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UW-Whitewater Campus Cleared After Emergency Alert for Reported Weapon; No Threat Found

UW-Whitewater Campus Cleared After Emergency Alert for Reported Weapon; No Threat Found

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus experienced an emergency alert on the first day of classes after a report of an individual entering Andersen Hall with what appeared to be a weapon and yelling. The individual subsequently left the office without incident. University Police, in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, swiftly responded to the situation. As a precautionary measure, the university activated its emergency alert system, instructing the campus community to shelter in place. Following an investigation, law enforcement located the individual matching the description and determined that no weapon was present and there was no actual threat to life safety. The university has since confirmed that the campus is open and operational, with all classes and activities resuming as scheduled. Chancellor Corey A. King and Chief of Police Matthew Kiederlen issued a statement expressing gratitude for the rapid response and acknowledging the distress such incidents can cause, especiall...

University of Washington Considers Revamped Student Conduct Code Following Protests

University of Washington Considers Revamped Student Conduct Code Following Protests

The University of Washington (UW) is considering a revamped student conduct code that could impose tougher consequences on protesters who cover their faces, occupy campus buildings, or are present during property damage. These proposed changes follow years of disruptive demonstrations on the Seattle campus, including a three-week pro-Palestinian encampment in 2024 and a takeover of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building last year, which resulted in extensive damage and nearly two dozen student suspensions. The revisions would also classify doxxing as prohibited conduct, offer amnesty to students seeking medical help for others involving alcohol or drugs, and update rules on hazing, threats, disruption, and unauthorized access to university property. The Board of Regents is scheduled to consider the proposal on September 9, with immediate implementation if approved. University officials state the review began last November and is not directly tied to the protests, aiming to strengthen 'transparency, fai...

Harvard University Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Following Search for Armed Suspect in Cambridge

Harvard University Issues Shelter-in-Place Order Following Search for Armed Suspect in Cambridge

Harvard University issued a shelter-in-place order on Tuesday morning after police searched for a suspect reportedly armed with a 'knife' or 'machete' near its Cambridge campus. The emergency alert, sent to the Harvard community around 9:45 a.m., indicated that university, city, and Massachusetts State Police were actively scouring the area around 124 Mount Auburn Street for an individual involved in an aggravated assault and battery. The search subsequently moved to the areas of Mount Auburn, Ash, and Hawthorne Streets. The order was lifted approximately 45 minutes later, with officials confirming that a suspect had been taken into custody. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, which occurred just a day before students were scheduled to begin the fall term.

TCC Partners with Child Care Associates to Open New Child Care Studios on Campuses

TCC Partners with Child Care Associates to Open New Child Care Studios on Campuses

Tarrant County College (TCC) has partnered with Child Care Associates (CCA), a prominent Texas nonprofit child development organization, to launch new Child Care Studios on its NW and South campuses. These facilities aim to provide affordable and accessible childcare services to TCC students, staff, and faculty. Maria Montas, NW studio director, emphasized that the studios cater to various childcare needs, including drop-in, part-time, and full-time options. The NW Child Care Studios, designed in a 'U-shape,' feature classrooms for different age groups, an industrial kitchen, and an extensive backyard equipped with a tricycle racetrack, a mini garden, and a mud kitchen for sensory play. The studio's architecture and decor are intentionally designed to prevent overstimulation, offering a visually safe and engaging environment for children. Fresh food from local farmers' markets is used to prepare weekly menus, and families also receive fresh produce twice a month to take home, underscoring a holistic approa...

Grace College Integrates AI Ethics into Business Degrees to Prepare Students for Evolving Job Market

Grace College Integrates AI Ethics into Business Degrees to Prepare Students for Evolving Job Market

Grace College's School of Business is proactively integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics into its curriculum to prepare students for the evolving business landscape. Recognizing that AI will significantly impact future jobs, the college aims to equip graduates with the skills to ethically harness AI's potential while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Dr. Thomas Pycraft, Dean of the School of Business, emphasizes leading Christian business education by integrating AI with faith and integrity. Business professor Dr. Rick Koontz highlights that AI, while powerful, does not replace wisdom, character, or sound judgment, making these qualities even more crucial for future business leaders. The curriculum changes focus on teaching students not just how to use AI tools, but how to think differently and wisely evaluate AI-generated results, analyze company financials, and build code ethically.

Texas A to Pilot AI-Assisted Training for Math Teachers to Address Shortages

Texas A to Pilot AI-Assisted Training for Math Teachers to Address Shortages

Texas A&M University researchers are set to trial AI-assisted modules to enhance the training of future math instructors. This initiative, backed by a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to develop a professional learning system for 900 pre-service teachers across eight universities. The project will create 30 learning modules covering mathematical concepts such as fractions and proportional reasoning. These modules will incorporate adaptive questions and feedback to assess teachers' content knowledge and 'mathematical creativity.' The goal is to evaluate how real-time, personalized guidance from AI can complement traditional teacher training methods. Over a five-year period, the research team will monitor participants' content knowledge, mathematical creativity, lesson plans, interactions with the AI system, and their teaching practices once they enter the classroom, specifically looking for practices like asking open-ended questions and encouraging multiple solutions.

