University System News

USG NEWS:
www.insidehighered.com
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2014/12/29/ethics-law-georgia-lawmakers-exempts-higher-ed
Ethics Law for Georgia Lawmakers Exempts Higher Ed
Georgia legislators have been boasting about a new ethics law that imposes strict reporting requirements on lobbyists and bars lawmakers from accepting anything worth more than $75. But The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the new law exempts interactions with the public higher education system. As a result, public universities have been able to continue to lobby (without reporting on their activities) and to provide valuable gifts in the form of tickets to athletic events and expensive meals. During the fall, universities spent more than $20,000 on football tickets and meals and other events on game days.

www.times-herald.com
http://www.times-herald.com/local/20141231-Coweta-Growth-2015-28-inches-w-pic
Growth Expected To Continue Throughout 2015
by CLAY NEELY
With 2014 drawing to a close, many Coweta residents are wondering what the new year will bring in terms of new development around the county. …The new University of West Georgia’s Newnan campus is set to open in the first half of 2015 and Boothby believes this will have a significant impact on the growth of north Newnan. “All of our educational institutions are expected to exceed past successes in the absolutely critical education component in Coweta,” Boothby said.

www.ajc.com
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/making-the-grade-high-school-students-gets-a-head-/njZBT/
Making the Grade: High school students gets a head start on college
H.M. Cauley
Students who want to differentiate themselves from the crush of college applicants and, at the same time, get a bit of a break on college tuition are discovering both features in one program. Through dual enrollment, high school juniors and seniors who meet the scholastic eligibility requirements can take introductory, college-level courses offered, in some cases, in the same building where they eat lunch. But many high schoolers don’t take advantage of the program because they aren’t aware it exists, said Jeff Meadors, the college-wide coordinator of dual enrollment at Georgia Perimeter College. “A lot of them find us by word of mouth from other students who like the program,” he said. “But we’re out in schools marketing, letting people know we can walk them through it.” GPC has the highest number of dual-enrollment students in the state, said Meadors, who expects this year’s number of 1,146 to top 1,200 in the spring. Out of that number, 734 are on the northside, where they take classes either at GPC’s location on Brookside Parkway in Alpharetta or at Milton, Centennial, Chattahooche, Alpharetta, Roswell and Dunwoody high schools.

www.jbhe.com

Fort Valley State University Puts Out the Welcome Mat for Dropouts

Fort Valley State University Puts Out the Welcome Mat for Dropouts
Fort Valley State University, the historically Black educational institution in Georgia, has launched a new program aimed at convincing former students who did not graduate to return to school to complete their degrees. The Recruit Back program was developed by Pamela Berry-Johnson, director of marketing and communications at the university, who patterned the program after a similar effort that she had participated in while at Jackson State University in Mississippi.

www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2014-12-28/last-train-load-coal-expected-uga-week
Last train load of coal expected at UGA this week
By LEE SHEARER
A lonesome train whistle will mark the end of an era on the University of Georgia campus this week, or at least the beginning of the end. The train, a short line called the Athens Line, is scheduled to roll parallel to East Campus Road with the last shipment of coal for the university’s coal-fired steam boiler, slated for replacement after this winter.

Related article:
www.wrbl.com
http://www.wrbl.com/story/27720331/last-train-load-of-coal-marks-end-of-era-at-univ-of-georgia
Last train load of coal marks end of era at Univ. of Georgia

www.wabe.org
http://wabe.org/post/will-residents-use-new-atlanta-streetcar
Will Residents Use The New Atlanta Streetcar?
By JONATHAN SHAPIRO
After nearly three years of construction, the Atlanta Streetcar Tuesday officially opened for passenger service. City officials say it will help attract tourists and economic investment. Still unclear is whether residents will actually use it … Last year, the BeltLine board, which includes Reed, approved about $5 million to study streetcar extensions into Georgia Tech, around Piedmont Park and the Eastside Trail, and other areas.

www.nytimes.com

Atlanta Hopes a Three-Mile Streetcar Route Will Help Foster a New Urban Image
By ALAN BLINDER
Pushing aside years of funding problems and construction dilemmas, this city on Tuesday opened a small loop of a transportation option that last operated here more than six decades ago: streetcars. Although the electric streetcars, condemned by some as a $98 million gimmick, will not relieve Atlanta’s traffic woes as they glide across nearly three miles of track, the system is part of a broader strategy that supporters contend will help remake a city long regarded as something less than an archetype of urban design … And the streetcar does not reach the Georgia Institute of Technology or the Atlanta University Center, although there is a stop at Georgia State University, which had a fall semester enrollment of more than 32,000 students.

