UW System Clipsheet

February 10, 2009

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On Campus

"Scholarships, financial aid make education a reality," Column, Marshfield News-Herald, Feb. 10.

...Luckily for central Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County been an educational resource has for more than 40 years to help ease the pain of economic downturns. We provide hope for our students as they invest in their future. So, let's explore an overlooked, and sometimes confusing, option for helping to finance this investment: scholarships...(Author: Jeff Meece, assistant campus dean for Student Services at UW-Marshfield/Wood County)...

"Coroner: Cause of UWSP student death not determined," Stevens Point Journal, Feb. 10.

Authorities have not determined the cause of a 19-year-old freshman's death at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point this past weekend. The cause and manner of the death of Andrew Woods will not be determined until all toxicology and pathology studies are completed and reviewed by the Portage County coroner's office, a release Monday from Coroner Scott Rifleman said...Trauma was not a factor in the death, and foul play has been ruled out, according to the coroner. Woods had consumed alcohol the night before his death, but drinking has not been determined to be a primary factor at this point, the release said...

"Campus reserved after student's death," Stevens Point Journal, Feb. 10.

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point was subdued Monday, the first day of classes after the death of Andrew Woods in a residence hall Saturday morning...

"UW reactor to ditch highly enriched uranium," WISC-TV, Feb. 9.

A nuclear reactor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be converted to run on less dangerous fuel under a national safety initiative...

"University's nuclear reactor to be upgraded," Badger Herald, Feb. 9.

A nuclear reactor at the University of Wisconsin will be converted to run on a less dangerous fuel to better prevent a hazardous situation from occurring if the reactor were used with malicious intentions...

"UW receives honor roll status for community service efforts," Daily Cardinal, Feb. 10.

The Corporation for National and Community Service recently recognized UW-Madison for its service to the U.S. community in 2008. The organization awarded the university with placement on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. UW-Madison was one of 546 schools that received the award...

State

"Covenant falling short of promise," Editorial, The Post-Crescent, Feb. 10.

Unfortunately, we could see this coming. The Wisconsin Covenant program, Gov. Jim Doyle's promise to state students about getting a college education, doesn't have enough money. So says the higher education research center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison...The Wisconsin Center for the Advancement of Postsecondary Education issued a report last month that says the $215 million offered between the state and the privately financed Fund for Wisconsin Scholars won't cover the anticipated cost, although it doesn't say how much more money is needed...

"Putting a face on Western's role in jobs market," La Crosse Tribune, Feb. 10.

It was humbling to go back to school after a successful career as a real estate agent, said Vicky Brenes, now a pre-nursing student at Western Technical College...Brenes was among several students who shared their stories with area legislators visiting Western, including state Reps. Mike Huebsch, Jennifer Shilling, Lee Nerison and Chris Danou. The meeting was to give area legislators a better idea of how important the college can be for area employers and students. Western is seeing an increased demand for certain programs, such as nursing and welding, as adults look to shift careers, veterans return from service, workers are laid off or employers need specific job training, said Western President Lee Rasch...

National

"Trimmed bill still offers vast sums for education," New York Times, Feb. 9.

The economic stimulus bill that is expected to win passage in the Senate on Tuesday would provide about $83 billion for child care, public schools and universities. That is a lot less than the $150 billion voted by the House, but would still account for a vast increase in the federal share of the nation’s education spending...

"Colleges urged to take action as they prepare to reap billions in stimulus bill," Chronicle of Higher Education, Feb. 10.

As Congress continues to debate an economic-stimulus bill that includes billions of dollars for students and colleges, one U.S. senator warned higher-education leaders on Monday that they needed to rein in costs if they wanted to persuade his colleagues to back further increases in aid to academe... (paid subscription required)

"In rough seas, flagships could use a course correction," Chronicle of Higher Education, Feb. 10.

When we talk about the future of public universities, we are usually talking about the flagship state universities. They have greatly increased expenditures in the past decade...For example, the state of Wisconsin has a $5.4-billion budget deficit this year, and next year's is expected to be worse, so appropriations to higher education will most likely be severely limited. Meanwhile, the cost of tuition at Wisconsin's public four-year colleges was 24 percent of household income for families in the middle economic quintile; for those in the lowest two quintiles combined, it was a whopping 44 percent. The average debt of a graduating college senior in the state in 2007 was more than $20,000... (paid subscription required)

"Recession sending more students to community colleges," Associated Press, Feb. 10.

...So, in the middle of this school year, both landed at New Hampshire Technical Institute, which like other community colleges across the country has suddenly grown a lot more crowded. The two-year schools are reporting unprecedented enrollment increases this semester, driven by students from traditional colleges seeking more bang for their buck and by laid-off older workers. But community colleges aren’t exactly cheering in this down economy: Tuition doesn’t come close to covering costs, and the state funds used to make up the difference are drying up...

"Sharing ideas: Tough times encourage colleges to collaborate," Chronicle of Higher Education, Feb. 13.

Despite its veneer of cooperation, higher education is a competitive industry, where resource sharing is eyed warily. But the recession is chipping away at that reluctance, and institutions are pursuing partnerships, both to cut costs and to keep pace with expanding academic fields... (paid subscription required)