The Institute of International Education is leading an effort to provide support for Syrian academics who are amidst national crisis. Throughout the country, civil strife has caused several higher education institutions to close their doors. Because educational institutions were the spark that lit the fire in Syria, the members of these institutions are facing great danger. Just a few of the casualties that have occurred from the fighting are the deaths of four students and three professors. Ten universities in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands and France have committed to hosting students from Syria in this time of need.
In Debate, Obama and Romney Clash Over Who Would Do More For Education
In last night’s first presidential debate, the candidates sparred over various domestic topics, including education. To summarize, both candidates made several claims with regard to their plans for educational funding. President Obama focused on his recent efforts to make college education more affordable for students. He referenced increased federal student aid, the end of bank-based loans, and Mr. Romney’s plan to cut the federal deficit. The President expressed his concern that these cuts would affect education. Mr. Romney countered, stating that the President’s current policies were not working for recent graduates who are experiencing a difficult job market. He also stated that he wanted to increase grants for people going to college, rather than decreasing them.
Searching For an Answer
Over the past two years, it seems that a presidential candidate is not the only leader the United States is searching for. Sixteen out of the sixty-one higher education institutions involved in the Association of American Universities have hired a new leader. In addition to these, three Ivy League institutions, fifteen research universities, and seven public research institutions have also drafted new leaders. All of these changes are thought to have resulted from increased pressure in the president or chancellor positions in higher education. Institutions have strayed from looking at the “traditional” candidates, such as ones with a strong academic background supplemented with research, fundraising capability, and an administrative backbone. Recent trends have shown that institutions are looking toward more non-traditional candidate. For example, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels was selected as president of Purdue University, while the Dean of Carnegie Melon’s engineering school, Pradeep Khosia, secured the presidential position at the University of California in San Diego.
That’s it for tonight. Join us on Tuesday, as Shawn Brackett hosts another edition of Daily Dose. Happy Thursday!
