The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest higher education news from around the world, on 19 March 2013.
US: Students can be awarded aid based on direct assessment
The US Education Department has moved to allow federal aid to be awarded to students in programs in which progression is measured by how far tutors think they’ve got, rather than how many hours they’ve spent in class (credit hours). This increased acceptance of ‘competency-based’ programs could spell a long-term change in higher education, allowing students to complete their programs in less time, reports The Chronicle of Higher Education. Questions remain over whether employers will accept directly assessed programs. Several powerful philanthropic organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and theLumina Foundation will meet next month to discuss how to tackle these issues.
Caribbean: 'C@ribnet' to link universities in 21 Caribbean countries
A new high-capacity fiber optic research network under the brand name C@ribnet will connect universities in 21 Caribbean countries, reports The Gleaner. It is hoped that the network will vastly improve the connectivity and quality of provision at universities and colleges at the region, and bring its constituent nations closer to becoming knowledge economies. Over 120 other such ‘National Research and Development Networks’ currently exist around the world.
Bangladesh: Climate change adaptation should be recognized as academic discipline, says expert
When we think about the study of climate change, we tend to think automatically about prevention. However, Saleemul Huq, a leading climate change expert, believes that climate change adaptation should also be academic discipline in its own right, reports University World News. Huq has launched a new dual master’s degree in climate change and development at the International Centre for Climate Change and Development at the Independent University in Bangladesh. The degree will focus on ‘community-based adaptation’, and will be run in collaboration with organizations like Oxfam and ActionAid, which will help disseminate knowledge internationally.
US: LGBQ athletes still more likely to face discrimination
A report by Campus Pride has revealed that, sadly, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) students involved with university sports are still significantly more likely to face discrimination than straight teammates. Up to one quarter felt under pressure to keep their sexuality a secret, while just over one in five reported being the victim of electronic bullying, reports The Huffington Post. In all, LGBQ athletes are twice as likely to experience harassment as heterosexuals, and were also less likely to compete in featured college sports (18% were involved, as compared with 27% of straight athletes).
Spain: Students protest cuts to higher education
Students in Spain held a day of protest last week in reaction to proposed cuts to higher education suggested by José Ignacio Wert, the country’s minister for higher education, reports Prensa Latina. The cuts would see a rise in fees and the loss of jobs at public universities in the country. Students held strikes and demonstrations opposing the reforms on Thursday. Wert belongs to the conservative government of Mariano Rajoy, which came into power in December 2011.
