Inside Higher Ed
Direct Admissions Spreads, State by State
From Georgia to Wisconsin, state university systems are adopting the experimental policy, hoping to boost enrollment and reach new students.
By Liam Knox
The newly rebranded Universities of Wisconsin announced the launch of a direct admissions initiative last week at 10 of the system’s 13 universities. High school students in the state who meet the minimum academic requirements—which will be based on grade-point average and class ranking—will receive automatic letters of acceptance starting next July. …Wisconsin is just the latest entrant in a wave of state higher education systems to take up the experimental practice. The University System of Georgia launched its own direct admissions program on Oct. 7, and Indiana’s Commission for Higher Education announced an initiative in August. All told, there are now 10 states with system-level direct admissions; some say that number is likely to multiply in the coming year. … Sonny Perdue, chancellor of the University System of Georgia and a former Republican governor of the state, said the decision to implement a direct admissions program was directly related to the state’s workforce concerns. “A trained higher educated workforce is what attracts employers to Georgia and supports our economy … it’s a virtuous cycle,” he told Inside Higher Ed. “We wanted to reach those students who are not going to college at all, and it seemed [direct admissions] was the best tool we had.”
WGAU Radio
By Denise Ray, UNG
The University of North Georgia Foundation celebrated student scholarships and the philanthropy that makes them possible through its 10th annual Gala on Oct. 6 at the Convocation Center at UNG’s Dahlonega Campus. About 82% of UNG students seek financial assistance each year, and, since 2017, the UNG Foundation has awarded more than $17.5 million to students in the form of scholarships. Last year, the Foundation awarded just over $3.6 million. “Donors matter,” Nick Massengill, ‘81, chairman of UNG’s Board of Trustees, said. “It’s with those dollars that we can provide for so many, to get projects off the ground, to prepare people for their next level of life, and to help people with their college education.” UNG President Michael Shannon presented the Presidential Leadership Award to the Eagle Fund, which was organized by a group of alumni and veterans who came together in 2011 to support cadet scholarships.
WGAU Radio
UGA programs win honors at Utah conference
By Brandon Ward, UGA Today
Two University of Georgia programs were recognized recently by a national awards program honoring outstanding economic development initiatives, research or accomplishments. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach, was awarded top honors in the Place category at the University Economic Development Association Awards of Excellence for its Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership (PROPEL) program. The UGA and Truist Community Innovation Initiative, a multifaceted effort to enhance collaborative spaces and develop new programming and support for aspiring entrepreneurs in Athens-Clarke County, was named a finalist in the Innovation category. The two UGA programs were among 16 finalists for the Awards of Excellence. Winners were selected by leaders in higher education and economic development at the annual UEDA Summit, held Oct. 8-10 in Salt Lake City. The projects were recognized for their economic impact on communities.
Post and Courier
Building bright careers with ‘WORC’
Macy Peyton was not really thinking of a career in the nuclear industry at the start of college. Like many students, she had other ideas at first. Then, a WORC scholarship at Augusta University helped open the door to new opportunities. Macy was selected as a WORC scholarship recipient in Augusta University’s Nuclear Science Track Program for Chemistry and Physics students. The scholarship helped lead her on a path toward a Savannah River National Laboratory internship, and by February 2023, she was in Phoenix, Arizona at the international Waste Management Symposia presenting her research. At the Symposia, she was also named an undergraduate recipient of the prestigious Roy G. Post Scholarship, an award that is well-recognized by the Department of Energy. Macy is now part of the growing population of well-educated, skilled workers that are finding pathways to bright Savannah River Site careers because of the WORC Program. She continues working with SRNL, along with many other local WORC scholarship recipients. WORC stands for Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers.
Albany Herald
Molson Coors creates endowed scholarship at Albany State
From staff reports
Molson Coors has announced a $50,000 donation to create an endowed scholarship at Albany State University in Molson Coors’ Albany brewery community. The contribution is part of Molson Coors’ larger $1.5 million investment to a network of North American BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) organizations that are dedicated to increasing equitable access to higher education, economic opportunity and social justice.
