University System News:
www.myajc.com
Major bills of the 2016 legislative session
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/major-bills-of-the-2016-legislative-session/nqYxP/
By Aaron Gould Sheinin and Kristina Torres – The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lawmakers return to Atlanta on Monday for the 30th day of the 40-day session. It’s Crossover Day, the last day for a bill to move from one chamber to the other without major obstacles. Here’s a look at the status of some of the top bills of the 2016 legislative session.
HB 6 — Would allow weighted grade-point averages of greater than 4.0 for international baccalaureate, advanced placement and dual-credit courses in science, technology, engineering and math for HOPE scholarships for incoming college freshmen. Status: Passed House committee, available for House consideration.
HB 750 — The supplemental state budget for this fiscal year. Status: Signed into law.
HB 751 — The fiscal 2017 budget that takes effect July 1, the one bill lawmakers must pass. Status: Passed House, in Senate committee.
HB 801 — Would give extra credit toward HOPE scholarship to students taking tougher courses. Status: Passed House, in Senate committee.
HB 859 — Would allow anyone 21 or older with a concealed weapons license to carry a gun anywhere on a public college or university campus, except for in dormitories, fraternities and sorority houses, or at athletic events. Status: Passed House, in Senate committee.
SB 312 — Would set a minimum award amount for HOPE, which would provide full tuition for students eligible for HOPE scholarships and grants at all 22 technical colleges and 14 of 29 schools in the University System of Georgia. Status: Passed Senate; available for House consideration.
SB 322 — Would force colleges to report all accusations of sexual assault to a law enforcement agency outside of campus police. Status: In Senate committee.
www.myajc.com
EDITORIAL: Campus carry demands more study
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/opinion/campus-carry-demands-more-study/nqYJR/
OPINION By Andre Jackson
One of the most-used phrases at the Gold Dome is keeping government close to the end-user. As in letting those who stand to receive the most benefit – or harm – from a government action, or inaction, have the greatest say on issues around it. That’s often not a bad governance philosophy, as it plays to a natural tendency for people and entities to often act from a position of enlightened self-interest. Which makes it all the more quizzical that the Georgia General Assembly seems determined to legalize the carrying of guns on college campuses at a pace that rivals the supersonic speed of a 9mm bullet. Even more worrisome, given the Legislature’s intense love for sweeping government’s hard decisions far away from the State House and back down to the people, is why lawmakers seem tone-deaf to the advice of those closest to this issue. The administrators charged with maintaining safe environments for living and learning at Georgia’s colleges and universities are having the toughest of times being heard – or understood — on campus carry. Willfully overlooking their insights could have serious, even fatal, consequences for Georgia and its brightest youth.
www.getschooled.blog.myajc.com
Get Schooled with Maureen Downey
UGA and other Georgia colleges: Do we need armed students for safety?
http://getschooled.blog.myajc.com/2016/02/28/uga-and-other-georgia-colleges-do-we-need-armed-students-for-safety/
Parents sending their kids off to college this fall may want to add a few things to the packing list besides raincoat, drying rack and extra long sheets. Based on the state Legislature’s apocalyptic view of Georgia’s campuses, students could also use a flak jacket, gun rack and extra ammo. A bill barreled through the House Monday that will allow anyone 21 or older with a weapon license to carry a gun anywhere on a public college or university campus, except at sporting events or inside dormitories, fraternities and sorority houses. House Bill 859 now moves to the Senate, where we can only hope sanity prevails.
wwwchronicle.augusta.com
Augusta University students voice concerns over campus carry bill
http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2016-02-26/augusta-university-students-voice-concerns-over-campus-carry-bill
By Travis Highfield
Staff Writer
When Augusta University student Ramalakshmi Thulluri looked to further her education beyond the borders of her home state Michigan, she said finding a safe campus was at the top of her list. But when the state House passed HB 859, which would allow for any Georgia Weapons Carry License holders who are students or employees of public universities, technical colleges or vocational schools to carry firearms on publicly-owned property, Thulluri said she feared the campus culture would change.
