University System News:
www.walb.com
GSW introduces one-of-a-kind undergraduate program
http://www.walb.com/story/37683209/gsw-introduces-one-of-a-kind-undergraduate-program
By Bradford Ambrose, Reporter
Georgia Southwestern University is making history with a new program that will train students to become top caregivers for those dealing with developmental disabilities and long-term diseases, like Alzheimer’s. The new program is the Bachelor of Science in Long-Term Care and school officials said it’s the first of its kind in the country. “It’s exciting to be on the cutting edge,” said Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dr. Leisa Easom. Starting this fall, students attending GSW can start earning the degree, which draws in courses from sociology, psychology, business, nursing and the care-giving institute. Easom said both family and healthcare professionals believe this is a need in the community.
www.albanyherald.com
ASU honors ceremony set for Thursday
700 ASU students to be recongnized for scholastic achievement
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/local/asu-honors-ceremony-set-for-thursday/article_4910334a-7b95-5053-869f-30e9d4f9e35c.html
By Cindi Cox
ALBANY — In an effort to formally recognize and honor undergraduate students who have demonstrated excellence in their academic course work and research, Albany State University will hold its Honors Day ceremony on Thursday. This year a total of 750 students will be recognized, a significant increase from the 470 students recognized last year.
www.edtechmagazine.com
For Higher Ed, Biometrics Promises One-of-a-Kind Security
Institutions explore identity authentication tactics involving fingerprints, irises and even hearts.
https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2018/03/higher-ed-biometrics-promises-one-kind-security
By Erin Brereton
PINs and passwords are still the most common way to secure mobile devices, but that could change as biometric authentication goes mainstream. It’s already possible for individuals to unlock smartphones, access bank accounts and enter buildings by confirming their identity via fingerprint or facial recognition. Security concerns, along with increased use of connected sensors, are making biometrics a more popular method of authentication, says Anil Jain of Michigan State University’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. “Biometrics really link an ID to a body,” Jain says. “Keys can be shared. ID cards can be stolen; fake ones can be made. And people often use a very simple password. That’s why biometrics is rising in popularity.” …A few early adopters are already incorporating biometric-based technology on campus. Georgia Southern University began using iris scans to grant access to student dining halls in 2013. Last fall, the University of Georgia instituted a similar system. … Biometrics aren’t likely to eliminate passwords or PINs, for the simple reason that two-factor authentication provides better security. That said, if a university is willing to make the investment, Jain sees a strong case for biometric technology, particularly at campuses that handle sensitive data or materials. For example, he said, “many higher education institutions have research that involves controlled substances. If you use biometrics, you have a trail of who accessed that cabinet.”
Higher Education News:
www.chronicle.com
Quiet White House Science Office Stirs Fears but Also Raises Some Hopes
https://www.chronicle.com/article/Quiet-White-House-Science/242805?cid=wcontentlist_hp_latest
By Paul Basken
Across the country, scientists are watching with dismay as the months tick by without any appointment of a White House science adviser. The omission is “symbolically worrisome,” said one of those researchers, Christopher F. D’Elia, dean of the College of the Coast and Environment at Louisiana State University. “We’d like to see scientists respected, and a scientist as the science adviser.” But a less-visible, if arguably more consequential, White House absence is now compounding — or, to some minds, possibly easing — those anxieties in the university research community.