in West Los Angeles, said on Friday that she wasn’t aware of the company’s situation and that she received a confusing e-mail last week assuring her that classes and student aid would continue as usual. “I’m going to ask some questions now, ” said Arellano, of Culver City, California.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/07/01/more-time-corinthian#sthash.2xJ2GMu4.dpbs
More Time for Corinthian
(Note: A spokeswoman for the Education Department said Tuesday morning that the deadline remains in place and that the plan is due today.)
The U.S. Department of Education apparently has revised its July 1 deadline to reach an agreement with Corinthian Colleges on a plan to sell or close the for-profit chain’s 107 campuses and online programs.
www.desertsun.com
http://www.desertsun.com/story/news/education/2014/06/30/veterans-gi-bill-profit-colleges/11736091/
GI Bill funds failing for-profit California colleges
Aaron Glantz, The Center for Investigative Reporting
Over the last five years, more than $600 million in college assistance for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans has been spent on California schools so substandard that they have failed to qualify for state financial aid. As a result, the GI Bill — designed to help veterans live the American dream — is supporting for-profit companies that spend lavishly on marketing but can leave veterans with worthless degrees and few job prospects, The Center for Investigative Reporting found.
www.jsonline.com
http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/marquette-university-zablocki-va-team-up-to-boost-care-for-veterans-b99301215z1-265079101.html
Marquette University, Zablocki VA team up to boost care for veterans
When Kristy Fritz finds out a patient is a Vietnam veteran, she always tells him the same thing — welcome home. It’s a small detail that might not mean much to health care providers unaware that service members returning from Vietnam were not welcomed. But at Milwaukee’s VA hospital, it’s standard operating procedure. And it’s a detail that students in Marquette University’s College of Nursing are now learning. To combat a looming shortage of nurses, Marquette students enrolled in an innovative partnership with the Milwaukee VA are learning about the complexities of caring for ailing veterans.
www.indystar.com
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/06/30/butler-university-data-breach-affects-k-school-ties/11745909/
Cybersecurity expert says little risk from Butler data breach
Bill McCleery and Stephanie Wang
A hacker may have stolen information related to about 163,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and applicants of Butler University, but a cybersecurity expert says those affected should not worry too much.
www.bostonglobe.com
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/06/30/new-challenge-for-mass-biotech-industry-staying-top/HPMhzIwqxFPC7g1eSjNUVN/story.html
Rivals to biotech sector sprout all over
State marshals its advantages as other regions try to develop hubs
By Priyanka Dayal McCluskey | GLOBE STAFF
Massachusetts has made its way over the past half-dozen years to being an undisputed leader in biotechnology and life sciences research. Now it faces an entirely different challenge: staying there. Cities and states across the country and around the world have escalated their long-simmering efforts to poach from this region’s concentration of biotech startups and pharmaceutical mega-companies. California has a new tax break. Texas is spending hundreds of millions of dollars to position itself as “the third coast” of biomedical research. South Korea is building laboratories and looking for scientists to fill them.
www.usatoday.com
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2014/07/01/brookings-job-vacancies-stem-skills/11787741/
Coast to coast, STEM jobs take longest to fill
Paul Davidson, USA Today
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) jobs take more than twice as long to fill as other openings, according to a new Brookings Institution study that provides the most detailed evidence yet of a skills gap that’s slowing payroll growth. Even more surprising, a high school graduate with a STEM background is in higher demand than a college grad without such skills, the report says. STEM jobs that require only a high school or associate’s degree are advertised for 40 days on average vs. 37 days for jobs demanding a bachelor’s degree only.
www.universitybusiness.com
http://www.universitybusiness.com/news/ucmmc-seeks-legal-opinion-relocating-graves
UCMMC seeks legal opinion on relocating graves
Submitted by Stefanie Botelho
The Clarion-Ledger
The University of Mississippi Medical Center is seeking an attorney general’s opinion on whether the state Department of Archives and History has authority over the medical center’s ability to relocate unmarked graves on its Jackson property. Officials with that agency say they can already answer that question — they don’t have any authority. The medical center found the graves last year while it was building roads. Mississippi State University archaeology faculty and students working with an outside archaeology firm exhumed 66 sets of remains.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/07/01/arizona-state-offers-support-body-slammed-professor-university-denies-any-shift#sthash.DPEGhxSn.dpbs
Is Arizona State Supporting the Body-Slammed Professor?
By Scott Jaschik
On Monday, with faculty members nationwide signing petitions and taking to social media to criticize the arrest and body-slamming of an Arizona State University professor, the university’s provost sent faculty members an email message that praised her and expressed support for her.
www.insidehighered.com
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/07/01/students-expect-both-safety-and-privacy-social-media-study-finds#sthash.b3WFw2HP.dpbs
When to Intervene
By Carl Straumsheim
“I wish Gina would die!! aaaargh! I think I might kill her tomorrow! Stick a knife rihht in her! LOL!” Students, faculty members and administrators agree: If they came across a student spewing discriminatory slurs or physical threats on social media, the author should receive a warning or face some form of disciplinary action from his or her institution. But does that responsibility give colleges and universities the right to actively monitor students on social networks?
www.chronicle.com
http://chronicle.com/article/What-8-States-Are-Doing-to/147451/
What 8 States Are Doing to Build Better Pathways From High School to Careers
By Katherine Mangan
Eight states are tackling a growing disconnect between the nation’s education system and its economy by exposing more middle-school and high-school students to jobs, making education relevant to careers, and beefing up alternatives to the four-year college degree, according to a new report from the Pathways to Prosperity Network.