It's unfortunate that horrible events serve as wake up calls. In this case, the Virginia Tech shooting was a definite wake up call for a lot of Universities and in some institutions it led to providing better alerts to students. The article (link below) reports on a $55,000 fine to Virginia Tech from the Department of Education for failing to provide a quick warning to the campus during the tragedy. Virginia Tech is planning to appeal and one of their arguments is that "timely" was no well defined and that their alerts during the day of the tragedy were "well within the standards at the time." I would like to challenge that last point. Perhaps I am spoiled by our University's amazing internet connectivity on campus (as reported in news reports and such), but given the technology at the time I don't think they were within any standards.
In connection to our discussion yesterday about University's mission and unity...I think technology is ONE of the better ways to promote this and maintain some cohesiveness.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-03-30-vatech30_ST_N.htm
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Prisons Look to Share Food Costs With Ohio State
Given the recent budget cuts and fiscal constraints -states such as Ohio are exploring opportunities to maximize their state-wide dollars. One recent idea seeks to subsidize food costs by purchasing food (along with Ohio's correctional facilities) in bulk and jointly. Although the article presents a early overview, I wonder what the implications will be for OSU as it relates to the state correctional facilities? Also, will students oppose food cost sharing because of the partnership that would be established with the Ohio correctional facilities? These questions are all critical as Ohio continues to dialogue about cost efficiency. Please see link below for full story.
Link: http://diverseeducation.com/article/14944/
Link: http://diverseeducation.com/article/14944/
Have you seen the "1 Illinois" campaign?
Do you know about our "Illinois Public Agenda for College and Career Success," -- One Illinois? If not, you may find it interesting. The web site is www.1illinois.org. The agenda addresses the fact that "Illinois has become divided into two states: one educated and prosperous, the other struggling to achieve educational success and financial security." They want to lay a "pathway to one Illinois, where all residents have affordable access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for the jobs of the present and the future." This would be achieved through 4 goals that are, "designed to eliminate barriers and foster opportunities for all Illinoisans to achieve their educational aspirations and to build an economically vibrant and competitive state of Illinois. Goal 1: Increase educational attainment; Goal 2: Improve college affordability; Goal 3: Strengthen workforce development; Goal 4: Link research and innovation to economic growth." There are some short videos on the site. Here are two of them: http://www.youtube.com/embed/PUuiaWDclYs?rel=0 http://www.youtube.com/embed/KV-6p2qdvcM?rel=0 They say, "It's now or never for Illinois." What do you think?
U of I Day at the Capitol - April 6
I am not sure if anyone is interested in attending the U of I Day at the Capitol on April 6th, but I thought I would pass along the information (this is an event I plan through my office at the Alumni Association). April 6 (Wednesday) www.ic.uillinois.edu/lobbyday Free to attend Free transportation (Springfield) Lunch provided during briefing, 4pm-5pm reception after legislative visits Bus leaves from Altgeld Hall around 9:30am, returns around 6:30/7:00pm Around 200 students/staff/alumni from 3 campuses attend You will be matched with your area legislators and go with other constituents to speak with them about U of I issues President Hogan will be at the event, as well as key alumni and staff As we talk about Public vs. Private, tuition costs, access, MAP Grants, Pell Grants (which I found out that we do officially support, but the office of Gov't Affairs was waiting to figure out how to approach lobbying for these grants since we didn't have a Federal Lobbyist until recently)...going to Lobby Day may help you understand the financial side somewhat, as well as how "wonderful" politics work first-hand. This year the University's messages are: -The state is only funding us at 1970's levels but we are serving 28,000+ more students -For the first time UI students and families are contributing more money to the University than the state is - and it's unsustainable -The University is streamlining business operations and will save $10 million by July 1, 2011, and an additional $60 million in the next three years -The state needs to live up to promises and pay for MAP Grants and pay invoices from the University in a timely manner, and keep support high
Sunday, March 27, 2011
How to Fix our Schools?
http://www.epi.org/publications/entry/ib286
Here is an article on how to fix schools. Do you agree with this article? I believe we need to have teachers that truely care. What do you think is the main problem on why schools are not succeeding? Here is just some of what was said in the article.
