The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest university news from around the world, on 8 August 2013.
France: Ban on headscarves could be extended to universities
France’s High Council for Integration has proposed that Muslim headscarves be banned at universities, fuelling an ongoing debate about secularism versus religious expression, reports the Malay Mail Online. Headscarves were banned in schools in 2004, and full face veils in public were banned in 2010. The High Council’s proposal was leaked to Le Monde newspaper, which said that the report cited the disruption caused by religious activities.
UK: Students launch “spacecraft” for £350 (US$540)
PhD students Alex Baker and Chris Rose from the University of Sheffield have transported objects to an altitude of 37km with a DIY spacecraft, breaking altitude records with each flight, reports Digital Spy. Baker said: "The space shuttle program cost $200 billion, so getting our spacecraft to 37km for £350 feels amazing and quite a bargain." Humans could not survive that altitude unless they were in a pressurized environment.
Greece: First university partnership forum between Canada, Greece and Cyprus
The Canadian Ambassador to Athens, Robert Peck, has announced the first partnership forum with Canadian, Greek and Cypriot universities will be held next month, reports Ekathimerini.com. Eight Canadian and several Greek and Cypriot institutions will participate, with the aim of promoting partnerships between them. This includes the promotion of: “faculty exchange/enrichment programs, lectures, semester abroad programs, Canadian and Hellenic studies, and collaboration in research and development.”
Uganda: Universities to conduct audits to reduce examination malpractices
Ugandan Universities Quality Assurance (UUQUA) officers have agreed to carry out regular assessments of examinations in public and private institutions, following a study that found malpractices in most universities, reports New Vision. UUQUA President, Professor Michael Mawa, spoke of the need to develop an “inter-university system” to deal with the problem, as they all have different systems. Officers have also resolved to ensure that institutions adhere to admission requirements.