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"Measuring graduation rates is indeed a charade. Yes, some programs have a “respectable” rate of graduating athletes, but these grads often take gut courses, major in fields that have little academic rigor (coaching, general studies), and are placed in courses taught by profs who wouldn’t recognize an academic standard if it slept in their bed. The whole enterprise ought to be called academic gerrymandering."
—Gary
NCAA Imposes Stiffer Penalties for Academic Performance of Midlevel Division I Teams
U. of Evansville President Arrested on Drunken-Driving Charges
In a statement released today by the university, Stephen G. Jennings acknowledged making “a very serious mistake” and apologized.
Petitions Are Filed for Arizona and Nebraska Referenda on Affirmative Action
The backers of a similar measure in Colorado filed petitions months ago, but legal challenges may complicate such campaigns.
Oklahoma's Matching-Gift Backlog Booms Despite Moratorium
Instead of helping to clear a $225-million backlog of matching-gift obligations, a July 1 moratorium on the program has set back the state even more.
Italian-American Groups Rally to Save Advanced Placement Test in Italian
The Italian ambassador to the United States is leading efforts to raise money to continue the examination.
U. of Chicago Students Scramble After Lender Pulls Out
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is ending its “school as lender” arrangement with the university.
Darwin Defeated in the Bayou: Louisiana Encourages 'Critical Thinking' About Evolution | 88
ACLU Complains About Noon-Meal Prayers at Naval Academy | 77
Columbia U. Fires Teachers College Professor Accused of Rampant Plagiarism | 61
U. of Phoenix's Report on Students' Progress Is 'Disingenuous,' Critic Says | 49
Student Who Died at Professor's Home Suffered a Drug Overdose | 47
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November 21, 2006
Pa. Lawmakers Avoid Broad Rules in Report Saying Academic-Freedom Problems Are 'Rare'
A special committee of the Pennsylvania legislature voted unanimously today to approve a report recommending that universities do more to guarantee students’ rights to academic freedom. But the report stopped short of calling for a statewide policy that would require universities to adopt such practices, saying violations of students’ academic freedom “are rare.”
The report, which has yet to be posted online, was drafted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Select Committee on Academic Freedom in Higher Education, which held four hearings to investigate complaints that liberal professors had treated conservative students unfairly.
The final report was similar to the draft that the committee issued last week, with two minor exceptions. In one change, instead of saying universities should adopt new policies guaranteeing students’ rights, the final report recommends that universities make sure their existing policies on academic freedom cover students.
The draft report had also recommended that universities use course evaluations to ask students whether they felt free to say what they believed during class discussions. But the final report clarifies that it is up to universities to decide whether to add such questions to course evaluations.
Posted on Tuesday November 21, 2006 | Permalink |Comments
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If these problems are so “rare”, why did they recommend that universities do more to guarantee students’ rights to academic freedom?
— Victor Irby Nov 22, 08:48 AM #