www.huffingtonpost.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/25/best-campus-food-2015_n_6374216.html?utm%5C_hp%5C_ref=travel&ir=Travel
Colleges With The Best Campus Food, According To Niche
The Huffington Post | By Alexandra Svokos
Sure, college is primarily a place for learning, but no one can learn on an unhappy stomach. These schools go above and beyond to keep their students well-fed. The website Niche put together where to find the best campus food across the nation. To create these rankings, they looked at a variety of factors including, of course, how good the food is according to student opinion, but also how much the meal plan costs, the variety of healthy foods and foods for different dietary preferences and how convenient the hours are at dining locations. …It may not be regularly available to undergrads, but the University of Georgia has their own brand of caviar.

www.onlineathens.com
http://onlineathens.com/breaking-news/2014-12-30/georgia-tech-student-indicted-uga-website-hack
Georgia Tech student indicted for UGA website hack
By JOE JOHNSON
A Clarke County grand jury recently indicted a Georgia Tech student for allegedly hacking into the University of Georgia’s computer network to post a message prior to the annual rivalry football game between the Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets. Ryan Gregory Pickren, 21, was charged with felony computer trespass for making the posting on UGA’s online calendar on Nov. 27, two days before the intrastate gridiron match-up.

www.mdjonline.com
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/26293263/article–Best-kept-secret–KSU-dual-enrollment-program-gives-high-schoolers-a-head-start
‘Best kept secret’: KSU dual enrollment program gives high-schoolers a head start
by Philip Clements
KENNESAW — Amy Haynes, 20, graduated high school in 2012 and is already a college senior studying nursing at Kennesaw State University, thanks to the school’s dual enrollment program. “I think the dual enrollment program is a great way to combine education with the college experience, and I would highly recommend it,” she said. “KSU is right by our house, so we had very easy access to it. The reason I knew about it is my sister had done it previously, so it was kind of a family tradition, almost.” In fact, she recommended the program to her younger sister, Emily Haynes, who is currently dual enrolled at Kennesaw State. Both sisters were home-schooled in Kennesaw and were the third and fourth Haynes children to dual enroll at KSU.

www.college.usatoday.com
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/29/top-ranked-schools-for-a-degree-in-computer-information-systems/
Top ranked schools for a degree in computer information systems
By: Megan Cahill, College Factual
A degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS) prepares students to set up, repair and maintain computer networks and systems for a variety of large and small businesses and organizations. This growing field combines elements of computer science and information technology. CIS classes introduce students to software and hardware, while teaching them how to analyze and solve computer issues. Courses in computer science, numerical analysis and robotics prepare graduates for careers in business, management, computer support or other IT-related positions. The list below, courtesy of College Factual, breaks down the top 10 places to get a degree in computer information systems in the U.S. based on their overall quality … 6. GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY — MAIN CAMPUS: ATLANTA Considered one of the top technological research universities in the nation, Georgia Institute of Technology offers a challenging curriculum that trains students in developing and maintaining computer information systems.

RESEARCH:
www.nbc26.tv
http://www.nbc26.tv/story/27732713/first-child-begins-cannabis-oil-trial-at-georgia-regents-university
First child begins cannabis oil trial at Georgia Regents University
Posted by NBC 26 Staff
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The first child in Georgia is now taking part in a cannabis oil trial at Georgia Regents University. Governor Nathan Deal came to Augusta in Spring 2014 to meet with a British drug maker to talk about the trials. Once they got authorization from the federal level, Valerie Weaver’s son Preston, who suffers from dozens of seizures each day, was chosen as one of the two candidates to take part in the trial.

www.healthitoutcomes.com
http://www.healthitoutcomes.com/doc/donation-will-support-health-it-lab-0001
Donation Will Support Health IT Lab
By Julia Ernst
The Georgia Institute of Technology has received a significant donation from Leidos – a company that provides solutions for security, health, and engineering – to support its new laboratory for health information technology (HIT). The Interoperability and Integration Innovation Lab (I3L) at Georgia Tech is described as a “locus” for individuals who work in HIT. The I3L aims to improve both the patient experience of care and the health of populations and reduce the per-capita cost of healthcare. The $40,000 donation from Leidos will support a pilot demonstration at I3L to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare.