Marietta Daily Journal
Georgia Ag Experience offers real-world experience for CAES students
By Jordan Powers UGA/CAES
Across Georgia, the fall school term is in full swing. While most conform to the traditional classroom setup – rows of desks, bulletin board and pencil sharpener – at least one classroom in the state looks very different from the rest. The Georgia Ag Experience is a 36-foot mobile classroom that showcases Georgia agriculture on the road. Technology and digital learning enable students to take a deep dive into several Georgia agricultural commodities. The experience is geared for students in third through fifth grade in Georgia elementary schools and for community organizations. In 2021, the Georgia Ag Experience tracked 31,518 miles across the state. This summer, the mobile classroom spent time at camp with Georgia 4-H students. “4-H summer camp is about fun, friendships and finding new paths to explore,” Mandy Marable, the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension associate state 4-H leader, said. “The Georgia Ag Experience is the perfect complement to our summer camp classes and recreation, allowing youths to choose to explore commodities and careers experientially. By incorporating the Ag Experience into a 4-H summer camp week, hundreds of youths gain in their understanding of agriculture’s connection to their daily lives.”
Globe World News Echo
US Universities Help Malawi Establish First AI Center
By Taylor Daemon
Malawi launched its first-ever Centre for Artificial Intelligence and STEAM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics — Friday at the Malawi University of Science and Technology. Established with support from various U.S.-based universities, the center aims to provide solutions to the country’s innovation and technology needs. The project’s leader, Zipangani Vokhiwa, a science professor at Mercer University in the U.S. and a Fulbright scholar, says the center will help promote the study and use of artificial intelligence, or AI, and STEAM for the socioeconomic development of Malawi and beyond. …Vokhiwa said the center, known by its acronym, CAIST, will offer educational, technical, policy, and strategy products and services in emerging technologies such as AI. He said it will also offer machine learning, deep learning, data science, data analytics, internet of things and more that are based on humanistic STEAM education and research. A consortium of various U.S. universities provided the center with pedagogical and technical support. These include Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Tech University, Morehouse College, Colorado University, Georgia Southern University, Clemson University, New York University and Mercer University.
The Jerusalem Post
Haifa’s wild pig problem might be a thing of the past, thanks to a new US study
While trapping was the main method of wild-pig removal, ground- and night-shooting events also took place where applicable.
By Judy Siegel-Itzkovich
Haifa and its environs have been beset in recent years by large numbers of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) running through neighborhoods, scaring children and the elderly and overturning garbage bins. While some Haifa residents like them and feed them, some have suggested killing them, but this method of doing away with them has not been approved by the Agriculture Ministry or municipality. Haifa is not the only place plagued by wild pigs. It has also occurred in the southeastern part of the US – but officials there have found an answer. The University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory and Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources have spent the last two years trying to control the fearsome mammals. The researchers at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, reduced by 70% the number of pigs and brought about a decline in environmental rooting damage of about 99%.
Pet Food Industry
Dr. Cuddles introduces life-saving product for pets
The at-home treatment comes to the rescue for pets who have accidentally ingested a toxic substance.
Dr. Cuddles, a veterinary specialist-founded pet care company, is introducing ReadyRESCUE, a first of its kind, at-home treatment for pets who have ingested a toxic substance. …After ingestion, it begins working immediately, binding the toxins, preventing absorption by the body, providing pet owners with critical time to investigate the ingestion and determine next steps. …“In my twenty years as a practicing emergency and critical care clinician, I have seen myriad difficulties in attempted decontamination at home following inadvertent intoxications in pets. The ability to immediately administer ReadyRESCUE can be a life-saving bridge until the pets can be seen by a veterinarian,” said Dr. Benjamin Brainard, VMD, DACVAA, DACVECC, Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service, director of Clinical Research, College of Veterinary Medicine University of Georgia. “Given the unpredictable nature of pet poisonings, this product should be in every home with a pet, because having ReadyRESCUE at arm’s reach ensures the best chance for recovery following intoxication.”
Southeast Regional Ag Info
Farmers Asked to Participate in Deer Damage Survey
Over the last several years, deer have increasingly impacted Georgia farmers, causing damage to multiple crops and economic losses across Georgia’s food and fiber production sector. In response, Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) is now collaborating with the Georgia Department of Agriculture and UGA Extension to conduct a deer impact survey to determine losses from deer activity across the state during the last five years. Data collected from this survey will be used in support of increased mitigation measures and reform, research expansion, and legislative education. During the GFB Commodity Conference in Athens in August, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper acknowledged the losses and said he’d had firsthand experience with crop damage caused by wildlife.