Joel Klein, chancellor of the New York City public school system, and Michelle Rhee, who resigned October 13 as Washington, D.C. chancellor, published a “manifesto” in the Washington Post claiming that the difficulty of removing incompetent teachers “has left our school districts impotent and, worse, has robbed millions of children of a real future.” The solution, they say, is to end the “glacial process for removing an incompetent teacher” and give superintendents like themselves the authority to pay higher salaries to teachers whose students do well academically. Otherwise, children will remain “stuck in failing schools” across the country.{i}
Klein, Rhee, and the 14 other school superintendents who co-signed their statement base this call on a claim that, “as President Obama has emphasized, the single most important factor determining whether students succeed in school is not the color of their skin or their ZIP code or even their parents’ income — it is the quality of their teacher.”
Here is an article on how to fix schools. Do you agree with this article? I believe we need to have teachers that truely care. What do you think is the main problem on why schools are not succeeding? Here is just some of what was said in the article.
Joel Klein, chancellor of the New York City public school system, and Michelle Rhee, who resigned October 13 as Washington, D.C. chancellor, published a “manifesto” in the Washington Post claiming that the difficulty of removing incompetent teachers “has left our school districts impotent and, worse, has robbed millions of children of a real future.” The solution, they say, is to end the “glacial process for removing an incompetent teacher” and give superintendents like themselves the authority to pay higher salaries to teachers whose students do well academically. Otherwise, children will remain “stuck in failing schools” across the country.{i}
Klein, Rhee, and the 14 other school superintendents who co-signed their statement base this call on a claim that, “as President Obama has emphasized, the single most important factor determining whether students succeed in school is not the color of their skin or their ZIP code or even their parents’ income — it is the quality of their teacher.”
Monday, March 21, 2011
Grant Hill's Misfire
In light of our current discussion regarding race, I stumbled upon this interesting article that takes an opposing view to Grant Hill's recent response to Jalen Rose and the Fab-5 documentary. Although I can see both sides of the isle concerning the larger perceptions of Duke, and the hostile environment of Detroit, I think it's important that members of the Black community proceed with caution when responding to racial slurs and perceptions in national media outlets -as to not make erroneous statements that do more "harm" than "good" for African American's. Check out the link below.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-weiler/grant-hill-fires-an-airba_b_837040.html?ref=fb&src=sp
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-weiler/grant-hill-fires-an-airba_b_837040.html?ref=fb&src=sp
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Call for HBCU student narratives
http://diverseeducation.com/blogpost/311/an-open-letter-to-hbcu-students-and-alumni.html
Dr. Marybeth Gasman suggest that students on HBCU campuses should share their college experiences in order to debunk myths about Historically Black Colleges. Gasman claims that critics have failed to recognize the pride and achievement of many students on these campuses. These stories could potentially aid positive notions about HCBU.
I agree with Dr. Gasman in that HBCUs seem to get a lot of criticisms and ignore the positive outcomes of the Black student experience. These stories should also be used as tool when recruiting high school students. I believe that having conversation about HBCU's legacies and current influences could encourage more students of color to take pride in these particular campuses.
Dr. Marybeth Gasman suggest that students on HBCU campuses should share their college experiences in order to debunk myths about Historically Black Colleges. Gasman claims that critics have failed to recognize the pride and achievement of many students on these campuses. These stories could potentially aid positive notions about HCBU.
I agree with Dr. Gasman in that HBCUs seem to get a lot of criticisms and ignore the positive outcomes of the Black student experience. These stories should also be used as tool when recruiting high school students. I believe that having conversation about HBCU's legacies and current influences could encourage more students of color to take pride in these particular campuses.
Monday, March 14, 2011
YouTube video, UCLA in recent news
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1366132/UCLA-student-Alexandra-Wallace-posts-repugnant-racist-rant-Asians-YouTube.html
This person shares a respectable response and call for action: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/notes/layhannara-tep/in-response-to-asians-in-the-library/10150425624460084
My question is: what kind of action should UCLA follow? Here is a snippet of what "Layhannara Tep" on Facebook suggests:
This person shares a respectable response and call for action: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/notes/layhannara-tep/in-response-to-asians-in-the-library/10150425624460084
My question is: what kind of action should UCLA follow? Here is a snippet of what "Layhannara Tep" on Facebook suggests:
Hence, as a community, we demand the following:
1) We call for a public apology from Alexandra Wallace. Her words and actions are not in line with the UCLA Student Code of Conduct, which states:
“The University strives to create an environment that fosters the values of mutual respect and tolerance and is free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, and other personal characteristics."[2]
2) We call for UCLA to take the appropriate disciplinary measures befitting of Wallace’s violation against the UCLA Student Code of Conduct and UCLA’s Principle of Community, which states:
“We do not tolerate acts of discrimination, harassment, profiling or other harm to individuals on the basis of expression of race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, religious beliefs, political preference, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, or national origin among other personal characteristics. Such acts are in violation of UCLA’s Principles of Community and subject to sanctions according to campus policies governing the conduct of students, staff and faculty.” [3]
3) We call for UCLA to issue a statement addressing this incident. UCLA must demonstrate its commitment to a culture of diversity, respect, tolerance, and acceptance for all communities by standing against such acts.
