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NYT: “Academic Business”

There is an article in the New York Times about the increasingly corporate basis of universities across the country.  It is an interesting read in itself, but also of particular interest to us as it references Eastern.  I am sure that our former president would be displeased with the not altogether accurate way in which [...]

Michigan’s government showdown– or shutdown?

Here’s a pretty interesting piece in Inside Higher Ed, “Michigan’s government showdown– or shutdown?” From the first couple paragraphs:

Michigan’s colleges and universities, already down millions in deferred state payments, are facing an incredibly uncertain fiscal climate. As legislators in Lansing bicker over a $1.75 billion statewide deficit, the threat of a government shutdown [...]

Students march on Lansing

Several stories in the regional media covered Wednesday’s rally in Lansing which included students from several state universities, including students from EMU:

“College students march on Lansing” from the Midland Daily News.
“EMU students rally for state funding” from MLive.
“With tales of woe, students rally in Lansing” from the Michigan Daily.

So, from anyone who was there: [...]

EMU Scores a 4.5 out of 5 Stars on LGBT Inclusion

I thought for my 1st “main post” to EMUTalk I share some good news about EMU.

History has been made in Higher Education this week. For the 1st time ever LGBT youth can now compare universities on their inclusion of LGBT Students through policies and practices on campus. I am proud to say EMU scored 4.5 [...]

City-wide income tax forum in Roosevelt Thursday

Tomorrow (Thursday) at 6:30pm in Roosevelt Auditorium will be a panel discussion on the proposed city-wide income tax that will appear on the City of Ypsilanti ballot on Nov. 6.  The forum will especially focus on the potential impacts on EMU employees and students, and will feature panelists such as Greg Jones, Student Body President, [...]

A couple articles on lessons learned from Dickinson Murder case

I stumbled across two very recent articles that make reference to the Dickinson rape/murder/cover-up this past school year that I thought I’d pass along:

From the Grand Rapids Press, “Warnings issued quickly after Ferris State assault.”
From the In-House Counsel section of Law.com, “University GC Reprimanded for Inadequate Advice in Campus Murder Probe.”

Both are interesting and suggest [...]

Key Senator questions tax breaks for college athletics

Below are the first couple paragraphs of today’s online CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION article about a story getting a lot of play in serious media, about the challenge to the tax exempt status of donations made to university and college athletics. The Senator making this challenge is a mainstream Republican, one with a record [...]

Eagle Mobile? You’re kidding me..

So apparently EMU has teamed up with AT&T and Rave Wireless to offer “Eagle Mobile”. According to the e-mail and the web page, you will get a phone with custom “University-sponsored mobile applications and programs, such as text alert services for class change notices and emergency alerts.” If you sign up early, you can apparently [...]

Retention of current students at EMU: a crisis?

Only 4 in 10 of the first year students who start at EMU in a given year graduate from EMU in 6 years. This is far below the national average of nearly 56% for 4 year institutions. EMU has long had a low retention rate.

Being below average means you lose in a competative [...]

EMU President search: Let the games begin….

I just heard on WEMU this morning (perhaps this was discussed at the last BoR meeting?) that the search committee for the next EMU president will soon begin and the committee will be on the small-side, about a dozen or so people. EMU BoR chair Thomas Sidlik spoke about the need to keep the [...]