University System News:
www.ajc.com
Campus gun bill returns to Georgia House
Aaron Gould Sheinin
Georgia lawmakers will again consider legislation allowing guns on college campuses after Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed a similar measure last year. Rep. Mandi Ballinger, R-Canton, on Tuesday filed legislation in the Georgia House that would allow anyone with a permit to carry concealed weapons to take a firearm on to Georgia’s public colleges and universities. …Supporters say those with weapons permits already have to be at least 21 years old and pass a background check. Opponents have long argued that guns have no places on campuses where young adults are often in highly pressured situations and where alcohol and drugs are often used.
www.thewestgeorgian.com
Campus Carry back in action
http://thewestgeorgian.com/campus-carry-back-in-action/
By Jessica Lord in Living West, News
Beginning back in 2014 Georgia passed the Safe Carry Protection Act. This bill was nicknamed the ‘guns everywhere bill’ but it restricted carrying on school property and public universities. Last year House Bill 859 was introduced. House bill 859 would’ve expanded on the Safe Carry Protection Act. This bill was more commonly known as the campus carry bill. It would have allowed those over the age of 21 with a weapons license, to carry a concealed weapon on public universities and campuses. With the exception of fraternities, sororities, dormitories, and athletic events. The bill was brought forth into the 2016 legislative session and then put to an end by a veto. House Bill 859 proved to be a controversial matter as those on both sides of the argument had loud opinions. …The 2017 legislative session began in early January. Even before the session began talks of a campus carry comeback had already hit the floor. Representative Rick Jasperse was a giant proponent and sponsor of bill 859 and he plans to help spearhead the new bill as well. Jasperse has also just been appointed as the new chairman for the House Higher Education Committee. Per representatives this new campus carry bill will resemble the old campus carry and will be filled in the house soon. …The University System of Georgia and thousands of students have been a loud voice of opposition to any campus carry legislation. They believe that it could be a disruption to the campus and learning environment. One student on the University of West Georgia campus disagrees. “I am 100% for new campus carry legislation. I don’t feel safe walking on campus and I should have a right to protect myself, but I also believe that it should be concealed,” Senior Megan Flynn expressed.
www.wsfa.com
Georgia House Bill 51 proposes change to Title IX investigations
http://www.wsfa.com/story/34438679/georgia-house-bill-51-to-change-title-ix-investigations
By Sean Evans, Reporter
SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) – Even before criminal charges are filed against a college student accused of committing a felony on campus, they can face serious disciplinary action by the school following a Title IX panel hearing. Looking to change that process, a group of Georgia state representatives are backing House Bill 51, they say to protect all parties involved, even the accused. Victims’ advocates for those affected by sexual violence are watching this legislation closely, including here locally. The executive director of the Rape Crisis Center for the Coastal Empire says even though this is still very preliminary, any talk about how to better serve victims of sexual violence at the state level is a good thing. “We are encouraged that the legislators will listen to the advocates who are at the table alongside them as they seek to make amendments to the pieces that are before us right now,” said Kesha Gibson-Carter, Executive Director, Rape Crisis Center. …Critics of the bill argue victims would be less willing to come forward, and schools less likely to handle allegations properly, but Representative Petrea points out language in the bill still holds colleges and universities accountable. “If you look at the back of the bill, the last portion of the bill, section C, it basically says that nothing in this bill shall supersede federal statute.” Officials with Georgia Southern University and Armstrong State University declined to comment on the pending legislation. Savannah State University released this statement:
www.gwinnettdailypost.com
Georgia Gwinnett College receives award for tutoring program
Staff Reports
There’s good news for Georgia Gwinnett College students looking for a little extra help this semester. The college was recently awarded a system-wide award from the University System of Georgia for its tutoring services. The GGC Academic Enhancement Center’s TIC-TAC-TOE program won a silver level Chancellor’s Service Excellence Student Improvement Initiative Team Award. The commendation recognizes the tutoring team’s ability to continue improve its tutoring methods to emphasize student and employee satisfaction. The numbers seem to affirm the program’s success. More than 30 percent of all students use the AEC’s tutoring services at least once during their college career, said Dr. T.J. Arant, senior vice president for Academic and Student Affairs and provost at the college. “This is very meaningful to us since this college was designed specifically to ensure that students are able to find paths to success,”Arant said. “We are proud that our tutoring team received this distinguished recognition for their important work with our students.” The TIC-TAC-TOE program provides tutors everywhere students might be. The TIC stands for Tutors in the Classroom, a part of the program that provides in-class tutoring support to complement classroom instruction in specific classes.
www.statesboroherald.com
Georgia Southern online programs earn top rankings
http://www.statesboroherald.com/section/1/article/78443/
Special to the Herald
Georgia Southern University’s online programs, once again, were recognized for excellence in rankings released by “U.S. News & World Report” for the best online programs among colleges and universities across the country for 2017. Georgia Southern jumped from the 114th spot in 2016 into the top 100 this year, tying with six other universities for the 92nd spot for the 2017 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. Because it considers students enrolled in these ranked programs likely to be working professionals in their 20s to 40s looking to advance or change their careers, U.S. News chose factors that weigh how these programs are being delivered and their effectiveness at awarding affordable degrees in a reasonable amount of time. Three online Georgia Southern programs were ranked in the top 50 of their respected list, including the online Master of Science in Computer Science program, online Masters of Business Administration program and online graduate business programs.