Augusta CEO
Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia & the CSRA to Hold Career Fair October 17th in Augusta
Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia, Inc. (GIMG) is holding its Fall 2023 Career Fair at Snelling Conference Center (3165 Washington Road in Augusta) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on October 17. The in-person event is open to job seekers and employers in our community and will host numerous corporate, government, and nonprofit agencies to promote their seasonal jobs, internships, and career opportunities in a variety of fields. Employers and community resources scheduled to be on-site include the City of Augusta, Ellefson Transportation Group, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, SRP Federal Credit Union, AccordCare, DWV Trucking Service, Richmond County School System, Columbia County School District, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, The Brunch House, Augusta University and Augusta University Human Resources, as well as career and education services through Goodwill, Job Connection, and Helms College. The event is sponsored by the City of Augusta
Higher Education News:
Diverse Issues in Higher Education
Department of Education to Award More Than $13 Million for Campus-Based Childcare Programs
Arrman Kyaw
The Biden-Harris Administration will award more than $13 million to 34 higher ed institutions to for campus-based childcare programs to better assist low-income student parents. The Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) program grants – to support or create these childcare programs – involved asking the schools to propose ways to improve the quality of services, such as higher wages for childcare workers, which can reduce turnover and are associated with better care and improved child outcomes. This effort aligns itself with President Biden’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers. According to ED, more than one in five students are parents and 42% of student parents attend community colleges.
Higher Ed Dive
Colleges can take steps to address the affordable housing crisis
From contributing underutilized land to tapping government support, institutions can help alleviate the problem — and get a return on their investment.
By Eric Maribojoc
Eric Maribojoc is a finance professor at the Wood Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was previously the executive director of George Mason University’s Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship.
With the cost of housing rapidly outpacing wages, the housing crisis has become a pervasive and drastic issue throughout the country. A recent report from the Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship at George Mason University, where I recently served as executive director, suggests that “anchor institutions” can help address the crisis on a local level. The report was made for the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Anchor institutions — which include universities, technology corporations and health systems — are vitally important to their communities. They are also economic hotspots. But when employees or clients of anchor institutions face housing insecurity, they’re more likely to move away toward more affordable areas. That can lead to understaffing.
Inside Higher Ed
Cal State reaches tentative agreement with employee union
The California State University Employees Union is encouraging its members to vote in favor of the deal, but another union is moving closer to a strike.
Laura Spitalniak, Associate Editor
Dive Brief:
The California State University system has reached a tentative three-year agreement with a union representing roughly 16,000 of its employees, the system said Thursday — marking the third labor deal it’s announced in as many weeks. Cal State has been in salary negotiations since February with the California State University Employees Union, which represents a variety of university positions, ranging from custodians to technology support staff. The deal is backdated to the beginning of July. It offers a 10% raise over the first two years and would also establish a salary step structure in the third year, allowing employees to earn 2% salary increases between each step.
Inside Higher Ed
‘Egregious Misconduct’ by Alzheimer’s Drug Researcher Is Alleged
By Doug Lederman
A researcher whose work was integral to the development of the Alzheimer’s drug simufilam has been found by the City University of New York to have engaged in “egregious misconduct” involving more than 20 scientific papers, Science reported. The journal cited a 50-page report it had obtained showing that Hoau-Yan Wang, a neuroscientist at the City College of New York and a longtime consultant to Cassava Sciences, the manufacturer of simufilam, had declined to give a university committee investigating possible manipulation of data “even a single datum or notebook in response” to the allegations. It described “Wang’s inability or unwillingness to provide primary research materials to this investigation” as a “deep source of frustration.” Wang and his lawyers did not comment either to Science or to The New York Times, which also reported on the situation.
Inside Higher Ed
Quebec Doubles Tuition for Students From Outside the Province
By Doug Lederman
Quebec will double tuition beginning next year for students who enroll at its universities from outside the Canadian province as the government seeks to protect and strengthen the French language, the CBC reported. Tuition will rise from about 9,000 Canadian dollars ($6,600) to about 17,000 CAD ($12,400) for students from other Canadian provinces and to nearly 20,000 CAD ($14,600) for most international students, the CBC reported.