URI Professor Recognized by United Nations for Supply Chain Sustainability Project

URI Professor Recognized by United Nations for Supply Chain Sustainability Project

URI Professor Recognized by United Nations for Supply Chain Sustainability Project

Lisa Patti Edits Second Edition of 'Writing About Screen Media' Addressing Digital and AI Impact

Lisa Patti Edits Second Edition of 'Writing About Screen Media' Addressing Digital and AI Impact

Associate Professor of Media and Society Lisa Patti has edited the second edition of 'Writing About Screen Media,' a new book published by Routledge. This updated edition serves as a comprehensive guide for writing about various media objects encountered in Media and Society courses, including film, television, social media, advertising, video games, and mobile media. The book incorporates new chapters that delve into contemporary topics such as writing about digital media fandoms, immersive media activations, and the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media production. Designed for both novice and experienced writers, the collection also explores diverse writing formats, including video essays and podcasts. The update addresses the integration of digital tools and resources like ArcGIS StoryMaps, reflecting the significant changes in media production, distribution, and criticism since the first edition's publication in 2019. Patti emphasized that the introduction of Generative AI (GenAI) pro...

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming Advocates for Increased AI Use and AI-Proof Assessments in Classrooms

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming Advocates for Increased AI Use and AI-Proof Assessments in Classrooms

Harvard College Dean David J. Deming has expressed his support for actively encouraging the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms where it can enhance learning, while simultaneously emphasizing the need for assessments that are resistant to AI use. In an email sent to students on Wednesday, marking the first day of classes, Deming outlined his initial thoughts on developing advisory guidelines for AI integration at Harvard. He suggested a shift away from traditional take-home examinations and problem sets towards proctored exams, arguing that the former are no longer sustainable for assessing mastery given the prevalence of AI tools. Deming also proposed the acceptance, or even encouragement, of AI in writing-based courses, stating that focusing on AI detection damages trust between faculty and students. He indicated a desire to move from merely gathering information on AI to actively responding to its use, acknowledging the fast-moving landscape of AI and the need for extensive consultation wi...

Colorado State University and Denver Public Schools Announce Guaranteed Admission Partnership

Colorado State University and Denver Public Schools Announce Guaranteed Admission Partnership

Colorado State University (CSU) has announced a new partnership with Denver Public Schools (DPS) that guarantees admission to eligible high school graduates from DPS. This initiative aims to create a clearer pathway for Denver students to access higher education at CSU. In addition to the guaranteed admission, The Denver Foundation is investing $2.25 million into Colorado State University. These funds are specifically designated for new scholarships, with the explicit mission of supporting community initiatives within Denver and across Colorado. The details of how these scholarships will be awarded and the specific community initiatives they will support are being further developed. This collaboration signifies a concerted effort to enhance educational opportunities and community engagement between the university and the Denver metropolitan area.

Grambling State University Launches 'Multiversary Tour' Celebrating Historic Milestones

Grambling State University Launches 'Multiversary Tour' Celebrating Historic Milestones

Grambling State University (GSU) has announced the launch of its 'Multiversary Tour,' a national series of events designed to celebrate significant historical milestones for the institution. These milestones include 125 years of academic excellence, 100 years of Tiger Athletics, and 100 years of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band. The tour will feature special screenings of 'MARCH ON,' a new documentary produced by Storyboard Studios in partnership with GSU, which explores the university's multigenerational legacy. Each tour stop will include the documentary screening, a moderated post-screening conversation with members of the 'GramFam' and invited guests, and a reception for fellowship and connection. The documentary follows three Gramblinites across generations: Denise Young ’77, a former C-suite executive at Apple; Dalvin Adams ’15, a Los Angeles-based commercial photographer and entrepreneur; and Rylee Beaudion ’28, a third-generation Gramblinite majoring in Elementary Education and Visual and Perfor...

Governor Greg Abbott Directs Texas Higher Education Board to Explore Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Options

Governor Greg Abbott Directs Texas Higher Education Board to Explore Three-Year Bachelor's Degree Options

Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop pathways for students to earn bachelor's degrees in three years. This initiative aims to reduce the overall cost of higher education, shorten the time required for degree completion, and enable the state to more quickly address workforce demands. The program could potentially reduce the required credit hours from 120 to approximately 90. This directive is part of a broader effort by Governor Abbott to enhance the affordability of higher education in Texas, which also includes a tuition freeze for public colleges and universities since the 2023-24 academic year. Additionally, Governor Abbott has expressed support for legislation that would mandate four-year universities to offer financial discounts to undergraduates who take summer classes. State data indicates that less than half of Texas undergraduate students at four-year universities complete their degrees within four years, with students from low-income backgroun...