4) We call for the UCLA Academic Senate to pass a requirement in the general education curriculum grounded in the UCLA Principles of Community.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Keep it 'in house', for everyones sake
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/20110212_us_colleges_and_chinese_students_courting_each_other.html
Tangentially related to Melissa’s post, this article also pertains to admission criteria issues. However, I also raise issues of institutional responsibility to its students well-being. Lets figure out how to provide a college education to 1) ALL US kids and 2) that is equally supportive ACROSS demographics before we accept to many international students...
US colleges are courting Chinese students and the booming Chinese economy is allowing for an increase in Chinese students applying to US colleges.
Issues of admissions criteria (i.e., US admissions rubric not applying to Chinese students, having Chinese teachers write their student’s admission essays in English, etc.) as well as ‘fit’ between student and institution are discussed.
Do US colleges just want the international tuition revenue and/or statistics to demonstrate they have a diverse student body? But, at what cost? Students from China have limited knowledge about the college lifestyle - regarding the focus of this article - in central Iowa…
What measures do institutions eager to accept Chinese students take to ensure a smooth and productive undergraduate career? Is the university responsible to provide student programming that can support the influx of international students they are attracting? Certainly, if large universities struggle to provide for their students, smaller, elite schools will be even more burdened to develop safe places, services and a sense of community for their international students.
Tangentially related to Melissa’s post, this article also pertains to admission criteria issues. However, I also raise issues of institutional responsibility to its students well-being. Lets figure out how to provide a college education to 1) ALL US kids and 2) that is equally supportive ACROSS demographics before we accept to many international students...
US colleges are courting Chinese students and the booming Chinese economy is allowing for an increase in Chinese students applying to US colleges.
Issues of admissions criteria (i.e., US admissions rubric not applying to Chinese students, having Chinese teachers write their student’s admission essays in English, etc.) as well as ‘fit’ between student and institution are discussed.
Do US colleges just want the international tuition revenue and/or statistics to demonstrate they have a diverse student body? But, at what cost? Students from China have limited knowledge about the college lifestyle - regarding the focus of this article - in central Iowa…
What measures do institutions eager to accept Chinese students take to ensure a smooth and productive undergraduate career? Is the university responsible to provide student programming that can support the influx of international students they are attracting? Certainly, if large universities struggle to provide for their students, smaller, elite schools will be even more burdened to develop safe places, services and a sense of community for their international students.
Student Records...released?
We have been talking in class about admissions...including the criteria of acceptance; weight of other factors outside GPA and Standardized Tests.
The Chicago Tribune has been very interested in the University of Illinois since the admissions trouble a year ago which they brought forward, and they are currently fighting in court to have student records released, but there are privacy issues (especially with Financial Aid). Recently, a judge ruled that Ferpa doesn't prohibit U of I from releasing student records (you can read more about Ferpa in the article), and the Chicago Tribune has an article stating their victory in the privacy ruling.
This is a topic that has a lot of gray area I believe. While in some cases it is important for the University to have accountability, especially since they are a state institution (lack of funding by the state is another issue), and having other 'agencies' watch over admissions and other issues helps since they may be able to spot problematic trends...I feel like sometimes they can forget about the students and their privacy. If there is an issue with affirmative action, is it fair to call out the student and publish their GPA/Test Scores? Now is it different if it is a student that came to the University because of the Clout issue? How do you protect the student? In most cases, is the student innocent and this issue should be handled in private? But, how do we monitor this issue? I think it is a very hard topic to discuss since each case is different.
Recently, there has been another clout issue at the U of I (I mentioned it in class). This had to do with a student attempting to transfer into a dual-degree program. There are many problems with this situation as I see, not just the University at fault...
First, I am not sure why the parents of this student would turn to their legislator for this issue, unless they felt that there was some sort of issue with how the University made a decision (and obviously we do not have all the information). Maybe the admissions scandal was on their mind and thought this may have played a part in the denial.
Second, the Senator should have instructed the parents to speak with the admissions department. Legislators are NOT suppose to weigh in on admissions at the University.
Third, the GR office should not have been involved...BUT, in many cases your office support staff that may just be following up, not knowing the repercussions or legal restrictions. They see that a Senator is requesting information, and they follow up.