www.statesboroherald.com
Guns on campus
Local lawmakers, law enforcement await decision allowing guns at public colleges
http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/1/article/73110/
By HOLLI DEAL SAXON
A bill being considered in the Georgia General Assembly, if passed, would make it legal for some permitted gun owners to carry a gun on public college and university campuses, including Georgia Southern University, Ogeechee Technical College and East Georgia State College. House Bill 859 passed last week by a vote of 113 to 59, with “only three or four Republicans voting (against it,)” said Bulloch County State Rep. Jan Tankersley, who voted in favor of the bill. … Introduced by Rep. Rick Jasperse, a Republican from Jasper, the bill now sits with the Senate, awaiting approval or suggested changes. If senators choose to make changes to the bill, it will be sent back to the House for review, Tankersley said. Sen. Jack Hill said Friday he was undecided how he would vote, since the bill has not reached the senate floor, but that he historically votes in favor of 2nd Amendment rights to bear arms. … Views of Georgia Southern’s police chief, Georgia Southern University officials said they had no comment on the current bill, but interim police Chief Laura McCullough addressed the issue Tuesday at a civic club meeting. She expressed concern about guns being on campus and available to younger students. However, she also said she supported 2nd Amendment rights. …Passion on both sides, Tankersley voted in favor of the bill, but said she had “mixed emotions” about it. “I hate it that we’re at the point where we don’t feel safe where we should feel safe,” she said. Since one has to be 21 or over in order to legally own a handgun, the current law would make it illegal for a younger person to have a gun, and that should ease concerns about maturity in handling firearms, she said. But, “I’ve heard passionate testimony on both sides.” …Statesboro PD’s role, Statesboro Police Major Rob Bryan, interim police chief, said if the bill passes, it won’t affect the way Statesboro police assist GSU officers in emergency situations. And since Statesboro police do not usually handle calls on campus, the bill “would be no different than the (current) open carry law,” he said.
www.theodysseyonline.com
Georgia Aims To Pass Law To Allow Guns On College Campuses
House Bill 859 is quickly making its way through the Georgia State Legislature
http://theodysseyonline.com/north-georgia/georgia-aims-pass-law-guns-college-campuses/335251
Lauren Billet
The United States saw 23 shootings on college campuses in 2015, alone. The number of general gun-related injuries up to date is too large to count, and is constantly increasing. These events have led to a modern day epidemic caused by guns, and a never-ending debate over whether more or less guns in the country will provide the safer outcome. Regardless of a person’s political affiliation, gun control has become an important topic to politicians and to voters alike. Republicans, influenced by the gun lobby, have called for easier access to firearms, in the hope that they will be able to protect themselves when in a dangerous situation. Democrats, however, have called for stricter regulations of the obtainment of firearms, suggesting stricter background checks, more training, and the like. States have taken it upon themselves to pass laws that either restrict or loosen citizens’ access to guns. (http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/guns-on-campus-overview.aspx) According to The National Conference of State Legislatures, 23 states allow universities to decide whether or not guns are allowed on campus; 19 ban the carry of guns on college campuses and eight states allow concealed carry of firearms on college campuses: Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. The latter group is on its way to growing, with Georgia being the next potential state to allow the carry of firearms on college campuses through House Bill 859 — commonly referred to as HB 859.
USG Institutions:
wwwuloop.com.
6 Resources For Homeless College Students
http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/192135/6-Resources-For-Homeless-College-Students-
By Danielle Wirsansky
College, while it can be great fun, is already one of the most challenging times of a person’s life. It’s a time for teens to become adults, to learn responsibility, and to learn how to balance a healthy lifestyle. It’s a time to grow and change. Now imagine an added impediment to the experience: being homeless. Student homelessness is not something often touched upon, but according to a 2015 report made by The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are 58,000 homeless students on campuses nationwide. …Most universities have a Residence Life Office that can be an excellent resource to help homeless students find a place to stay. According to Amy Dunning, a senior case manager with the YWCA, “some institutions, such as Kennesaw State University, are now making year-round dorms available for homeless and at-risk homeless students.” Through this program, year-round or emergency housing, as well as toiletries, food, and clothing, are provided to students who need it.
www.statesboroherald.com
First GSU president candidate to meet public
Four others to visit campus in next two weeks
http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/1/article/73100/
BY Al Hackle
The university and community public will have an opportunity Monday to meet the first of five candidates for the job of president of Georgia Southern University. In fact, Dr. Timothy C. Caboni, currently vice chancellor for public affairs at the University of Kansas, is scheduled to visit Georgia Southern and Statesboro from Sunday through Tuesday. But the most obviously public event will be the open forum, 4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday in the Carol A. Carter Recital Hall inside the Foy Building at 84 Georgia Ave. The other four candidates are slated to appear for similar three-day visits, in rapid succession, from Tuesday, March 1, through March 11. Not until Monday morning will the campus-based Presidential Search and Screen Committee announce the second candidate, who will appear for a similar three-day visit, Tuesday through Thursday, March 1-3, said the committee’s chair, Dr. Stephen Vives.