www.mnn.com
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/new-technology-lets-humans-and-dogs-communicate
New technology lets humans and dogs communicate
Researchers have created a device that translates dog-speak so we can talk to man’s best friend.
By: Laura Moss
Nearly 70 percent of pet owners say they understand their animals’ barks, purrs and other sounds, according to an Associated Press poll, and 62 percent claim their pets understand them when they speak. While experts say it’s not unusual for people and their pets to understand some of each other’s speech, it’s impossible for us to communicate perfectly.
…Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology are working on wearable technology that would allow dogs to communicate crucial information to their handlers. The project, which is known as FIDO, or Facilitating Interactions for Dogs with Occupations, has applications for service dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and dogs that assist doctors in detecting cancer.

www.ewallstreeter.com
http://ewallstreeter.com/study-finds-possible-alternative-explanation-for-dark-energy-5923/
STUDY FINDS POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION FOR DARK ENERGY
From Phys.org: Physics News
(Phys.org)—Dark energy is an unknown form of energy that is proposed to drive the accelerated expansion of the universe. A new study by University of Georgia professor Edward Kipreos suggests that changes in how people think about time dilation—the slowing of time predicted by Albert Einstein—can provide an alternate explanation of dark energy.

www.northwesgtgeorgianews.com
http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/associated_press/news/national/history-museum-acquires-native-american-artifacts/article_18dd3560-8de2-11e4-8495-63339d6893b1.html
History museum acquires Native American artifacts
MICHELLE BABCOCK, The Cherokee Tribune
BALL GROUND, Ga. (AP) — A large collection of Native American artifacts found in Ball Ground will soon be on display in Cherokee County for residents to enjoy. The Cherokee County Historical Society announced Friday it had acquired the Lamar and Mary Fowler Holcomb Native American collection, a significant number of artifacts collected from the Long Swamp archaeology site in Ball Ground over a period of 70 years. Long Swamp’s peak Native American occupation occurred from 1100 to 1200, when the site included a mound, palisade wall and village. …The Historical Society is teaming up with the Georgia State University Anthropology Department to use the identification and classification of the artifacts as a teaching tool for students, officials said.

Editorials/Columns/Opinions:
www.usnews.com
http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/college-rankings-blog/2014/12/24/faq-best-colleges-rankings-vs-obamas-college-rating-framework?src=usn_tw
Morse Code: Inside the College Rankings
FAQ: Best Colleges Rankings vs. Obama’s College Rating Framework
U.S. News answers key questions about the college rankings and Obama’s proposed system.
by Robert Morse
The U.S. Department of Education has released a framework that describes how the administration will execute its new college rating system, first proposed in August 2013. The administration says its first ratings of institutions will be released before the start of the 2015-2016 school year. Here are answers to some of the questions that U.S. News has been asked most frequently about the federal ratings plan and the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, and how U.S. News views the proposed rating system.

Education:
www.wsj.com
http://www.wsj.com/articles/colleges-new-aid-target-the-middle-class-1419894937
Colleges’ New Aid Target: the Middle Class
States and Schools Dangle Scholarships to Attract the Students Whose Families Typically Don’t Qualify for Much Support
By MELISSA KORN
As soaring college costs saddle more students with debt, colleges are increasingly earmarking aid for students who can fall through the cracks of existing programs: those who aren’t from poor families, can’t necessarily maintain a 4.0 GPA or hit a three-pointer at the buzzer. California started a scholarship program this school year to help such middle-class students whose families earn as much as $150,000 a year. Pennsylvania rolled out the Ready to Succeed Scholarship, offering as much as $2,000 in aid for residents whose families earn up to $110,000, while Minnesota added money to its state grant program last year to provide up to $5,000 to an additional 2,200 students whose families earn between $60,000 and $120,000.