I believe everyone needs to have accountability when it comes to these issues. Those making admissions decisions should really consider the ripple effect they are causing, and cases should be taken seriously. Legislators and those in 'power' should stay out of admissions issues unless there is a clear problem and they need to intervene.
The Chicago Tribune has been very interested in the University of Illinois since the admissions trouble a year ago which they brought forward, and they are currently fighting in court to have student records released, but there are privacy issues (especially with Financial Aid). Recently, a judge ruled that Ferpa doesn't prohibit U of I from releasing student records (you can read more about Ferpa in the article), and the Chicago Tribune has an article stating their victory in the privacy ruling.
This is a topic that has a lot of gray area I believe. While in some cases it is important for the University to have accountability, especially since they are a state institution (lack of funding by the state is another issue), and having other 'agencies' watch over admissions and other issues helps since they may be able to spot problematic trends...I feel like sometimes they can forget about the students and their privacy. If there is an issue with affirmative action, is it fair to call out the student and publish their GPA/Test Scores? Now is it different if it is a student that came to the University because of the Clout issue? How do you protect the student? In most cases, is the student innocent and this issue should be handled in private? But, how do we monitor this issue? I think it is a very hard topic to discuss since each case is different.
Recently, there has been another clout issue at the U of I (I mentioned it in class). This had to do with a student attempting to transfer into a dual-degree program. There are many problems with this situation as I see, not just the University at fault...
First, I am not sure why the parents of this student would turn to their legislator for this issue, unless they felt that there was some sort of issue with how the University made a decision (and obviously we do not have all the information). Maybe the admissions scandal was on their mind and thought this may have played a part in the denial.
Second, the Senator should have instructed the parents to speak with the admissions department. Legislators are NOT suppose to weigh in on admissions at the University.
Third, the GR office should not have been involved...BUT, in many cases your office support staff that may just be following up, not knowing the repercussions or legal restrictions. They see that a Senator is requesting information, and they follow up.
I believe everyone needs to have accountability when it comes to these issues. Those making admissions decisions should really consider the ripple effect they are causing, and cases should be taken seriously. Legislators and those in 'power' should stay out of admissions issues unless there is a clear problem and they need to intervene.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
College Basketball Player Suspended for Having Sex
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1362563/Basketball-player-Brandon-Davies-suspended-sex-girlfriend-BYU-team.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Although this institution has a honor code intended to maintain the college "values," what does this say about sex? Is engaging in pre-marital sex immoral? What one may think is morally correct can differ from person to person and institution to institution. However, suspension is not a method in upholding their concerns about sex. Having a conversation with Brandon about the implication of pre-marital sex could have served as a better tool in demonstrating the "importance" of adhering to the honor code.
I believe the role of the honor of the code is a way to governs one's body and personal decision(s). Religion obviously is a way to maintain power within the institution. Brandon Davies is an adult that chose to be human and have sex with his partner. Sex is a major factor in people's life; it is natural so how does this conflict with "morals and values?" How can we move forward if we can’t get past sex? I sure hope no else on campus is having sex either
Along with this despicable decision, I couldn't help but to think about race relations being that Brandon is a Black male in Utah. I am sure that he was not the only male who has sex on or off campus. What are the underlying assumptions about this "incident" and how it was published? I pose all of these questions in order to create dialogue around institutions, sex, and race.
This entire “case” speaks to the state of religion and how institutions use it as a tool to govern bodies and maintain the status quo.
Although this institution has a honor code intended to maintain the college "values," what does this say about sex? Is engaging in pre-marital sex immoral? What one may think is morally correct can differ from person to person and institution to institution. However, suspension is not a method in upholding their concerns about sex. Having a conversation with Brandon about the implication of pre-marital sex could have served as a better tool in demonstrating the "importance" of adhering to the honor code.
I believe the role of the honor of the code is a way to governs one's body and personal decision(s). Religion obviously is a way to maintain power within the institution. Brandon Davies is an adult that chose to be human and have sex with his partner. Sex is a major factor in people's life; it is natural so how does this conflict with "morals and values?" How can we move forward if we can’t get past sex? I sure hope no else on campus is having sex either
Along with this despicable decision, I couldn't help but to think about race relations being that Brandon is a Black male in Utah. I am sure that he was not the only male who has sex on or off campus. What are the underlying assumptions about this "incident" and how it was published? I pose all of these questions in order to create dialogue around institutions, sex, and race.