www.tiftongazette.com
ABAC, Tift Regional partner to improve health care and education
http://www.tiftongazette.com/news/abac-tift-regional-partner-to-improve-health-care-and-education/article_857cb79c-dbfa-11e5-a3e6-a3d1e7f27759.html
Special to The Gazette
TIFTON— Tift Regional Health System (TRHS) and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College have partnered to create a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton to provide senior nursing students an opportunity to acquire real-world, hands-on training with an experienced nurse. “DEUs are nursing units that identify expert nurses and train them to become preceptors to nursing students,” said Carol M. Smith, RN, TRHS vice president of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer. “DEUs work to improve clinical education by bringing expert nurses on the unit into closer contact with students so the nurses can share the knowledge they have acquired during their years of practice.” Deborah Drummonds, RN, ABAC assistant professor of Nursing, said the DEU program will help create a more enriching clinical experience for the nursing student.
www.onlineathens.com
UGA will boost marketing by $500,000
http://onlineathens.com/mobile/2016-02-27/uga-will-boost-marketing-500000
By LEE SHEARER
The University of Georgia is boosting its marketing budget by half a million dollars this year as university officials get ready for the so-called “public phase” of a billion-dollar fundraising drive and a new branding campaign for UGA. UGA President Jere Morehead last year changed the name of UGA’s Public Affairs Division to the Division of Marketing Communications, and in January brought in a new vice president with a track record of more than 20 years with large corporations and with Emory University’s business school. Karri Hobson-Pape, a partner in Atlanta’s Inflexion Point Marketing Group, began her new vice president’s job in January, and soon announced plans for a strategic branding initiative in Columns, an internal UGA newspaper. The branding effort is meant to elevate the university’s national reputation, said Hobson-Pape, On Friday, the board of the University of Georgia Foundation approved adding $500,000 to the marketing budget as trustees discussed what looks like another record-breaking year for gifts and donations.
www.douglascounysentinel.com
UWG instructor honored as Georgia Music Teacher of the Year
http://www.douglascountysentinel.com/regional_news/uwg-instructor-honored-as-georgia-music-teacher-of-the-year/article_c0f4d53e-5553-5de7-82fb-63620f16de39.html
By DONNY KARR THE TIMES-GEORGIAN
The Georgia Music Teachers Association has named Jan Adams as its 2015 Teacher of the Year. “I was very surprised that I was chosen, especially since I’m an independent educator,” said Adams. “There are a lot of other teachers out there that they could have chosen and it’s a huge honor to be the one that was selected. I have to thank the people who nominated me.” Adams teaches keyboard skills at the University of West Georgia, and has been the staff accompanist since 1993.
www.nique.net
Haven required for personnel
By Lindsey Ploussard
Tech will now require faculty and staff to participate in an online sexual assault prevention educational course. Haven for Faculty and Staff will be part of the annual compliance campaign beginning next month. The goal of this program is to equip faculty and staff to identify and help students and others who may fall victim to the topics covered by Haven’s program. These issues include sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment. “On May 19, 2015, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) implemented a system-wide campus safety initiative as recommended by Chancellor Hank Huckaby and the USG Campus Safety and Security Committee,” said Sonja Roberts with the USG’s Office of Communications. “A key provision of the USG campus safety initiative under ‘Education and Training for the Campus Community’ is institution employees and students must have required training to help identify and prevent sexual violence, harassment and other misconduct with a special focus on entering freshmen students,” Roberts said. Haven was developed by top practitioners and researchers and it currently reaches 700,000 individuals at over 650 institutions around the world. The program is fully compliant with Title IX and the Clery Act.
