Weekly Update: October 15

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

NEW ASPIRE RESIDENCE HALL AT ST. JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY

Students on the autism spectrum will have the opportunity for a typical college living experience at St. Joseph’s University. The new Aspire Residence Hall will assist students with personal care, problem-solving, and the social skills necessary for dorm life. If you or someone you know are looking for this level of support in college, the hall is now accepting applications for next year’s class!

SIT-IN AT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Howard students staged a sit-in and protest on campus this week. They were protesting the lack of COVID-19 testing on campus in addition to other residential safety concerns, including mold in the walls of residence halls. The students’ current demands include an improved housing plan for incoming freshmen, as well as representation on the university’s Board of Trustees. 

TENURE CHANGES IN THE GEORGIA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

The concept of tenure for college professors is an often-controversial one - with some arguing that it is necessary to protect academic freedom, while others argue that it is an outdated method of retaining professors. Now, the Board of Regents for the Georgia university system has given its universities, including UGA and Georgia Tech, the power to fire tenured professors without faculty input. 

Faculty argue that the move limits academic freedom, and may also prevent the state university from attracting and retaining top professors, given the higher risk of termination under the new policy.  

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BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Considering going back to school for a graduate degree? This article explores the master’s degrees that give the biggest increase in salary. Topping the list is a master’s degree in biology - professionals with the graduate degree make on average 87% more money than those with a bachelor's degree! Other top master’s include business, education, and communication. Surprisingly, finance and accounting were at the bottom of the list - professionals with a master’s in accounting make only 4% more on average than those with a bachelor’s degree. 

On a much more difficult note, UNC gave students a day off for mental health this week following two suicides and at least one attempt on campus this semester. The tragedies and UNC are just an example of the mental health challenges that many students are encountering during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has only exacerbated what was already an issue of limited mental health resources on many college campuses. 

Note: if you are struggling with mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255. 

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OFFICE HAPPENINGS

We’re wrapping up the last of those early applications this week, and crossing our fingers for all of our readers with 10/15 deadlines - UNC and UGA early action applications are due today! SAT results from the October test were also released today, and we have been excited to get some good news from our students - especially since some of those applications, like UGA, require test scores this cycle. 

Enjoy the weekend!


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