www.washingtonpost.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/colleges-often-give-discounts-to-the-rich-but-heres-one-that-gave-up-on-merit-aid/2014/12/29/a15a0f22-6f3c-11e4-893f-86bd390a3340_story.html
Colleges often give discounts to the rich. But here’s one that gave up on ‘merit aid.’
By Nick Anderson
LANCASTER, Pa. — The open secret of higher education is that private colleges competing for students often slash prices for families wealthy enough to pay full tuition. Some dangle “merit aid” to lure academic stars. Others use discounts to ensure that they enroll enough affluent students to meet their revenue targets. Washington University in St. Louis provides grants unrelated to financial need or athletics to 14 percent of freshmen, a Washington Post analysis found. George Washington University gives them to 20 percent, and Tulane University to 37 percent. Those three are among dozens of prominent private schools that offer significant largesse to students without need. But as prices climb past $60,000 a year at many private colleges, debate over student debt and subsidies for the affluent has led some schools to rethink how they dole out funds.

www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/68621/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=dd4924e86ba8424aa0b3b604542a0339&elqCampaignId=415
Diverse Conversations: Gainful Employment for College Graduates
by Matthew Lynch
In October, the Obama administration released regulations that would hold career-based colleges of all types more accountable for the retention and future employment of their graduates. These “gainful employment” rules would particularly strike against for-profit schools with predatory practices that take the money of college students and provide little support for employment following graduation or certification. No particular schools will be singled out though, and all career colleges will be subject to the regulations. If accountability measures are not met, the colleges could lose out on federal aid.

www.fastcompany.com
http://www.fastcompany.com/3040218/elasticity/linkedin-proves-the-us-has-a-stem-problem
LINKEDIN PROVES THE U.S. HAS A STEM PROBLEM
A NEW STUDY SHOWS ENGINEERS AND SCIENTISTS ARE LESS LIKELY TO FLOCK TO THE U.S.—AND ALSO CASTS LINKEDIN AS A POWERFUL RESEARCH TOOL.
BY KEVIN ZAWACKI
At first, the numbers appear reassuring—the U.S. remains the top destination for foreign science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals. But lurking deeper in the data is a second, troubling statistic: Fewer of these bright workers are migrating to the U.S. each year. Instead, they’re putting down roots in East Asia and other growing regions. The numbers come from a new study led by LinkedIn, Stanford University and other institutions in the U.S. and Europe. The study parsed LinkedIn users’ work histories stretching over two-and-a-half decades, focusing on professionals in the computer, mathematics, engineering and architecture fields.

www.college.usatoday.com
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/12/24/too-close-these-parents-moved-to-college-with-their-kids/
Too close? These parents moved to college with their kids
By: Associated Press
Lori Osterberg and her husband are lifelong Denver folk, but they got restless and intended to relocate for adventure’s sake once their only child left home for college. Well, long story short, they did that. Sort of. Rather than following the sun down to Mexico, they followed their daughter to Portland, Oregon, where she is a sophomore. While still taking long weekends and other trips to Canada and California, the couple bought an apartment near campus that all three share. “We’re calling it our gap year. We’re here for now, with the possibility of extending throughout her college career,” Osterberg said. “We’re taking it one year at a time.”

www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/68618/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=dd4924e86ba8424aa0b3b604542a0339&elqCampaignId=415
Bowie State Student Sues Fraternity, Alleges Hazing
by Associated Press
by Matthew Lynch
BOWIE, Md. — A Bowie State University student suing a campus fraternity for $3 million says he was relentlessly abused and bullied during his semester as a pledge. Kevin Hayes, 20, filed the lawsuit against the Baltimore-based Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity on Monday in Prince George’s County Circuit Court. In his lawsuit, Hayes said that the hazing began with beatings and humiliation in fall 2013 and that abuse over a two-month period included being punched and body-slammed and being paddled by masked men.

www.insidehighered.com
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2014/12/30/law-school-reaches-agreement-education-department-do-more-protect-victims-sexual
Settlement at Harvard
By Jake New
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement with Harvard University and its law school, bringing an end to one of the department’s longest-running Title IX investigations and strengthening a sexual assault policy that some Harvard faculty have criticized as being unfair to accused students.

Related articles:
www.diverseeducation.com
http://diverseeducation.com/article/68624/?utm_campaign=Diverse%20Newsletter%203&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua&elq=dd4924e86ba8424aa0b3b604542a0339&elqCampaignId=415
Harvard Law Agrees to Sex Harassment Resolution

www.huffingtonpost.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/30/harvard-law-harassment-title-ix_n_6396350.html
Harvard Law Gave More Rights To Accused Students In Sexual Harassment Cases, Feds Find