College
Gov. Jindal signs GRAD Act 2.0 into law
Gov. Jindal recently signed GRAD Act 2.0 into law, providing more administrative flexibility to public universities in the state. GRAD Act 2.0 provides for greater autonomy for higher education, in exchange for improved performance and continued transparency. Full article.
College mental health screenings going high-tech
Many university counseling centers are more swamped than ever, college therapists say, particularly at this time of year, in the frenzy of final exams and job searches. To help deal with the demand, more campus counseling centers are using computerized questionnaires. Full article.
Louisiana student scores drop in high school and college
A recent Southern Regional Education Board report indicates that LA students are doing a better-than-average job in elementary reading and mathematics, but achievement levels falter as they move toward high school and college. While most LA fourth-graders scored above national norms in reading and math, the state's eighth-graders fall behind their peers in those subjects. LA's high-school dropout rate is 36 percent, 14 percentage points above the national average. Full Article.
Do Rural's Best and Brightest Back Away?
A new study by two scholars at the Univ of Michigan found that top students from rural high schools were 2.5 times less likely to enroll in prestigious colleges and universities than their urban and suburban counterparts. The researchers drew their findings from the Educational Longitudinal 2002 Survey to determine students’ probability of enrollment in U.S. News and World Report's 50 top universities and liberal arts colleges. Urban students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were far more likely to enroll in prestigious colleges and universities. Full Article
'Come See the LCRP' event to be held at the Learning Center for Rapides Parish
Area residents interested in attending college are invited to 'Come See the LCRP' from 4-6 p.m. today, March 11, at the Learning Center for Rapides Parish, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd. on England Airpark. Representatives from eight colleges and universities will be available to talk with prospective students about their programs offered in central Louisiana. Full Article.
Gov. Jindal: Put Tuition in Hands of Schools
Gov. Bobby Jindal told business leaders on 1/26/09 that colleges should have more control over tuition and fees. Currently, lawmakers control tuition increases. LA is the only state in the nation that requires two-thirds approval of the Legislature for tuition and fee boosts. Full Article.
Student Loan Debt Rising
Recent national survey shows that graduates left campus facing significant student loan debt (Avg = $20,200). La ranks 42nd in amount of student debt to be paid off after graduation. Full Article.
LA Higher Education Official: “It’s time for people to panic.”
"It's time for people to panic," said Paul Sisson, LSU-Shreveport's provost and vice chancellor. In September, Gov. Bobby Jindal said $146 million had to be cut from higher education. Local college and university administrators are in a state of disbelief. Full Article.
Regents Slash 107 Programs at Community & Technical Colleges, Universities
More than 100 academic programs will be eliminated at the state’s community and technical colleges as well as at universities in New Orleans & Lake Charles areas. The remaining program cuts are at state technical college campuses. Full Article.
Jindal: Expects Strong Recommendations from LA Postsecondary Education Review Commission
During a luncheon in Baton Rouge, Gov. Jindal voiced the pressing need to improve the state’s high school and college graduation rates. “…Louisiana continues to rank at the bottom of states in student achievement and graduation rates,” he said. “We know we’ve got more work to do.” Full Article.