This entire “case” speaks to the state of religion and how institutions use it as a tool to govern bodies and maintain the status quo.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Bill Gates on state budgets and eduction spending
Here is the link to Bill Gates's speech on state budgets and education spending that Dr. Baber mentioned in class:
http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_how_state_budgets_are_breaking_us_schools.html
I do not see many new concepts in the talk that we have not heard before, but it goes with the work that is done at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is also always good to hear support from industry leaders why education should be funded! "Balance wheel pattern" is an academic analysis of this pattern on budget allocations between different sectors of the economy. Dr. Delaney in the department has done some work in this area. Here is a second link for anyone interested in reading more: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/lpo/doyle/balancetime.pdf
http://www.ted.com/talks/bill_gates_how_state_budgets_are_breaking_us_schools.html
I do not see many new concepts in the talk that we have not heard before, but it goes with the work that is done at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It is also always good to hear support from industry leaders why education should be funded! "Balance wheel pattern" is an academic analysis of this pattern on budget allocations between different sectors of the economy. Dr. Delaney in the department has done some work in this area. Here is a second link for anyone interested in reading more: http://www.vanderbilt.edu/lpo/doyle/balancetime.pdf
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Did a Sexual Education course go too far?
When I was reading through the Chicago Tribune today, I stumbled upon this interesting article.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-northwestern-president-criticizes-sextoy-demonstration-20110303,0,7493639.story
Seeing an article such as this one brings up a really good question: How far is too far? After reading the title of the article, I instantly thought to myself "no doubt about it, this professor was in the wrong." Once I completely read the piece, however, I had a change of heart.
Even though I believe the actual class session (in which the demonstration took place) SHOULD have occurred OFF campus, I have no actual problem with the demonstration itself. The professor did not require students to attend that particular class, and he gave several warnings before the demonstration transpired.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-northwestern-president-criticizes-sextoy-demonstration-20110303,0,7493639.story
Seeing an article such as this one brings up a really good question: How far is too far? After reading the title of the article, I instantly thought to myself "no doubt about it, this professor was in the wrong." Once I completely read the piece, however, I had a change of heart.
Even though I believe the actual class session (in which the demonstration took place) SHOULD have occurred OFF campus, I have no actual problem with the demonstration itself. The professor did not require students to attend that particular class, and he gave several warnings before the demonstration transpired.
Female Instructors & Women in STEM
I want to share this article I stumbled upon this morning about the importance of female instructors in STEM courses. Here is a link:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/03/03/study_suggests_role_of_role_models_in_encouraging_female_undergraduates_in_math_and_science
The researchers found that having a female instructor in an introductory calculus course had a positive effect on students (female more than male). The female students were aware of the negative stereotypes of their gender in STEM. From the article, I especially liked this sentence:
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/03/03/study_suggests_role_of_role_models_in_encouraging_female_undergraduates_in_math_and_science
The researchers found that having a female instructor in an introductory calculus course had a positive effect on students (female more than male). The female students were aware of the negative stereotypes of their gender in STEM. From the article, I especially liked this sentence:
"But these data suggest that the meaning of choices, of what it means to choose math or science, is more complicated. Even talented people may not choose math or science not because they don't like it or are not good at it, but because they feel that they don't belong."Connecting this back to the importance of high schools, which we talked about on Tuesday, I wonder if there is an effect in those classrooms or if this stereotype is something that becomes more recognized by students when they enter the STEM fields in college. From my personal experience, I will say that I did not truly recognize this "divide" or perhaps even choose to recognize it until my senior year of college. When do students start feeling like "they don't belong"?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Ed. Secretary Duncan Defends $2B Increase in 2012 Education Budget
The Sec. of Ed. proposes a $2b (two billion) budget. Although the secretary's proposed budget suggest that "...[t]he higher education portion of the 2012 request includes a $67 million increase for TRIO programs for a total of $920 million; $323 million for GEAR UP; $651 million in combined discretionary and mandatory funding for Aid for Institutional Development programs at institutions that enroll large numbers of minority and disadvantaged students and $249 million in aid for Hispanic-Serving Institutions programs", questions remain salient regarding the MSI (Minority Serving Institutions) that will receive this funding. Will institutions receive an equal share? What will the time-line be regarding the disbursement of funding? Again, this rhetoric of the proposal sounds great, however(if passed) how will the government follow-up on such an initiative? Please see link for article below:
http://diverseeducation.com/article/14841/ed-secretary-duncan-defends-2b-increase-in-2012-education-budget.html
http://diverseeducation.com/article/14841/ed-secretary-duncan-defends-2b-increase-in-2012-education-budget.html
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