www.thegeorgeanne.com
GSO receives hundreds of dollars for graduate students
http://www.thegeorgeanne.com/news/article_a016545d-3632-592c-8421-6ff2b4a3be1f.html
By Alana Tinsley the George Anne staff | 0 comments Graduate students at Georgia Southern University were awarded hundreds of dollars at the beginning of this school year for research, among other things, courtesy of the Graduate Student Organization (GSO). “We received $59,186 this year and budgeted $45,000 for grants,” Thresa Yancey, faculty advisor of GSO, said. GSO also funds a few other things like the Conference Liaison Program, the Averitt Awards and trophies and social events for graduate students. The Conference Liaison Program attempts to “fuel change” in the Georgia Southern and Statesboro community through new initiatives, collaborations and team work, according to the GS website. “Our funding comes from student fees, just like other student organizations. We apply for the funds each year,” Yancey said. The GSO seeks to support scholarly activities and professional development, as well as promote social opportunities for graduate students.
www.marketwatch.com
If you donate to these colleges, they’re more likely use the money to help students
Community colleges and regional public universities focus a larger share of their donation dollars on financial aid than other types of institutions
By JILLIAN BERMAN, REPORTER
The colleges that offer donors the most bang for the buck when it comes to helping students are ones you’ve probably never heard of. The State University of New York’s Broome Community College and Iowa-based Kirkwood Community College spend a large share of the donations they receive — roughly 86% and 80%, respectively, in fiscal year 2016 — on financial aid for students, according to data released Tuesday by the Council for Aid to Education, an organization that tracks college giving. On average, about 16% of donations to colleges were earmarked for financial aid during the same period, a share that’s remained roughly unchanged for 10 years, the data show.
Table: The colleges devoting the highest share of their dollars to financial aid, according to the Council for Aid to Education
College: Gordon State College; % of donations spent on financial aid – 75.0; Total money raised – $282,173
www.temple-news.com
Professors to test effects of emergency grants
The grants are for students close to graduation who could drop out for financial reasons.
http://temple-news.com/news/professors-test-effects-emergency-grants/
by Julie Christie
Temple researchers announced Monday that they had received an almost $4 million grant from the United States Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences. The grant is part of a partnership between Temple and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, which is made up of 235 public research universities including Temple. Researchers will use the money to study programs at seven APLU institutions that give small completion grants, which aim to prevent low-income students who are close to graduation from dropping out due to emergency financial issues. Then, the researchers will conduct a trial at 10 APLU institutions to determine how effective the completion grants are at keeping students in school. “I know every student would think that this kind of program would help them, but we actually don’t really know that it will,” said Sara Goldrick-Rab, a higher education professor and a principal investigator of the study. “I’ve studied financial aid for a long time and I think this is promising, but I’m still skeptical.” …According to a release from the APLU, students at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis were 44 percent more likely to graduate with the help of a completion grant. It added that the graduation rate at Georgia State University was 134 percent higher for students who received a completion grant than similar students who did not receive a grant.
www.thewestgeorgian.com
Chief Mackel retires from Campus Police after 30+ years
http://thewestgeorgian.com/chief-mackel-retires-from-campus-police-after-30-years/
By Victoria Jones in Living West, News
Dating back to 1975, Thomas J. Mackel made the courageous decision to change lives through a career in law enforcement. Mackel began his career as a patrol officer at Emory University being one of the original 17 hired when the department started. In the coming years, he would hold prestigious positions such as: Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief. In addition, Mackel worked within criminal investigations, crime prevention, and the Domestic Terrorism Task Force of Metro Atlanta. Mackel then took over as Chief of Police for the University of West Georgia (UWG) in September of 1989 where his career is now coming to an end after 30 plus years. Throughout Mackel’s career he has experienced the true meaning of what it means to hold the title of Chief. “The best part of the job was getting to work with the students and dealing with their problems,” said Mackel. “I also taught here, so I was able to get involved in mentoring them in terms of law enforcement, getting a career here, and not getting into law enforcement. Sometimes that is the better way to do it.” In 2005, the University of West Georgia held a shelter in Roberts Hall for the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. The impact this made on Mackel’s life remains one of the greatest and most rewarding aspects of his career.
www.ksusentinel.com
Campus reacts to Trump’s immigration ban
http://ksusentinel.com/2017/02/06/campus-reacts-to-trumps-immigration-ban/
MADELINE MCGEE
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, which would limit travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, sparked confusion and unease among members of the Kennesaw State community — concerns which university officials have taken steps to address. The executive order was signed by the president on Jan. 27, but it was suspended Feb. 3 by Judge James Robart of the Federal District Court and is currently being held up in federal court. If allowed to resume, it would restrict nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the country for 90 days. It would also suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days and states that, when the refugee program resumes, it would give priority to those claiming “religious-based persecution,” as long as it is a minority religion in their country. According to the university’s Division of Global Affairs, KSU has 52 students currently enrolled who are foreign nationals from one of the affected countries cited in the executive order. Of these, two are present on student visas and the rest are permanent U.S. residents. “At this time, it does not appear that any of these students have been directly impacted by the executive order,” said Tammy DeMel, a spokeswoman for KSU. She said the university remains committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all students.
