The TopUniversities.com guide to the latest university news from around the world, on 15 July 2013.
World: New online course allows students to give away more than $100,000
A free online course starting today will allow students to help decide how to spend more than $100,000, The Huffington Post reports. The Giving With Purpose course is run by the Sunshine Lady Foundation, funded by Doris Buffett, sister of famous business magnate Warren Buffett. The Buffett siblings are among those giving talks on the art of effective philanthropy during the course, along with other well known givers such as baseball player Cal Ripken Jr and Ben & Jerry’s founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield. More than 4,000 students have enrolled so far, and participants will put what they learn into practice by choosing from a selection of non-profit organizations to donate to.
US: Demand for more agriculture graduates
The US National Institute of Food and Agriculture says more agriculture graduates are needed to meet demand, USA Today reports. Research at Purdue University, funded by the institute, predicted around 54,400 jobs would be created annually in agriculture, food and renewable natural resources between 2010 and 2015. Despite an increase in the number of students enrolled on agriculture courses, this hasn’t been enough to keep up with demand. Colleges and companies are hoping to attract more young talents to the sector by promoting a more modern image of agriculture, and emphasizing the wide range of career paths it offers.
Find out more about agriculture specializations and careers >
UK: Farmers’ markets becoming more popular among university students
Students across the UK are inviting farmers to come and sell their produce on university campuses, The Guardian reports. Student-organized farmers’ markets are popular for a number of reasons - they allow students to purchase fresh local produce at a reasonable price without travelling far, they enhance the feeling of community on campus, and they boost universities’ sustainability credentials. Reporter Charlotte Pike suggests this is also indicative of a shift in students’ attitudes towards food, with more students embracing the creative aspects of cooking.
Australia: Almost one in five students struggle to afford basics
According to a report from Universities Australia, almost one in five students struggle to afford food and other basic provisions, International Business Times reports. The survey also found that a quarter of undergraduate students had taken out a loan, and more than two-thirds of students said they were worried about their finances – compared to half in 2006. Belinda Robinson, chief executive of Universities Australia, said the report showed levels of financial stress were growing among students.