The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 9 January 2013.
UK at risk of deterring international students, warns umbrella group
Universities UK, a group which represents British universities, has warned that the language and content of recent statements from the UK government regarding a crackdown on ‘bogus’ international students could cast the nation in a negative light. Recently announced policies will see over 100,000 prospective students interviewed by consular staff in order to ascertain their suitability, and the length of time students can work during and after their studies has been limited, reports The Guardian. In September, the number of visas issued for study in the UK over the year had fallen by 26% as compared to the same point in 2011, while non-EU applications had risen by only 0.8% - a significant slowdown compared to the average rise of 7% seen since 2007.
Chinese university to group students by zodiac sign
Yangzhou University’s College of Bioscience and Biotechnology has announced plans to divide students into classes according to which sign of the zodiac they were born under, reports Shanghaiist. Students have reportedly welcomed the division, which also sees classes tailored to the traits ascribed to each sign.
Coursera to offer identity verification to students
Coursera, the world’s largest provider of massive open online courses (MOOCs) – free online versions of courses offered at top universities across the world – is to offer identity verification for students completing its courses for a fee of US$30-100. While this does not mean credit will be offered for courses, it is intended to make certificates awarded for the completion of courses more meaningful. Students signing up for the verification, which will initially be offered on five programs but will be extended to most by the end of the year, will be required to provide photo ID, a digital image and a keystroke signature, reports Inside Higher Ed.
Public university students in Indiana may be allowed to bring guns onto campus
Policymakers in the US state of Indiana are currently debating the possibility of passing a bill which would allow students at public universities to carry firearms onto campus, reports ABC 57 News. Supporters of the bill claim that it may help to prevent mass shootings, such at the recent incident in Newtown, Connecticut. Several groups, including the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus have come out in opposition to the bill, with the aforementioned organization citing fears that it would actually result in the necessity for stricter gun control laws. At the time of writing, the bill looks set to pass.
University of Benin professor announces development of AIDS cure
Professor Isaiah Ibeh, dean of the School of Basic Medical Services at the University of Benin has announced the development of a cure for AIDS and HIV derived from plants found In Nigeria, reports News 24 Nigeria. The project, which the professor says began in 2010, has resulted in a drug which has reportedly been medically tested in Nigeria and the US. At present, tests are being conducted to see for how long the drug is effective, he added.