Higher Education News:
www.chronicle.com
Students Shouldn’t Have to Choose Between Books and Food
http://chronicle.com/article/Students-Shouldn-t-Have-to/235519?cid=cr&utm_source=cr&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=578485fa32434ac28348642f49de5b62&elq=9bcc03508adf435c99be63cd2608408b&elqaid=8063&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=2557
By Clare Cady
“I had a career,” she told me, her eyes welling with tears. “I took care of my kids and myself, and I didn’t need anyone’s help … and now, I’m here,” she said, referring to Oregon State University’s Human Services Resource Center, a facility for low-income students which I directed until last year. As she spoke, the floodgates opened, and I handed her a box of tissues. She told me she had not eaten and was worried about being evicted. She said she could not get a job to support her family without a degree. Her story is representative of so many students I have met, students making unimaginable choices in pursuit of a diploma, credential, or certificate. Forced to choose between textbooks or food, groceries or graduation, they experience poverty, hunger, and homelessness. It isn’t a choice students should have to make, and colleges need to do a better job of making sure it’s one they don’t have to.
www.insidehighered.com
Transcript of Tomorrow
New transcripts and technologies take shape as colleges participating in the Comprehensive Student Record Project test new ways to track what students do in college.
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2016/02/29/u-maryland-university-colleges-extended-transcript-new-type-student-record?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3d60596035-DNU20160229&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3d60596035-197515277
By Carl Straumsheim
The University of Maryland University College will this fall pilot a digital “extended transcript.” For now, a prototype offers a look at one institution’s idea of the transcript of the future. UMUC is one of a dozen colleges involved in the Comprehensive Student Record Project, a partnership between the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and NASPA: Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education to advance different methods of tracking students’ academic progress. The project, which launched last year, is funded by a $1.27 million grant from Lumina Foundation.
www.insidehighered.com
D2L Revamps, Releases ‘Degree Compass’ Tool
https://www.insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2016/02/29/d2l-revamps-releases-degree-compass-tool?utm_source=Inside+Higher+Ed&utm_campaign=3d60596035-DNU20160229&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1fcbc04421-3d60596035-197515277
D2L, a Canadian education-technology company, last week made its overhauled Degree Compass tool available to colleges. Degree Compass is an automated advising system that helps students predict their optimal path to graduation. Officials at Austin Peay State University originally designed the software, which D2L later purchased and converted into a cloud-based, mobile-friendly tool.
www.chronicle.com
Why 2 U. of Houston Professors Won’t Change Their Teaching for Campus Carry
http://chronicle.com/article/Why-2-U-of-Houston-Professors/235528?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=ac98de21a5b94d05ab0c0f48c6cca9dd&elq=48c5fda6290846699b3bd2572ff14429&elqaid=8061&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=2556
By Rio Fernandes
For many in higher education, a PowerPoint slide that circulated on Twitter last week offered a glimpse into how professors might adapt to Texas’ controversial new campus-carry law. The slide, used in a presentation by the University of Houston Faculty Senate’s president, Jonathan Snow, advised faculty members to avoid discussing sensitive topics, or even to change their curricula altogether, to avoid riling students who might be carrying firearms. The new Texas law, which takes effect on August 1, will allow people who hold concealed-handgun licenses to carry their weapons into public-university buildings. For faculty members anxious about such laws, Mr. Snow’s slide served as confirmation of an impending chilling effect on instruction. So will instructors allow the new legislation to actually change how they teach? The Chronicle spoke with two University of Houston professors to ask about their plans and concerns.
www.chronicle.com
The Outsourced College
Vendors provide more than just dining halls and parking lots now
http://chronicle.com/article/The-Outsourced-College/235445?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=41b9b76fa3f44114b1f2dfd1eb518cba&elq=48c5fda6290846699b3bd2572ff14429&elqaid=8061&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=2556
By Scott Carlson
There was a time when colleges did almost everything themselves, much like the monasteries after which they were modeled. But that day is long gone. Today colleges are entwined with for-profit companies that provide a range of campus services (and pack the vendor halls of major higher-education conferences). Many companies prefer to call their transactions “partnerships,” but others who work in higher education give them a name that carries some baggage: outsourcing.
www.chronicle.com
The Trends Report: 10 Key Shifts in Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/specialreport/The-Trends-Report-10-Key/32?cid=at&utm_source=at&utm_medium=en&elqTrackId=7048374dd2ec404b86639b3328498f7c&elq=48c5fda6290846699b3bd2572ff14429&elqaid=8061&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=2556
In a year of turmoil − marked by campus protests, free-speech controversies, scandals involving academic research, questions about the value of a degree, and more − higher education continues to be on the defensive. Public scrutiny and the social-media environment mean college leaders must be prepared to respond to critics on and off campus, at any time. To help you stay ahead of the curve, we identify 10 national trends, along with case studies, expert commentary, and resources that will enable you to lead effectively in 2016.