Higher Education News:
www.onlineathens.com
Athens Tech enrollment up this year after declines
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2017-02-06/athens-tech-enrollment-year-after-declines
By Lee Shearer
After years of declining or low enrollment, the number of students attending Athens Technical College is on the upswing. The enrollment increases haven’t been huge, but the college has seen growth for three straight semesters, said Athens Tech President Andrea Daniel. Enrollment in the spring 2017 semester is 3,904, up 2.5 percent from a year earlier, according to statistics the college reported to the Technical College System of Georgia. Enrollment in the fall, 2016 semester was 4,254, up 1.3 percent in a year; and summer 2016 enrollment was 2,174, up 1.9 percent in a year. …The summer increase was the first increase the college has seen since the system changed from a quarter academic calendar to a semester calendar in fall 2011, Daniel said. Enrollment in Athens Tech and the state technical college system surged as the recession of 2008 set in. but declined after 2010. College officials point to three factors to explain the surge and decline. One is that, unlike the University System of Georgia, which most years shows steady growth, enrollment in technical colleges can fluctuate up and down, with enrollment growing when jobs become scarce and declining as the job market improves. Enrollment neared 6,000 as fall semester in 2010 began.
www.diverseeducation.com
Congressman to Invite All HBCU Presidents to Capitol Hill
by Reginald Stuart
Dozens of presidents of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are expected to converge later this month upon the nation’s capital as guests of a Republican House leader who hopes the gathering will help introduce the institutions to his colleagues who have no idea of their history. Rep. Mark Walker, who represents the congressional district in which North Carolina A&T University is located and whose wife is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is this week sending formal invites to the nation’s HBCU presidents to attend a Capitol Hill ‘Fly In.’ The Fly In is set for February 28, the same day of President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address to Congress and the nation, according to the Congressman’s office and others associated with organizing the gathering. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin has indicated he will participate in the gathering, indication that once the event’s plans are confirmed, more lawmakers are likely to respond to the call from Walker who also chairs the House Republican Study Committee. In addition to Ryan confirming his participation, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has been confirmed as a special guest speaker. “We’re trying to spark and facilitate conversation,” says Walker spokesman Jack Minor, hastening to stress that the congressman hopes to help expand recognition of the history and the role HBCUs play in the nation’s higher education community.
www.middlegeorgiaceo.com
Georgia Department of Education Launches Career Pipeline Tool
http://middlegeorgiaceo.com/news/2017/02/georgia-department-education-launches-career-pipeline-tool/
Staff Report From Georgia CEO
Georgia businesses need a skilled workforce, and every year, Georgia high schools are graduating talented students in need of meaningful career opportunities. In an effort to better connect those two groups, to the benefit of Georgia students and the overall economic health of the state, the Georgia Department of Education and state partners are launching the Georgia Career Pipeline Tool, accessible at gacareerpipeline.gadoe.org. The Career Pipeline Tool, developed by the GaDOE in partnership with business, industry, education and state-agency partners, is a web application that allows students and business/industry leaders to compare the CTAE programs offered in each Georgia high school with the workforce needs of specific regions within the state. This will provide students with helpful information on areas of growth within their region (or a region where they’d like to live after high school), allowing them to match the career education they pursue with available opportunities. The tool will also allow businesses to see the availability of students with a specific skillset in any Georgia county, zip code, or Economic Development Region – helping them make important decisions concerning growth, development, and workforce needs.
www.diverseeducation.com
Free Tuition? Not the Same as Free College, Students Say
by Carolyn Thompson, Associated Press
BUFFALO, N.Y. — They don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but … New York public college students who would stand to gain from the nation’s most ambitious free-tuition proposal are quick to point out a sobering reality from their own meager finances: Free tuition doesn’t mean free college. Take Brooklyn College senior Florencia Salinas, who despite having her tuition nearly covered in full through scholarships and grants, still expects to graduate with a daunting $50,000 in debt. Or Buffalo State College junior Avery Edwards, who despite similar financial aid expects to owe $20,000 after collecting his degree next year. That’s because tuition, at around $6,500 a year, is just about a third of the typical four-year student’s total public college bill in New York. Room and board are the bigger-ticket items at nearly $13,000 a year, and student fees and books tack on another $3,000. Those extra expenses would not be covered under Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship proposal, which would pay only the difference between financial aid and tuition at State University of New York or City University of New York campuses for full-time students from families earning $125,000 or less.