The House's New Higher Ed Leader

Readers,

The topic for this month’s Graduate Blog is Interviews with Student Affairs Professionals. I have found this interview with Virginia Foxx whom has been asked to chair the subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness for the House Education and Labor Committee. Foxx is one of the few members of Congress to have worked in higher education and shares her thoughts with Doug Lederman in an Inside Higher Ed interview.

Enjoy!
Ashley Bruner
Graduate Student Social Media/Current Issues Co-Chair

Goal for Texas: 3 Million More College Degrees - Lumina Foundation Report

Readers,

According to a recent report from the Lumina Foundation, Texas will need to produce almost 30,000 additional college graduates every year between now and 2025 (more than 3 million in all) to maintain a healthy middle class.


This report also provides readers with a breakdown of the percentage of people (per county) who have a two or four-year degree. <- Very useful! 


Read the report here - Special Report: A Stronger Nation Through Higher Education (September 2010)


Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards and Dr. Sandi Osters - Graduate Education and Research Co-Chairs

Spring Break 2009: Keeping Our Students Safe

Many of our college students will head to Spring Break destinations over the next few weeks. In the meantime, colleges and universities across the nation will sponsor "Safe Spring Break" programming.

This educational programming usually features activities focused on the dangers of drinking and driving and the importance of staying healthy during their week away from school (BACCHUS). However, this year's Safe Spring Break programming may feature some special activities on "Staying Safe in Mexico". Recently, U.S. Department of State issued a press release titled,"International Travel Safety Information for American Students". This press release urges college students to remain cautious while traveling abroad during spring break. U.S. Department of State also encourages students to register their foreign travel on their website at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

This press release includes the following statement, "Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad - about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. Alcohol also can cause trouble for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, for underage drinking, and for driving under the influence of alcohol. Some people are victimized because they are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the countries they visit."

What is your college or university planning for "Safe Spring Break"?

The Recession and College Campuses

Recently, NPR posted an audio file titled, "Recession Hits College Campuses". This file features an interview with Ronald Liebowitz, president of Middlebury College in Vermont.

What are your thoughts about the economic recession and its impact on college campuses?